Cellular iPad

[lyngo]

I'm guessing that there are more wifi models being sold than cellular, but I wonder what the ratio is between wifi iPads compared to the cellular edition.

For me, I was able to capitalize on a free unlimited data line that I had being a T-Mobile customer. I got the data line back during their Black Friday sales. I have been able to transfer the unlimited tablet line to the new 10.5" device in Space Grey. I also have a Verizon SIM in my iPad for emergencies. The service I have there is simply 1 GB for $10 a month on a postpaid cycle.

I know that the extra $130 can be a significant turnoff to those that were thinking about getting a cellular model. My question is which model of iPad do you have and why? Also, maybe you might be interested in sharing your service plan with us for your iPad.

If this type of thread has been generated before, please forgive me. I figured it would be interesting to see everyone's take on why they have what they have. Also, my iPad is my main device. I do have a Mac but it is more an iDevice server for my family's stuff.

 

[Peter K.]

I always get the cellular model so I can use at&t's interest-free payment plan. Also, my lifestyle is very mobile, so it makes sense anyway. Two added bonuses are the GPS chip and Find my iPad being useful.

 

[ericwn]

I feel this was discussed many times over. Personally I don't have unlimited data and my iPhone serves me well as a hotspot for the rare case that my iPad leaves the house.

 

[rui no onna]

Kinda pointless to ask the question here if you wanted accurate statistics. This forum skews towards the higher end models. Real world, I'm guessing the most popular models are whichever are cheapest.

I have the LTE. I bring my iPad with me everywhere and connecting to personal hotspot whenever I use internet on the iPad takes too long.

 

[JPack]

The majority of people still use their iPad in the home as a media consumption device where Wi-Fi is available.

The iPad Pro has some productivity features, but it still isn't a professional device. Most commercial users will choose the Surface where you can connect to a projector, USB drive, and run a full version of Excel.

So the vast majority of iPads will be the Wi-Fi variant. My guess is at least a 2:1 ratio.

 

[sanity]

I've been using my new 10.5 Pro with the cellular. While it is a luxury, I think it is nice to be able to use it anywhere and not worry about WiFi or finagling with the phone hotspot. It makes using the iPad for quick tasks easier and doesn't drain the phone battery. I add it on my legacy family plan for ATT and it is $10/mo. The newer plans may be more expensive... the unlimited definitely is more expensive.

 

[M5RahuL]

I, too, have a free data line from TMobile, so cellular was my choice. It would be cellular regardless, to be honest.

 

[jsmitty]

I switched back to LTE with the 10.5 after having wifi only for my last two models. It's convenient not to have to mess with a hotspot when away from wifi.

The big reasons were Sprint discounted $100 and the interest free financing. I added my iPad to my family data share for $10/mo and Sprint shaved $5 off that for enrolling in auto pay.

 

[rui no onna]

So the vast majority of iPads will be the Wi-Fi variant. My guess is at least a 2:1 ratio.

Doubt it. Probably more like 5:1 or 10:1 if not even higher.

 

[JPack]

Doubt it. Probably more like 5:1 or 10:1 if not even higher.

That's far too pessimistic. I'm not just throwing out a random guess. Even in 2014, the aggregate percentage was 15% for all tablet users which includes Android.

If you take into account the historical double digit increases and the introduction of unlimited data plans since 2014, we're at 30% minimum. Then we're focusing on the subset of Apple users, which typically have higher annual household incomes. iPad customers tend to be seniors and people between 35 and 44 - once again even higher incomes.

 

[valinda]

I mostly use my iPad at home, so I bought the wi-fi. My 7 plus is good enough when I'm at work or on the go.

 

[lyngo]

Kinda pointless to ask the question here if you wanted accurate statistics. This forum skews towards the higher end models. Real world, I'm guessing the most popular models are whichever are cheapest.

I have the LTE. I bring my iPad with me everywhere and connecting to personal hotspot whenever I use internet on the iPad takes too long.

Could be nicer about it. I'm simply inquiring. Sheesh.

 

[rui no onna]

Could be nicer about it. I'm simply inquiring. Sheesh.

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound mean. That was simply a matter of fact response.

 

[MrEcted]

I went with wifi+cellular because my carrier doesn't allow tethering. I think I would still go this route anyway even if they did though because tethering is a battery drainer and involves extra steps AFAIK. It's so awesome having a portable device like this which can be used almost anywhere (provided there is a cell signal!)

 

[darksoul78644]

Went with Verizon lte + wifi. Added to my plan with interest free payments

 

[c14nhl]

I'm considering the cellular this time as my carrier allows me to share my 30GB plan with up to 9 other devices.

I currently just connect to my iPhone via hotspot but the thought of having it always connected is interesting and not something I would consider if not for my carrier plan.

 

[dancefreak]

I have a free T-mobile line with unlimited data so got the cellular model.

 

[OKLY]

First time tried an iPad with cellular, finally understood what people meant when they talk about convenience. I used to think it won't be worth since I can tether to my iPhone but once I tried it, that changed my thoughts on a cellular model.

 

[JackieInCo]

I have a WiFi/Cellular model each of the iPad Mini 2 and a 9.7" iPad Pro. I don't really use them on cellular much but I am still glad I have that option for sometime in the future.

 

[mrklaw]

I'd like the convenience but the extra cost of a data sim in the uk, plus the insane additional cost of the LTE version means I stick with wifi and tether when I need to.

It can't cost much to put a cellular engine inside, and would save some money by simplifying the inventory to fewer models. And it'd encourage more people to get data plans

 

[Steve686]

The majority of people still use their iPad in the home as a media consumption device where Wi-Fi is available.

The iPad Pro has some productivity features, but it still isn't a professional device. Most commercial users will choose the Surface where you can connect to a projector, USB drive, and run a full version of Excel.

So the vast majority of iPads will be the Wi-Fi variant. My guess is at least a 2:1 ratio.

I guess artists don't qualify as professionals.

 

[JPack]

I guess artists don't qualify as professionals.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says no. I tend to agree.

https://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag60.htm

 

[Steve686]

Here is an example of why I buy the LTE models with AT&T.

I've recently dropped my cable TV account extras like TiVo and full channel package with Atlantic Broadband. Through Atlantic Broadband, I receive free basic HD TV, and free 75mbps cable internet through my homeowner's association. I pay a difference of $25/month to have access to 250mbps service.

With the AT&T Unlimited Plus cellular plan, I opted to subscribe to DirecTV Now online television service. I get the $60/month package. Because of my ATT UP plan, I only pay $35/month and receive free HBO via a standard discount. Streaming DirecTV Now from any of my mobile devices incurs no data usage against my account. ATT notes that Unlimited Plus members' data may be slowed per line if each selective line accrues 22gb in a billing cycle, so streaming DTVNow is great.

I have 3 lines that each have that theoretical threshold of 22gb, and each line also allows for 10gb of tethering. 2 iPhones and 1 iPad. I keep only one iPhone active and swap sims if my data usage slows @ 22gb(haven't hit 22gb yet).

I use the tethering very seldomly. If my cable internet goes out when viewing, I just AirPlay my DTVNow to my Apple TV. I save the tethering in case I want to do work on the iMac in case of internet disruption.
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says no. I tend to agree.

https://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag60.htm

Disney would disagree.

 

[The Game 161]

With wifi at home and work I feel it's rather pointless as they are the main places I take it

 

[maflynn]

Wifi only, I don't see the point in paying extra for the IPP when its not going to be in situations where WIFI isn't available, and even if a rare occasion where it does, I can only create a hotspot with my phone if its absolutely needed