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the ATT version should be same as the Softbank version, which runs UMTS although if you buy the USA model, the Baseband might be locked for ATT only even if you swap out the microsim cards.

I was thinking about this too since my wife travels back and forth to japan, but since the data roaming rates are crazy high, I told her to stick with Wifi only while in japan.

All gsm iPad are factory unlocked, so any iPad you buy will work with any network with the supported bands. Fo example, I could go out and buy and iPad in the US and use it with a T-mobile sim that's cut into a micro-sim. No 3g though, only EDGE. I'm not sure about the Verizon one.
 
I'll get the GSM/UMTS version. I often travel internationally and GSM/UMTS works almost everywhere in the world. Plus, you can pop in a cheap prepaid SIM from a local operator and avoid the outrageous data roaming fees (provided the iPad2 stays without a SIM-lock).
 
I have never had a single problem with AT&T on my iPad. I have always had 3G service when I have tried. Plus it's definitely faster. I think I would stick with AT&T. I think I'm going to hold off.
 
I'm getting wifi only and connecting to my iPHone hot spot... i don't see the point in paying extra money
 
Will the at&t ipad have access to the at&t hotspots like starbucks that iphone users get access for free?
 
No Brainer-Grandfathering In ATT Unlimited Data Package

Well I've got to remain in the walled garden if I want to keep my unlimited data plan with ATT.
 
I spent so many years trashing AT&T, but now that we actually have a choice, I think I'll still stick with AT&T. My complaints usually centered around lack of 3G coverage in remote areas, but I'm generally going to travel to major cities so this shouldn't be an issue. Moreover, the speed difference is significant. Finally, GSM is the international standard, which makes it the best option for international use.
 
Based on these coverage views which would you get? ATT or Verizon? I have a nook and I don't get very good excellent coverage with it and it uses ATT 3G. I have to walk around my yard in order to use it. I do live in the coverage zone of Verizon but you can see how it might be spotty since I'm right on the edge. ATT is EDGE but when you look at voice coverage which obviously the ipad wont do, I'm in the moderate color.

Use wifi at home. Duh.
 
If I were to get the 3G version I would go with AT&T since it's not sim locked so in case you go out of the country you can have cheap internet access anywhere.
 
Man I'm torn. I want VZW for its network, but the ATT one should be almost twice as fast**. I really can't decide what to do.

**Anandtech.com's comparison of the two iPhone 4s had the ATT one being at least twice as fast in all data tests.
 
I'm probably not getting the iPad 2 and even less likely to get the 3g version, but if I did then I would go with Verizon. Verizon works underground in the metro system here, but AT&T only works at select stations. It would be a simple decision for me.

Depends where you are. AT&T works underground at L'Efant plaza. I was there last weekend using my phone.
 
Has this been confirmed? No ****ing way I'd pick Verizon if they ding you with an an-published $35 activation fee. ****. That.

Well, they wanted to charge me one for my Xoom, but when I balked it magically went away. It seems there is some discretion but many people don't complain and they rake in millions.
 
Has this been confirmed? No ****ing way I'd pick Verizon if they ding you with an an-published $35 activation fee. ****. That.

Excellent article from AppleInsider: The costs are clearly spelled out. And, Yes, the $35 activation fee looks like reality. Plus if you cancel and don't sign up again for 3 months, you will be charged $35 again:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/03/08/inside_att_vs_verizon_ipad_2_data_service_plans.html

I would think twice about Verizon. I think the initial $35 is a ripoff.
 
Excellent article from AppleInsider: The costs are clearly spelled out. And, Yes, the $35 activation fee looks like reality. Plus if you cancel and don't sign up again for 3 months, you will be charged $35 again:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/03/08/inside_att_vs_verizon_ipad_2_data_service_plans.html

I would think twice about Verizon. I think the initial $35 is a ripoff.

Anyone have any ideas about getting this information widely circulated -- into every single iPad 2 buyer's head by Friday?

I, for one, would love to see the AT&T vs. Verizon numbers come out afterward at around 475,000 to 16.
 
Well up to about 20 minutes ago, I couldn't decide if I wanted an AT&T, Verizon, or WIFI only and tether AT&T iPhone.

Now that I just found out that Verizon is charging $35 activation fee, I'm now down to choosing between AT&T or WIFI only.

I think I'm leaning to get the 3G ATT version for connivence and looking at the future. I may not mind tethering now or the next three months, but do I really want to keep constantly tethering month after month after month? I'm not sure.
 
Well hell, I know I'm not going to have to wait in line now. That $35 activation fee is like a fast pass. Can't wait to casually walk in to Verizon Wireless and pick up my 32 GB iPad 3G!
 
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