Been waiting patiently to snap up an iPad with built-in support for 3G? Then today's your lucky day. If you're a newcomer to all the iPad hoopla, however, make sure to check out these basic tips before heading out to the Apple Store.
When exactly does the 3G iPad go on sale?
Apple Stores across the U.S. are closing between 4 and 5 p.m. local time Friday to prep for the 3G iPad launch, AppleInsider reports, with the starting gun set to go off at 5 p.m. sharp, so expect to wait in line if you arrive any earlier than 5 o'clock. The first iPad launch on April 3 went off pretty much without a hitch, so I'm guessing there's no need to arrive super-early to guarantee getting a 3G iPad today.
What's the difference between the iPad that's already on sale and the new iPad 3G?
Simple: the Wi-Fi-only iPad (which debuted on April 3) connects to local Wi-Fi networks only, while the 3G iPad (on sale starting today, April 30) comes embedded with support for speedy 3G cellular networks (meaning AT&T here in the U.S.), perfect for getting Internet access even when you're not in range of a Wi-Fi network. (You'll need to be within AT&T's 3G coverage area, though.)
How much does it cost?
The 3G iPad sells for a $130 premium over the regular iPad, which comes out to $629 for the 16GB 3G iPad, $729 for the 32GB model, and $829 for the 64GB version.
OK, so which iPad should I get: the regular one or the 3G verison?
Naturally, that depends on how you see yourself using the iPad. If you think it's something you'll use mainly, say, at home on your living room couch, the cheaper Wi-Fi iPad might be all you need. But if you see yourself taking the iPad with you everywhere you go — and let's face it, using the iPad is a lot more fun when you can surf the Web, tweet, and check your email — you should seriously consider ponying up for the 3G version. (Another option is using the regular iPad with a portable Wi-Fi hotspot like the MiFi — that's what I do — but keep in mind that you'll have to pay hefty monthly data charges in the bargain, in my case $60 a month.)
Will I have to buy a data plan?
Yep, you will, and here in the U.S. you only have one carrier to choose from: AT&T. That said, AT&T's 3G iPad plans are month-to-month, so you won't need to sign a contract. The plans: $30 a month for unlimited data, or $15 a month for 250MB, and you'll be able to buy or change your plan directly on the iPad —no in-store activation needed. (Click here for more details on AT&T's 3G iPad plans.)
Any physical differences?
The measurements for the standard iPad and the 3G version are precisely the same; the 3G iPad, though, is 1.6 ounces heavier than its one-and-a-half-pound Wi-Fi-only counterpart. Another small difference: The 3G iPad has a black plastic stripe across the back, near the top, to boost 3G reception.
What about battery life?
Apple says the standard iPad will deliver a solid 10 hours of battery life between charges (a figure that's been backed up by real-life tests), but as we all know, receiving and transmitting data via 3G puts added strain on mobile batteries. For its part, Apple claims that the 3G iPad's battery will hold up well, to the tune of nine hours; that said, I'm curious to see battery-life reports from users in the real world.
Can I order the 3G iPad online?
You sure can, but according to the iPad product page on the Apple Store, your 3G iPad will arrive "by" May 7, so you might have to wait a few days. Already pre-ordered the 3G iPad? Then you should see the UPS truck rolling up any minute now.
I don't live in the U.S.; when can I get a 3G iPad in my country?
Apple previously announced that it would be delaying the international launch of the iPad a month due to "surprisingly strong" demand here in the U.S. Apple says it'll announce exact international launch dates on May 10, the day when it begins taking orders for iPads overseas.
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