[Bigfish]

My wife wants and IPad and I do not know which model to purchase so I am looking for recommendations based on your experiences.  I do not plan to purchase one of the 3G Models as she does not travel often enough to justify that option.  The question is which wifi model in terms of memory do I need to purchase?

Thanks,

Ken

[orthobiz]

Of course it depends upon what you're gonna use it for. My iPad is 64GB and I will probably never fill it.

BUT, if your wife is into have bunches of pics of the kids AND music AND movies, the 64 may come in handy.

I know she is not likely to travel with it, but the cellular is bought "on the fly" and is extremely useful if you throw it your suitcase on a trip, if you go out of the house and want to navigate, etc. etc.

If I had to do it over, I would probably buy the 32 GB.

I would never do without the cellular, but that's just me.

Paul

[Crimson]

I agree on the 3G option. Very convenient to have. And 32GB sounds reasonable. Gives you lots of space for photos, music, apps, books, magazines, videos, etc.

[eclein]

You guys say the 3G is definitely the way to go? Its pay as you play correct? I'm thinking 32Gig 3G myself at some point unless an Android Tablet comes out that not so expensive as the Galaxy is.....My ipod touch is the coolest gadget I have ever owned and I think a bigger version would be very nice on my old eyes.

[mbakes]

I picked up a 32 GB 3G for my wife with the $15 per month 3G plan. She doesn't need it much but likes to have it when she does need it.  We thought the 32 would be plenty for pictures and still have plenty of room for some movies when traveling.

[Philistine]

Ken, as your wife doesn't travel I see no need to get the 3G.  I rarely travel now, but when I do I can always pick up free WiFi connection somewhere if necessary.

As far as capacity is concerned I've found the 32GB to be more than adequate.  The only issue I have is a lack of a camera for video conferencing, which may be an added feature when they launch the second generation version?  If this is not a concern, and you want to buy the current version, you can get a refurb deal on the online Apple store - they have new shells and batteries so you're effectively getting a new one.

If I had the free cash I would love to by a MacBook Air, but this is not your question.

[Pez]

Wrong! The 3G is what makes the iPad an iPad. Don't you dare buy a wifi only otherwise you'll be buying one of those myfi thingys and kicking yourself later. Or your wife will be kicking you later your choice. Either way don't skimp. 

I use mine for everything from driving directions to what I'm doing right now. And it would piss me off if I had to find a hotspot every time I wanted to check my email.

Capacity is your call as to whatever you think you'll need. For me if they made a 128 gig option I'd buy it, he'll if they made a 500 gig option I'd buy that!

[zybar]

Wrong! The 3G is whAt makes the iPad an iPad. Don't you dare buy a wifi only otherwise you'll be buying one of those myfi thingys and kicking yourself later. Or your wife will be kicking you later your choice. Either way don't skimp. 

I use mine for everything from driving directions to wht I'm doing right now. And it would piss me off if I had to find a hotspot every time I wanted to check my email.

Capacity is your call as to whatever you think you'll need. For me if they made a 128 gig option I'd buy it, he'll if they made a 500 gig option I'd buy that!

Says you...   

I am getting my wife an iPad for Christmas (so nobody tell her please) and went the wifi only route.  She will definitely not need or use the 3G option.  The only time the iPad will possibly leave the house is to go over another person's house.  All of the people she would visit with her iPad have wifi, so no worries about finding a hotspot.

Given these circumstances, it seems silly to spend the extra money on a feature that will never be used.

George

[Pez]

Hope she doesnt need directions to those friends houses!!!!!! No 3G means a pain in the ass... But whatever. It's obviously the buyers call, but IMO there is no way I would go wifi only.

[Don_S]

George,

My usage would be the same as your wife's.  No 3G needed here. Curious what the split is on sales 3G vs not. Also curious how many buy the 3G version and then never use it or don't use it enough to warrant the extra expense.

Yes, I know many can't live without 3G but that is not everybody and that certainly isn't the reason to exist for the iPad.

[zybar]

Hope she doesnt need directions to those friends houses!!!!!! No 3G means a pain in the ass... But whatever. It's obviously the buyers call, but IMO there is no way I would go wifi only.

I don't think directions are an issue.

She can use her GPS (already owned).

She can use her phone (already owned).

George

[Pez]

I think the general problem here is that everyone invisions using an ipad like a laptop. For me my iPad is an everyday everywhere carry item like a phone. Ymmv but you'd be surprised, I have a client over 60 who carries hers around everywhere like me.

[zybar]

I think the general problem here is that everyone invisions using an ipad like a laptop. For me my iPad is an everyday everywhere carry item like a phone. Ymmv but you'd be surprised, I have a client over 60 who carries hers around everywhere like me.

Actually, the problem is that you think how you use it, is how everybody else should use it.  Clearly that is not the case based on some of the posts in this thread.

My wife absolutely will use it in place of the laptops and desktops in the house.  Her main use cases will be the following:

Surf the web
E-mail
Show off the kids/family pictures
Let the kids play games
Watch an occasional movie or tv show

George

[Pez]

And thats fine. Don't need to get all twiterpated zyby. Man can't a Mac fanatic just be honest every once in a while?

[srb]

For me if they made a 128 gig option I'd buy it, he'll [hell] if they made a 500 gig option I'd buy that!

Additional built-in flash memory for the iPad costs $100/32GB.  You would really be willing to pay $2192 for a 500GB 3G iPad?
 
Steve

[Pez]

I thought you were buying it for me. 

Actually I think its more like every time the storage double the price goes up $100. Ie 16-32 $100 32-64 $100. So my math says 512 gig should only cost $300 more than the 64!

[jtwrace]

Additional built-in flash memory for the iPad costs $100/32GB.  You would really be willing to pay $2192 for a 500GB 3G iPad?
 
Steve

What is the max memory you can add?  I'm really hoping that the Ipad 2 will have much more memory.  I would like to put 1TB of music on it (uncompressed) and ditch my ipod for travel. 

[Pez]

64, btw jwtrace, check your PMs.

[Philistine]

Here's a suggestion Ken: go to the Apple store, arrange a personal shop, explain your needs and they'll recommend what the best option is.....

[mr_bill]

I agree with George - this is 90% of my computer usage (emails and surfing) and this is what the Ipad is perfect for.
I want one but am waiting for the next Gen.