General questions on iPad2 - 3g

[FAsnakes]

I just picked up a an iPad 2 wifi.. And let just say, it's everything I wanted and more.. A perfect addition to my Air.

What I'm wondering is should I consider the 3G model (as I'm within the store return policy).

More specifically:
- Does the 3G version have GPS?
-- if so, can I use Maps to plot destinations and get directions on the go without activating 3G service?

- Provided I have location services on, will the - find my iPhone / iPad app work (even if it's not connected to Wifi or activating the 3G service)?

- Is activating the 3G service month to month without a contract?
- - what's the monthly cost?
- Are there any other fringe benefits to the 3G equipped iPads?

Thanks!

 

[genexrocket]

Yes, only the 3G version has real GPS and you are not on a contract with the 3G service. You just pay for the 3G service month to month, whenever you want to use it.

 

[kuwisdelu]

- Does the 3G version have GPS?
-- if so, can I use Maps to plot destinations and get directions on the go without activating 3G service?

Yes it has 3G. No you can't use the included Maps app to look up directions on the go without Internet, since the maps need to be downloaded on the fly. However, you CAN choose from a few 3rd party apps that either come with preloaded maps or allow you to download them beforehand, so you can use GPS without a data plan.

- Provided I have location services on, will the - find my iPhone / iPad app work (even if it's not connected to Wifi or activating the 3G service)?

I'm not sure about this, but I would guess not, since it would need Internet to transmit your location to you, even if it knew where it was via GPS.

- Is activating the 3G service month to month without a contract?
- - what's the monthly cost?

Yes. Depends on how big of a data plan you buy. 3 GB is $35 on Verizon. I don't remember the others off hand.

- Are there any other fringe benefits to the 3G equipped iPads?

Thanks!

Pretty much just the GPS. Maybe a higher resale value if you're into that thing.

 

[FAsnakes]

Thanks guys,
Tough decision.. Given it's just another $130.. Small price to pay, but wondering if I should just apply that to the 32 gig version.

Part of the challenge is - IMO the iPad 2 is reasonably priced @ $500 bucks..

But once you start to step away from that # - value for price, feels 'out of whack'..

Guess that's everyone's dilema!

 

[deeddawg]

- Provided I have location services on, will the - find my iPhone / iPad app work (even if it's not connected to Wifi or activating the 3G service)?

Sorry, no, it requires Internet connectivity to report back to Apple. So if it's off Wifi and no 3G service, then it won't be found. Last location will show up however.

I think I saw that IOS5 will allow sending a remote wipe/alarm that will execute when the device connects to the Internet. Double check this though.

- Is activating the 3G service month to month without a contract?
- - what's the monthly cost?

AT&T give you choice of 200M for 30 days (whichever comes first) at $15, or 2G for 30 days (whichever comes first) at $25. This is month by month with auto-renew (you can turn off), no contract. Allows you to leave data off until you need it, then buy a block when you do need it.

There is a post-paid version as well, but I'm not familiar with it other than it isn't contract based.

 

[poloponies]

- Are there any other fringe benefits to the 3G equipped iPads?

Yes, if you travel abroad you can purchase a local SIM to get 3G service (and even use Skype).