wi-fi or wi-fi +3G?

hi!, so, I´´ve a question. well, i´m going to buy a ipad, but i don´t know who´s the difference into a ipad whit wi-fi n´ ones whit wi-fi+3G,what´s better? somebody can help me?

please!!!, n´ can explain me why. n´ what´s this the operating system?

´please, please, i don´t want to make a mistake 🙂

oxxo

iPad 2

Posted on Feb 10, 2012 11:42 AM

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4 replies

Feb 10, 2012 11:47 AM in response to SANDRELISHIUS

If you get a 3G model, you would be able to use the cellular network to connect to the Internet when Wi-Fi is unavailable. It's also more expensive, so you could get the Wi-Fi model and then find a personal hotspot/Internet tethering/MiFi solution if you want to be able to connect to the Internet elsewhere.


But basically, with 3G you are just able to connect to the Internet in more places than with Wi-Fi only.

Feb 10, 2012 11:52 AM in response to SANDRELISHIUS

Only the 3G version has a full, true GPS system inside it. The wifi only model is still able to detect its location by using a location based system of known wifi hotspots - but of course that means it gets no location information if out of range of any wifi networks. So, if you want to use your iPad for on the road navigation, or off road GPS use, then you will need the 3G model - just something to think about in case you wanted to use off road location based apps (nav apps, geotagging apps, etc).


Both versions have the same operating system - iOS. Also, realize that you do not have to use the 3G data connection if you do not want to - it does not require a cellular data plan unless you want to use 3G. Otherwise, you can just never activate service for 3G and ignore it, and just use wifi for data connectins.

Feb 10, 2012 11:52 AM in response to SANDRELISHIUS

The 3G version means that you can use a mobile network (which you will need to sign up for in order to use) to access the internet, which is potentially useful if you will be away from wifi networks with the iPad and need to get online (you can't use the 3G iPad for 'normal' phone calls). The wifi-only iPad only has wifi capability and can't be updated if you decide a future date that you need 3G, though you can potentially use an iPhone as a personal hotspot for it or you can get mifi devices which also act as a mobile hotspot (they take a sim-card).


The operating system is iOS - this page has some info about what is in the current version : http://www.apple.com/ios/ . It is different to OS Xthat is found on a Mac, and you can only use apps from the iTunes app store on it - Mac and PC programs aren't compatible with the iPad

Feb 10, 2012 11:53 AM in response to SANDRELISHIUS

it is a question of cost and convenience. everything seteve said is dead on. Do you travel a lot? do you want to use the pad's network stuff while you are driving around?


The 3 g model is +$130 from the wifi, and requires a separate data account. your provider can tell you how much.


If you need instant access on a regular basis, it may be worth the $$.


If you have a wifi only, you can still get to the web in non wifi areas by using a mifi, or a hopt spot generated by your i phone or other smart phone with that capability. Your phone plane provider will want some money for this 'tethered' connection.


in the US, for example, ATT adds tethering to your iphone data plan for $20 per month.


The connection is essentially the same, except that you need to haul around both devices. Lastly, the wifi only pad does not do GPS (at least, the current version), so if that is important to you, consider that need.

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wi-fi or wi-fi +3G?

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