How is Netflix over 3G?

[doubledown7d]

Deciding between a wifi only or a 3G IP2. How is netflix over 3G? Is it worth it? Also, I'm assuming if you are using it even a little you will probably go over the low tier data caps? Thanks.

 

[noekozz]

It's alright over 3G, nothing out of this world. If you plan to stream netflix, I would stay away from using data, as you would hit your cap quickly (something along the lines of three netflix movies)

 

[mstrze]

May I ask why you are asking about 3G Netflix streaming quality as the reason for your choice between wifi and 3G versions of the iPad? I mean, it sounds like if the streaming quality of Netflix on 3G was poor, you would just say 'screw it' and go with the non-3G version.

You do realize that the 3G iPad also has wifi, correct?

 

[SDub90]

Streaming works and looks fine for me, I like it a lot, I've finally been able to watch the last 2 sessions of lost during downtime at work, but if you don't have unlimited data - a 43 minute video will be a couple hundred MB of your data usage. The only problem is that the picture is very pixelated the first few seconds of starting the stream.

If you can't get/won't have an unlimited data plan - don't let netflix be the reason you get the wifi+3G model.

 

[doubledown7d]

Thanks. I don't need 3G for much so have been planning to get the wifi only version and tether for the occasional off the wifi web query I need. Now that they are cracking down on wireless tether I was just wondering if paying for data would afford me any other luxury on top of the couple times a month I would need it. I also have Dish/sling and was thinking it might be nice to catch Dish or Netflix programming during downtime when wifi wasn't available. Sounds like between data caps and quality it isn't a very good idea. The wireless companies really suck, not everyone wants to abuse tethering on their unlimited plan.

 

[blevins321]

The wireless companies really suck, not everyone wants to abuse tethering on their unlimited plan.

Yep, the caps suck and will probably get worse when/if T-Mo ceases to exist. Your other option for data is to get a wifi hotspot device from another carrier. If you think about the cost, it's not too much more than a 2gb iPad plan and the $10 price difference in the iPhone plans. $50 a month will get you unlimited 3G and 4G on Sprint's network using Time Warner Cable Mobile.