I will be purchasing my iPad 2 this coming weekend and plan to get the wifi-3g model with the AT&T network. I will only be using 3g while traveling but not sure how much data to purchase, 250 mb or 2g. There may be times when I will want to use GPS. But, mostly it will be used when no wifi is available while driving or staying in hotel with no free wifi.
Does using GPS use up a lot of data for a 10-12 hour trip? Would 250 mb be enough for both GPS and web surfing and email?
I have not been able to find that information if it has been previosly posted.
Thanks for any information you can provide.

GPS, per se, uses no data at all. It's the downloading of the maps that uses data. There are several apps out there that can download the maps in advance of a trip - from your home network - so you'll then use no data at all when you're out-and-about using GPS.

Tim

Thank you! I am really glad to hear that the gps uses no data, and I will be sure to download my maps ahead of time.

So, I am thinking that the 250 mb would be ok for my use while 'on the road'.

I am so looking forward to getting my iPad. I spent many weeks reading about, and playing with various tablets, and I feel confident that I have made the right choice for me.

Absolutely, 250 MB should be fine, unless you're planning to download a lot of photos or large documents.

Tim

Thanks again, for the quick response and answer to my questions. This problem has been solved!

Tim, may I say that you're awesome. I come here to learn all I can about my iPad and to solve issues and your advice and answers to questions are great. You must be Superman or have no job because it seems that no one can beat you to the punch. Good work, buddy.

Wayne

If you get a GPS app like MotionX GPS Drive, you can download your maps via WIFI before hitting the road. That way, you never even have to turn on 3G.

Thanks, Somerled. I will definitely look into that. I assume that the maps are current and up to date?

They are for where I am.

Super! We have a garmin that my husband and I use when we take road trips, but sometimes we are going to separate places and I would like to have my own system. Also, Since I am usually the 'navigator', I thought it would be nice to use the iPad's larger screen. I am looking forward to getting my ipad and getting all these great apps loaded.

Thanks everyone for all the information and advice.