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Cosmetic Differences in iPad 3G vs iPad Wi-Fi

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Apr 12, 2001
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014449-ipad3g.jpg

iPad 3G

As pointed out by 9to5Mac, the 3G version of the iPad is pictured in Apple's online gallery and carries a cosmetic difference to the Wi-Fi version. The 3G version has a black plastic strip that extends to the top of the device and is visible from the front. This plastic is necessary to allow the 3G cellular signal to transmit outside the aluminum enclosure.

Such a cosmetic requirement was described by iLounge prior to the device's release, though they also believed the iPad would have dual dock connectors -- which it does not.

The Wi-Fi version of the iPad will be shipping in late March, while the 3G-enabled version will come until April.

Article Link: Cosmetic Differences in iPad 3G vs iPad Wi-Fi
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/29/cosmetic-differences-in-ipad-3g-vs-ipad-wi-fi/
So is adding a plastic strip, machining a different aluminum back panel, and adding a 3G radio chip worth $100++?
 
Well, I guess that's how we'll be able to tell who spent the extra $$$$ on the 3G.....

Black plastic = higher iPad status





/They should have gone retro and called it the iBook.

I mean, they've got the frickin' iBookStore, so why not go with iBook?
 
tetravus said:
So is adding a plastic strip, machining a different aluminum back panel, and adding a 3G radio chip worth $100++?
Click to expand...

Apple's margin on the $500 iPad is probably a lot smaller than their usual margins. To make up for this, they are charging $100 and $200 for memory that costs a fraction of that (they do it on the iPhone and iPods too). They also are going to charge $130 for 3G+GPS. It's not a good deal, but I don't have a problem with it. It makes the $500 iPad a lot more attractive. Plus, I won't feel so bad when I ditch it for the 2nd gen.
 
Surely said:
/They should have gone retro and called it the iBook.

I mean, they've got the frickin' iBookStore, so why not go with iBook?
Click to expand...

Agreed, but I think they are worried about it being perceived as being simply a competitor to ebook readers.
 
Black back?

I hope there are options for a black back like in some models of the iPhone. My guess is they will follow the iPhone scheme where the lower end memory models will have a black back. If so, that black stripe for the 3G antenna will not be so bad looking.
 
tetravus said:
So is adding a plastic strip, machining a different aluminum back panel, and adding a 3G radio chip worth $100++?
Click to expand...

Don't forget that the 3g model has GPS. For some reason EVERYONE forgets this. I don't need 3g, but would like GPS. Can you imagine TomTom on this screen in your car? Lol.

Specs page listing GPS option for Wi-Fi + 3G model:

http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

Scroll down, under "Location" on the left. Assisted GPS is full GPS which is assisted by cell towers / wifi hotspots to get a faster lock.
 
NT1440 said:
Agreed, but I think they are worried about it being perceived as being simply a competitor to ebook readers.
Click to expand...

I think they could have spun it as the iBook being the next generation of the old iBook line. The next step in modern computing or something like that........

It would have fit a lot better.


CFreymarc said:
I hope there are options for a black back like in some models of the iPhone. My guess is they will follow the iPhone scheme where the lower end memory models will have a black back. If so, that black stripe for the 3G antenna will not be so bad looking.
Click to expand...

I think that they would have discussed color differences at the keynote.
 
Surely said:
Well, I guess that's how we'll be able to tell who spent the extra $$$$ on the 3G.....

Black plastic = higher iPad status





/They should have gone retro and called it the iBook.

I mean, they've got the frickin' iBookStore, so why not go with iBook?
Click to expand...

Cause its not JUST for reading books on?! They are marketing it to a much larger customer base than literature fans...
 
That black plastic makes it even more uglier after the fat bezel.

Good thing the wifi only version doesn't have that.
 
StellarSoul said:
Cause its not JUST for reading books on?! They are marketing it to a much larger customer base than literature fans...
Click to expand...

Well, the iBook laptops (pre-MacBook) sure as hell did (and do) more than allow you to just read books.... I don't remember people being confused about what an iBook was back when that was the laptop line....

and what's with the "?!" ?
 
CFreymarc said:
I hope there are options for a black back like in some models of the iPhone. My guess is they will follow the iPhone scheme where the lower end memory models will have a black back. If so, that black stripe for the 3G antenna will not be so bad looking.
Click to expand...

Your WHOLE idea of the black iPhones is totally warped ! I have a 32 gig 3GS ... Is that low end /? I thought it was stylish !



...and its black
 
macduke said:
Don't forget that the 3g model has GPS. For some reason EVERYONE forgets this. I don't need 3g, but would like GPS. Can you imagine TomTom on this screen in your car? Lol.

Specs page listing GPS option for Wi-Fi + 3G model:

http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

Scroll down, under "Location" on the left. Assisted GPS is full GPS which is assisted by cell towers / wifi hotspots to get a faster lock.
Click to expand...

But won't using the iPad as a primary in-car GPS device block the view of so many things in your dashboard? It's certainly big enough to block the head unit and aircon controls.
 
Mr. Gates said:
Its still a mystery to me what this thing is really good for....in the way i can not already do it
Click to expand...
Glad I'm not the only one. And doesn't this require you to bend your neck the entire time you're using it? Unless you have to hold it, in which case a laptop/desktop is more convenient.
 
I am buying one!

It seems like the only people who will not get one of these are either Iphone haters or people who don't have the money for one. I am getting one. It will make watching movies, web surfing, and reading books while traveling a lot of fun!
 
The slightly modified design is not a deal killer either way.

Does the 3G model have “actual” GPS? If so, I would assume that would be built into the 3G radio and therefore connected using the same antenna. The iPad spec page on Apple’s Web site lists “assisted GPS” as a feature of the Wi-fi + 3G model, but knowing Apple marketing that could just mean cell triangulation.

By the way, I like the aluminum enclosure. I hope they revert back to that for the iPhone 4G. The current polycarbonate plastic is just cheap looking.
 
blazehodges said:
It seems like the only people who will not get one of these are either Iphone haters or people who don't have the money for one. I am getting one. It will make watching movies, web surfing, and reading books while traveling a lot of fun!
Click to expand...

Not necessarily true. I want one but I'm not gonna rush in and get one immediately. This is Apple, and if history is to be trusted; early adopters will be severely punished by a second gen product with better features and a lower price.
 
jaw04005 said:
The slightly modified design is not a deal killer either way.

Does the 3G model have “actual” GPS? If so, I would assume that would be built into the 3G radio and therefore connected using the same antenna. The iPad spec page on Apple’s Web site lists “assisted GPS” as a feature of the Wi-fi + 3G model, but knowing Apple marketing that could just mean cell triangulation.

By the way, I like the aluminum enclosure. I hope they revert back to that for the iPhone 4G. The current polycarbonate plastic is just cheap looking.
Click to expand...
Assisted GPS is real GPS + cell triangulation, so its actually a bit better in a few particular instances.
 
blazehodges said:
It seems like the only people who will not get one of these are either Iphone haters or people who don't have the money for one. I am getting one. It will make watching movies, web surfing, and reading books while traveling a lot of fun!
Click to expand...
True. Except those that don't want one.
 
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