Why do people buy AT&T iPads???

MrWillie said:
Yes but on ATT's website it states that it is a data map. What Verizon is posting is a 3G data map. AT&T includes all data (Edge and 3G ).
Click to expand...

Verizon's definition of "3G" is inherently different due to the CDMA/EVDO vs. GSM/UMTS network differences.

Verizon's map includes its slow data areas as well as its faster data areas. Therefore it's only fair to compare it to AT&T's complete data coverage area.
 
People buy AT&T iPads because:
1) They travel internationally
2) They live in an area with 3G coverage; in such areas (aside from SF and NYC), AT&T trounces Verizon for speed
3) They're part of the Asian grey market and are scooping them up for sale abroad.

A note on comparisons of 3G coverage: The reason pretty much Verizon's entire network is covered by 3G is because EV-DO Rev. B is a modification of EV-DO Rev. A, which was designed to be backwards-compatible with 1xRTT, which was a modification of CDMA2000, which was designed to be backwards-compatible with cdmaOne. So Verizon has had a relatively easy upgrade path up until LTE, which requires the deployment of a new network. Meanwhile, AT&T's HSPA+ network is a modification of HSPA, which is incompatible with their older EDGE network (and is therefore why there is an actual difference in 3G and 2G battery life: CDMA and WCDMA, which is what HSPA is based on, are less power-efficient than GSM and also have their own circuitry that generally can be turned off for power savings), which was a modification of GSM, which was incompatible with AMPS and TDMA, contributing to AT&T's smaller 3G footprint that takes longer to expand. They seem to be intent on deploying LTE more swiftly, though, since by now they're used to deploying new networks alongside their existing ones.
 
If you're never going to travel outside the US get a Verizon iPad, if you constantly travel or enjoy jumping the pond from time to time get a ATT iPad. Pretty simple.
 
For me it's the unlimited plan. Sucked down ~ 1.4 GB in the last 28 hours, per my usage data. This type of use would cost me hundreds at V per month, whereas I pay 29.99 / month at AT&T.
 
For me it was speed and international travel. The only times I anticipate using 3G is while traveling, and I generally only travel to major population centers, so 3G coverage shouldn't be an issue. So then it comes to speed, and while it doesn't matter much for general web browsing, it does count for watching video.

I do hope, however, that future 3G/4G iPads will have both CDMA and GSM capability so you can choose which carrier you want at any time.
 
I thought me getting a verizon ipad was a foregone conclusion. Then I looked at their coverage map and realized it didn't tell me anything. Verizon didn't have a best, moderate, and worst visual and on ATT I knew exactly where the moderate to poor signals were, and they didn't bother me. I could handle the small gaps in coverage on my way south to florida Plus The 3G expansion expanded in all the right places. I like verizon service, but I'm waiting for a 4G iphone before I switch back. Really liking my 3G speed compared to my brother's android.
 
mikethebigo said:
1.4 gigs in a day?? What are you downloading? I'm impressed!
Click to expand...

Thank you, I try. All the data is from either video or streaming audio, all on a non-rooted iPad using Apple approved apps, where the use is 100% consistent with the Terms of Service of AT&T, of which I have read. :)
 
Zeos said:
Remind me why people buy AT&T iPads?? The difference in 3G coverage is ridiculous.

View attachment 276509
Click to expand...

1. That AT&T coverage map is outdated. I know of at least 2 areas in Missouri that have 3G coverage that is not marked on that map.
2. Some people live in an AT&T 3G coverage area, have good service, and good speeds
 
While VZ does have good coverage, they classifies their entire network as 3G. Despite the classification, many areas provide data rates that are more in line with AT&T 2G Edge speeds.
That said, if you are truly interested in comparing user experience as opposed to marketing, it's is reasonable to compare the entire 2G+3G AT&T map to the VZ map.
While I agree that VZ will still take the lead, it's not by such a landslide.
The fact of the matter is that Maps don't tell the whole story. It's also important to note that AT&T 3G data speeds tend to be faster then VZ.
 
yg17 said:
1. That AT&T coverage map is outdated. I know of at least 2 areas in Missouri that have 3G coverage that is not marked on that map.
2. Some people live in an AT&T 3G coverage area, have good service, and good speeds
Click to expand...

As far as I know, the coverage map is updated quarterly.
 
Three reasons:

1. I have a Verizon phone and the 3g is slow and sucks balls.

2. The WiFi at my work is spotty and sucks dirty balls.

3. When I'm talking to a Verizon employee that's in line and HE is trying to buy the AT&T iPad, I'm pretty confident I chose wisely.
 
Because if you're not in the boonies and live in the suburbs/cities the ATT 3G speed smokes Verizon's
 
I have great coverage. If I travel it is to major metro areas where there is good coverage. I'm not planning a trip to central Montana anytime soon!
 
Fataliya said:
Three reasons:

1. I have a Verizon phone and the 3g is slow and sucks balls.

2. The WiFi at my work is spotty and sucks dirty balls.

3. When I'm talking to a Verizon employee that's in line and HE is trying to buy the AT&T iPad, I'm pretty confident I chose wisely.
Click to expand...

Love no 3!
 
Gil22 said:
I can think of a couple more reasons....one being that most people probably have the att version of the iphone and just want to have the same company for both. A more obscure reason and maybe a little out there....I think the hard core apple fans hate the big guy on the block when it comes to business
Click to expand...

Why would hard core Apple fans hate the big guy on the block? That is exactly what Apple has become.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Back
Top