Is 2GB Data Really Enough?

[Abazigal]

Then why would you pay for data in the first place?

As mentioned above, for when I cannot access wireless from home, such as in trains, outside or at my workplace. That's the price to pay for siri, the flexibility of being able to check emails, have the web at your fingertips and access location-based services, as little bandwidth as they consume. Heck, even my wireless at home can be cranky at times, my iphone can fail to detect it even though I am just 2 rooms away.

2nd, because I bought my iphone at a heavily subsidised price which comes bundled with a 3G data plan.

 

[jsh1120]

This data point may be relevant to the discussion. I have a 4G/LTE mobile hotspot from Verizon that I use with both my iPad and my laptop. Provides a 5Gig ceiling for $50 per month on contract. (Why this is the best option for me is another discussion.)

I recently spent a full week on a trip where I used the hotspot exclusively (almost always on a 4G network) for both the iPad and laptop. The laptop was used solely for email, web browsing, and a small amount of youtube downloads. The iPad was used about 8 hours each day for audio streaming and video streaming for a total of perhaps 4 hours over the course of the week.

Monitored the usage carefully. After a full week I'd used about 2Gigs of downloads. So the bottom line is that 2Gigs should be sufficient even for heavy use. But if you're using it as a substitute for a wired internet connection, don't expect it to support heavy use for a full month.

 

[jcbhammond]

I too am interested in this. I fear that I will use a lot more data on my iPad than my phone. If the iPhone is any comparison, I was barely able to hit 1 1/2 GB on my trip last month, and that is with zero wifi along the way and streaming Sirius/XM for 25+ hours. Something to keep in mind is that apps over a certain size require a wifi network to download. I can't remember the exact size at the moment. Plus, if your using 3G, it can be painfully slow, especially when on the road. A lot of places have free wifi which can help your speed and save you some bandwidth. Bottom line is it really depends what you want to use it for, streaming movies - no, streaming music - maybe, but most of the other things that actually have apps - I think you're fine.

On the next trip I take I'm going to take the plunge and try 3G and see exactly how much it uses.