iPad - 3G or not?

**schnapps** · 08-03-2012, 12:42pm

I'm looking at getting an iPad and can't decide whether to spend the extra and get the 3G (or 4G if get the iPad 3).

Is it worth having or do you only really need the wifi option?

THanks

**Daisy66** · 08-03-2012, 12:46pm

I don't have one but my boss does and he's been regretting not getting the 3G lately. It's not always easy to get onto wifi, apparently.

Suppose it depends how much you're planning to go out and about with it!

**Chickpea** · 08-03-2012, 03:27pm

I don't have the 3G. If I'm not at home and I need to get onto the internet I link it to the hotspot on my phone, it's easy.

**schnapps** · 08-03-2012, 04:00pm

Chickpea - can I ask which network you are with? I've been reading a little about hotspots but wasn't sure if you had to pay extra for them or could do this as standard. Did wonder if it would solve the issue of needing to get on when there is no wifi.

**fifitrix** · 08-03-2012, 05:29pm

We have one with 3G and one without. I am always happy to take the one without, because it's rare that I really need to link up somewhere without free wifi (train, coffee shop, my mums house, hotel etc) and I can use my iPhone if necessary. We decided we would put the money saved towards the next iPad when either of them break!

**Damsella** · 08-03-2012, 06:23pm

I've just ordered a New iPad with 4G/3G, because I want to be able to surf on it when I'm out and about without faffing. Also I read that if you want to use it for navigating then you need 3/4G on it.

**E4girl** · 08-03-2012, 06:56pm

Originally Posted by Damsella

I've just ordered a New iPad with 4G/3G, because I want to be able to surf on it when I'm out and about without faffing. Also I read that if you want to use it for navigating then you need 3/4G on it.

Have you gone for the new iPad 3 or the iPad 2? We want to get one and are debating which one to go for.

**smiley** · 08-03-2012, 07:06pm

I have the iPad 1 and DH has the iPad 2.

Neither have 3G and we always find wifi when we need it - even if it means going into a coffee shop for a few minutes. If i am in need of emails whilst out I just check my phone.

It depends what you are going to use it for - game apps and videos for instance don't need wifi.

s xxx

**schnapps** · 08-03-2012, 07:12pm

Hmm, still undecided as may want to be able to use it for navigation.....need to read a bit more about that side of it.

**Damsella** · 08-03-2012, 07:59pm

Originally Posted by E4girl

Have you gone for the new iPad 3 or the iPad 2? We want to get one and are debating which one to go for.

New iPad. It didn't seem worth saving £70 to get the old one.

**helpimfalling** · 08-03-2012, 08:02pm

Wish I'd gone for 3G x

**Chickpea** · 08-03-2012, 08:21pm

Am on O2.

TBH if I was taking it out and about more, then I prob would have gone for 3G, but it stays at home, so there is no need.

**E4girl** · 08-03-2012, 09:42pm

Originally Posted by Damsella

New iPad. It didn't seem worth saving £70 to get the old one.

Thanks Damz

We just need to do some homework on both versions.

**Zia** · 08-03-2012, 09:43pm

I bought the 3G model, but I bought mine with the intention of using it out and about. The 3G has come in useful at other times though, such as when we had a break away from home for a week and there was no wifi where we were staying. I'm really glad I went for it.

**schnapps** · 09-03-2012, 07:20am

For those who did get the 3G version, are you on a contract or do you pay as you go? Think leaning towards getting 3G/4G but don't really want to get tied into paying every month.

And like Damz think will go for the new version!

**thirzasmum** · 09-03-2012, 11:10am

I'm on P+G. If you don't mind cutting a SIM to size (SIM cutter ebay, dead easy!) the cheapest way is to buy a pre loaded 3SIM off amazon (£10-12, varies at times.) gives 3gb to use over 3 months - until either the time or data expires.

Coveting the new ipad!

**Zia** · 09-03-2012, 07:17pm

I'm on PAYG as I refuse to get tied into a contract. I bought a £5 sim card from Vodafone as I've found they have the best coverage. That included data for one month, but it now costs me £10 to top-up from the iPad for 3 months worth of data (which is more than enough for my usage).

**Damsella** · 09-03-2012, 07:29pm

I'll be doing PAYG

**schnapps** · 09-03-2012, 07:36pm

Think I've been persuaded and will get the 3G/4G version - missed the 'getting it on release date' window but should get it within the month!

**E4girl** · 09-03-2012, 08:08pm

Originally Posted by Damsella

I'll be doing PAYG

Damz, who have your got your data plan through and what GB per month? There's just so much information to look through

and you, of course, are so knowledgeable!

We're just working out whether to pay full price for the iPad and get PAYG or whether to go through my Vodafone account which I have my iPhone through? So much to think about but v excited about the prospect of owning an iPad!