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Will iPad 3G work w/o a plan?

I

ikimasu

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 31, 2010
31
0
This may be a dumb question, but I don't really know a lot about Apple products (I only own an iPod classic and iPod touch, although my wife has an iMac and MacBook), nor have I yet owned a smart phone even. So cut me a little slack if it is. :)

Basically I'm definitely going to get an iPad at some point, but I'm not sure yet if I would want/need to fork out for a monthly bill for 3G coverage (though I lean towards the idea that I would like to have it). However, if I buy an only wifi version, I can't ever get 3G obviously. But I didn't know if the 3G version could be used (or even bought) without a plan. Does anyone know if one could purchase and use the iPad 3G without a 3G plan of some sort?
 
3G plan is optional without a contract to iPads that are equipped with a 3G receiver which is an optional feature when the iPad is bought for a $130 option. See keynote address for more details.
 
ikimasu said:
This may be a dumb question, but I don't really know a lot about Apple products (I only own an iPod classic and iPod touch, although my wife has an iMac and MacBook), nor have I yet owned a smart phone even. So cut me a little slack if it is. :)

Basically I'm definitely going to get an iPad at some point, but I'm not sure yet if I would want/need to fork out for a monthly bill for 3G coverage (though I lean towards the idea that I would like to have it). However, if I buy an only wifi version, I can't ever get 3G obviously. But I didn't know if the 3G version could be used (or even bought) without a plan. Does anyone know if one could purchase and use the iPad 3G without a 3G plan of some sort?
Click to expand...
A plan is not required. Its basically like the GO phones (month to month you can cancel anytime).
 
You should "ikimasu" and do some research. I bet you would have found your answer.
 
miles01110 said:
The units are identical aside from the 3G system, so I don't know why you'd buy a 3G iPad in order to not use it.
Click to expand...

Simply to have the option ... basically I think that I would probably want 3G, but I'm not totally sure of that. However, with the wifi only version, I would never even have the choice. If I did decide that I didn't want 3G though, I have to admit - that would suck to have spend the extra money. But I'm willing to risk it as long as I can use it w/o 3G.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

calderone said:
You should "ikimasu" and do some research. I bet you would have found your answer.
Click to expand...

haha, yes I suppose so ... I did check these forums but I didn't see anything. Can't a man be a little lazy now and then? :D
 
Yeah, there's no way I would get the 3G version if I was required to purchase data every month. I like that 3G is pay-as-you-go. I only wish the iPhone had the same option.
 
Keep in mind the 3G version also has A-GPS, so if you want that, you need the 3G version. Add one of the map products with local maps and you're all set.
 
ikimasu said:
Simply to have the option ... basically I think that I would probably want 3G, but I'm not totally sure of that. However, with the wifi only version, I would never even have the choice. If I did decide that I didn't want 3G though, I have to admit - that would suck to have spend the extra money. But I'm willing to risk it as long as I can use it w/o 3G.

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Click to expand...

I'm the same way. I'm not going to shell out an extra $15 every month, but I'm wondering if at some point in the next three or whatever years I might need it. Honestly, I'm thinking that instead of spending that $130, I might just buy my uncle a wireless router. It's hard to know what to do. I wish it was only a $50 option, but I know those things aren't cheap.

Luckily we have a couple of months to decide. If there was a reduced price for iPhone subscribers, maybe $10/month off without a contract, I'd probably drop for the 3G.
 
iVoid said:
Keep in mind the 3G version also has A-GPS, so if you want that, you need the 3G version. Add one of the map products with local maps and you're all set.
Click to expand...

Obviously the Assisted part won't work without Cell service but will the GPS (only) work without 3G? An easy answer: does GPS work on a 3G/3GS iPhone without cell service? I realize Goggle Maps would not (since it needs to download the maps) but what about a program like Navagon?
 
The ATT 3G service is pre-paid, not contract. You can buy service for the months you want it, and deactivate on months you don't. It's like a light switch.
 
miles01110 said:
The units are identical aside from the 3G system, so I don't know why you'd buy a 3G iPad in order to not use it.
Click to expand...

Because you might want to use it, someday. You can buy that possibility for $130 without further committment and no downside, and you can fulfill it by opting to pay a monthly, no-contract fee of $15 or $30 per month. IMHO, anyone who even thinks they might want away-from-wifi connectivity ought to drop the extra $130 and buy the capability. They can decide later if they want to execute it.
 
Hmac said:
Because you might want to use it, someday. You can buy that possibility for $130 without further committment and no downside, and you can fulfill it by opting to pay a monthly, no-contract fee of $15 or $30 per month. IMHO, anyone who even thinks they might want away-from-wifi connectivity ought to drop the extra $130 and buy the capability. They can decide later if they want to execute it.
Click to expand...

Sure there is a downside... you don't use it so you wasted $130. That is why I won't be getting it. $130 is a lot of $ to spend on "might" when technology moves so fast. If this was a 10 proposition it could be worth putting the xtra $ down, but 4G will be out in a couple of years and 3G will be like EDGE is now.

If you know 100% there will be times you'll need 3G its great, but to just buy "in case," is a dubious "investment."
 
Chupa Chupa said:
Sure there is a downside... you don't use it so you wasted $130. That is why I won't be getting it. $130 is a lot of $ to spend on "might" when technology moves so fast. If this was a 10 proposition it could be worth putting the xtra $ down, but 4G will be out in a couple of years and 3G will be like EDGE is now.

If you know 100% there will be times you'll need 3G its great, but to just buy "in case," is a dubious "investment."
Click to expand...


Higher resale value
 
Chupa Chupa said:
Sure there is a downside... you don't use it so you wasted $130. ...
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is a potential downside but I don't think it outweighs the benefits. The freedom to use 3G if you want, especially when the plan is pay-as-you-go, plus the higher resale value (to help buy newer versions if desired), are both big benefits in my mind. Besides, if 4G is a couple of years away, then this iPad will be obsolete by that point anyway, and I'll probably want a newer version regardless.

But I do have to admit it's a tough decision, especially considering you get a 64GB Wi-fi only version for less than a 32GB 3G version. $130 is a lot, for sure. But think of it this way: When you buy your first smart phone, you're taking a chance - you might not really end up using the data plan that much, despite the fact that you're paying a lot for both the plan and then phone. You could spend considerably less on a regular phone deal. But you take the chance because you assume there's a good chance you'll use those extra features.

This might not affect a lot of people, but for me at least I've never had a smart phone of any kind. If I did, I'd probably know better whether or not I'd use the data plan. But since I don't, forking out the extra $130 for the 3G version is worth it. I could still change my mind - I probably won't get an iPad of any kind until May/June, so I'll hopefully get my hands on one and play with it some, read reviews, etc. enough to have a more informed decision by that point.
 
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