is a 16gb ipad large enough for general use

"General use" is a relative concept, but for many folks the answer is yes. It really depends on how you intend to use it, what you need to store on the device, you method of internet access and/or use of iCloud or similer services.

I've managed fairlynwell on 16 gb with my first gen iPad, but intend to move up to at least 32gb with the next one I purchase. As a rule of thumb, get as much storage as you feel you can justify in terms of cost. Better to have more than you really need than less.

Forget the size analysis and just buy as much storage as you can afford... better to have and not need than need and not have. Plus it will be worth more when you sell it.

I've had my iPad2 for nearly a year now. With 58 photos stored, no music and no videos and 42 apps, I'm using 6 gb's and that includes the operating system.

How much memory do you need:

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad-Tutorials/a/How-Much-iPad-Memory-Do-You-Need.htm

I wondered this myself as I contemplated which size iPad 3 to buy. I have the original iPad 64 GB. I checked last night and I am using 8 GB of space. It is loaded with 100+ apps, lots of photos,etc. I do not use it for music or movies. I went with the 32 GB version. 64 GB was overkill and 16 GB may not have been enough . My wife will probably use the iSight camera to take 1080p movies and it will fill up fast. She fills her 16 GB iPhone 4 with movies on a regular basis.

I would actually buy as much storage space as you can afford. I started with 16gb and ended up with 64gb. While I'm not presently using it all. It is nice to know it's there and I don't have to worry about deleting things to make space. Keep in mind video and magazines take a great deal of space so if you plan on downloading and storing movies or magazines, I have Vanity Fair, that gobbles up storage. If you have a large music library on iTunes, it is nice to have it resident on the device as you may want to access it when you don't have wifi or cellular connection rendering the cloud inaccessible. The same is true with photos and depending on the size of the photos themselves and how many you have, they can add up. Apps, books and documents don't really take that much space.

I have found that this has worked well for me and I've used about half my storage on the pad. My iPhone is 32gb and I store much less on it, no movies or magazines and that works fine.

Hope this helps!

I have a 16G and get by fine....that said I'd love to have 16 more gig so i could dump more on there without worrying about filling it up.

I'd say you can get by with 16, but 32 is a comfortable place to be. So if you can swing the $100, go for it.

IMHO, the 64 is good for those that travel a ton and have a lot of movies and music on there.

Hey all, I love this thread - does anyone have any thoughts on going wifi or 4g? I have a choice between getting a 32 gig wi fi or a 16gig wi + 4g given my budget. I do have an iPhone but I can't decide if the personal hot spot will help me.

Forme, I'd take 16 more gig over 3G any day of the week. I get along fine with the 16 gig that I have now, but more wiggle room would be nice. And I've done ok being dependant upon wifi. Maybe I couldn't check my email at time when I would have liked to but I didn't NEED to enough to justify paying for a data plan.

I went with the 4g...............to use while traveling in the car or whenever I travel and WiFi isn't available. I figured if I didn't get that one, then somewhere along the line I would regret it!

I went with the 64GB version just because I wanted to load it up with movies for a long flight from Orlando to Vancouver and then from Anchorage to Orlando later this summer when we take a cruise to Alaska........and streaming would not be an option. I'd just rather have more storage than not enough!!

If you buy the ipad with wifi and 4G you have the option to sign up for a data plan if you decide you need it. Until you decide that you need it you can just use wifi. A lot of places have wifi so you will be fine using wifi, but if you want it at least you will have the option to sign up for it.

Skydiver119 wrote:

Forme, I'd take 16 more gig over 3G any day of the week. I get along fine with the 16 gig that I have now, but more wiggle room would be nice. And I've done ok being dependant upon wifi. Maybe I couldn't check my email at time when I would have liked to but I didn't NEED to enough to justify paying for a data plan.

But you don't have to pay for data unless you need to. You aren't being locked into a monthly contract.........although if you go that route thru VZ or AT&T, your initial cost for the iPad itself is reduced. Having a contract for my phone is enough for me......no thanks.......I'll just pay more for my iPad!!

so your advocating more size and no 4g or vice versa?

golferdave1978 wrote:

so your advocating more size and no 4g or vice versa?

I'm advocating both size and 4g, actually. However, if one absolutely had to choose? I'd go for size. I'd say the 4G is just a convenience thing, whereas storage size is pretty essential, depending on how you use it.Besides, you can always just use your iPhone for any important stuff when you don't have WiFi available. I have trouble reading the screen on my phone for lots of things, so the screen size is important to me.....but that's just me and my vision problem that I deal with.

I have a 16 gigabyte black iPad 2 and have 11 tv shows, 20 songs, and 55 apps several of which take over 1 gb of space and room to spare. So I think that if you don't mind leaving a couple apps and tv shows off, 16 gb should be enough but if you have the money, go for 32 gb.