[Pez]

I am just curious what people think. I for one find myself thinking that I would rather go AT&T mainly because with the iPad the main reason for hating the network, dropped calls, is a non-issue with the iPad. I have been using the ATT network now for a year with the iPad and it is night and day difference than with the iPhone. Faster data rates, less dead spots, just overall better IMO. From what I'm hearing about Verizons network the only advantage would be slightly better coverage. The big disadvantage is half the data speed of ATTs network.

[Crimson]

Have had AT&T for a year with no issues. No issues at the shore or in the poconos.

[skunark]

You can checkout broadbandmap.gov for a comparison, make sure you select wireless and make a note that Verizon data rates might be 4G and the iPad 2 is still 3g.

[BrysTony]

I think the way to go is to get the iPad2 with wifi only thus saving some $.  Then you can get a data plan with your smart phone from ATT or Verizon to tether the iPad2 for those times when wifi is not available
Tony

[Pez]

you lose one of the greatest things about the iPad though, the GPS. I personally prefer the 3G.

[skunark]

Unless the plans change they were month-to-month, so not a huge cost to get the GPS chip.  My old iPhone turned into an iPod Touch .. the GPS chip still worked without a plan, so I assume the cell versions of the iPad 1 & 2 act the same.   

I will opt for the wifi-only iPad still, because I can't think of an area where I can't find a WiFi hotspot.  I'm also annoyed with the quality of the data speeds on my iPhone, and figure i would  be as frustrated.   Friends with 4G devices also have the same complaints in my area.

[Cheerwino]

you lose one of the greatest things about the iPad though, the GPS. I personally prefer the 3G.

Agreed. I think the GPS capability alone is worth the cost difference. I understand there are now apps which download maps onto your device turning it into a full on nav. Of course, 4G with hotspot for your laptop would be even better.

I'm still waiting, though. Will probably get a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air instead.

To the OP's question though, I just don't think it matters as much. Can the Verizon iPad be month-to-month like AT&T or is it a contract? You'd think they'd give you some kind of deal for iPad and phone.

[Pez]

I'm also annoyed with the quality of the data speeds on my iPhone, and figure i would  be as frustrated.

If I based my decision to buy the iPad 3G off of my experience with the iPhone's data speed I might agree with you, but I am actually so blown away by the real world performance of the iPad on 3G that I don't even bother looking for hotspots anymore. None of the BS matters when you get to the level of the iPad 3Gs data IMO. While my wife and I were in the hospital after the birth of our daughter we were streaming Netflix for hours without so much as a hiccup. I tried using my laptop on the crappy hospital free wifi to do the same and it didn't even work for a second. To me not worrying about finding a hotspot is what makes the iPad the iPad. Others disagree and I respect that, I just personally couldn't imagine it without it.

[lonewolfny42]

Which model....16GB....32GB....64GB ?

[skunark]

Which model....16GB....32GB....64GB ?

Depends on the amount of audio, video and traveling on would need or do     One GB is about an hour of a video.

I don't feel the $100 premium per bump up is fair so hard to recommend. 

[Pez]

I currently have 64 gigs. The only disappointment for me with the new iPad is no bump to 128 gigs. Don't get me wrong, 64 gigs is great, but 128 is (brace yourself) twice as much. Either way for my mom 16 gig is 10X more than she needs or will ever use. For me 64 will not be enough in the long run.

[Marbles]

For 3G speed comparisons, check this out:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/07/3g-speed-test

Verizon came in best, ATT slowest...