If my wife wants to buy an ipad II what does she need to do shopping for hours at a time on the internet while driving

If Internet access is required while traveling, you will need a 3G model and a plan from a cellular provider.

Stedman

You're welcome, and thank you for marking question as answered. Sorry, I have no knowledge of the various US cellular providers. Although, different providers will have varying levels of coverage in different areas. You could consult their web sites to check their claimed coverage areas. Just keep in mind that most cellular providers tend to be generous with their claimed coverage areas.

Also, bear in mind that Apple has an iPad event scheduled for next Wednesday. So you may want to wait until then to see what the news is.

Matt

The carrier you choose depends on the coverage provided in the area you will be using the iPad most. For instance, last month I was at a location in Northern Wisconsin. People with phones using one carrier had no signal while other folks on a different carrier got excellent service. Try to determine which carrier provides the most complete coverage where you will be most of the time.

3G coverage and overall performance between Verizon and AT&T varies depending on where you are, and depending on where you are you may have no 3G service at all with any carrier.

The other consideration is the price-points of various data plans, they differ between size and cost.

But all plans are month-to-month, meaning that you can turn the service off anytime you want, and for as long as you want, but when you activate 3G service you pay for 30 days of service regardless if you turn 3G off (so turn it off on the 29th day if you won't need 3G next month). You can do all of this right from the iPad, and you don't have to set anything up at the time of purchase (other than choose your carrier). I bought a Verizon 3G iPad 6 weeks ago and have not yet activated 3G, but will do so soon while travelling.

And by the way, the object ismto use wifi instead of 3G whenever you can. The signal is faster, more reliable, and if you pay attention much much cheaper than using up your limited 3G allotment.

Some hotels charge for Internet access. Some give it for free. When planning look for hotels that offer free wireless. Save the 3 g for when you are driving.

I use a wifi hotspot instead of 3G. This way I pay one monthly fee and all family iPads and laptops can use it. Works out cheaper.