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Posted in Shopping Product Reviews

iPad WiFi Versus iPad 3G – Top 5 Differences Between iPad WiFi and iPad 3G

So what’s the difference between an iPad with WiFi and an iPad with 3G plus WiFi? It’s a question that seems to come up frequently, so I thought it might be worth finding some answers to the question.

I have found five main differences between the two models and I am still looking for more. Here are the five differences:

Number 1: Limited connectivity vs. Extensive connectivity. With iPad WiFi your internet connectivity is limited to areas where you can access the web via WiFi. With the 3G version of the iPad you can connect via both WiFi and the 3G cellular network. That means you should have connectivity anywhere you get cell phone coverage. To get the same coverage with the WiFi version, you would need a portable WiFi, like Verizon’s MiFi, or some of the smartphones that can act as WiFi.

Number 2: You pay for more connectivity. The iPad 3G costs more to buy. As of this writing, the difference is about $130 in the United States. To use 3G wireless service, you must have a wireless data plan with your provider. In the US, AT&T offers data plans for a price. To start with, they had a data plan for $14.99 per month with 250MB of data included, and an “unlimited” plan for $30 per month. The unlimited plan was discontinued pretty quickly and now you can get 2G data for $25 per month.

Number 3: iPad with 3G also has built-in GPS service. The WiFi version can do some triangulation; you need an iPad 3G to get a really accurate location fix.

Number 4: Some small physical differences. On the back of the iPad 3G is a section of black plastic that allows the iPad to get a better connection to the wireless network. The 3G version also has a door on the side for you to insert the Micro SIM card. These differences probably aren’t that important since you’ll probably want to use an iPad cover to protect your iPad.

Number 5: Shorter battery life for 3G. Using the 3G network consumes more battery. From what I’ve read, it reduces battery life from about 10 hours of idle down to 7-8 hours. Not bad, but counts at the end of a long day.

So, long story short, if you only use the iPad at home, get the WiFi version and if you need to use it in the field, you’re probably better off getting the 3G version of the iPad.

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