If I did not 'have' to buy 2 iPads (wife getting one too) I would have bought a 32gb 3G version, strictly for resale value over just the WiFi version.
Y That is thing that keeps making me wanna get the 3G....on CL the 16g 3G's are going for not less than $600.......which i cant understand why... (unless it is international or somethin').
Sorry about the threadjack. Seriously, if you can find a way to tether (believe the Jailbreak is already out for the iPhone), that's a great way to save the money. It's not as much that I want to avoid paying for something I'm getting, it's that I'm already paying for data on the phone and shouldn't matter what screen I'm watching it on. I guess principle of the matter is the best way of putting it.
Well it really isn't off topic. Your question is whether to get the 3G or not...the points about the network coverage and free WiFi hotspot through a phone is a very valid point against getting one.
It's all about the marketing. Mobile Hotspot devices are coming from more and more cell companies at comparable rates. The good thing about doing this over 3G is that you can use whatever service has the best reception in your area rather than having to settle. Beyond that, you would have the hotspot to use with your laptop computer if it was absolutely necessary. Yes, it's one more small item to carry, but I would say that's well worth the tradeoff. Market that option on resale and state things directly like that and you'll be able to max out your value.
I put my cable modem and router on a separate UPS battery backup. It might not save you from a direct lightning strike, but if the power goes out I still have wifi for probably 10-12 hours.
You should check out eBay completed listings. They are selling 200-300 over Apple's price. I guess people are wiling to spend more so not to have to wait 2-3 weeks to get one. for example: Apple iPad 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G - eBay (item 200482542879 end time Jun-16-10 20:00:08 PDT)