WiFi Only vs. 3G: How to Decide

I don't really understand the advantages of getting one with 3G. For example, how do I know if WiFi is available at my home (where I'll be using it the most)?

Please give me some education!

 

You have to create your own Wifi network by plugging a router after your Internet Provider modem. That's the legal way of doing it. If you're using a wifi net invisibly, it's piracy.
Call your Internet Provider. They'll be happy to help you with that.

 

3g is only if you A) want to use the device where you don't have access to wifi or B) don't have a current phone that allows wifi tethering.

I have a droid....i got the wifi only.

 

WiFi networks can be created by home routers and computers with wireless cards that use the 802.11(b/g/n) standards (get used to seeing 802.11). This is kind of like how civilian amature (or HAM) radio operators can call each other.

Most Wifi networks have a very limited* range, usually shorter then the distance your cell phone can pick up and send to the nearby cell-tower. Typically inside and just outside a typical American home. *Although 802.11n is supposed to have a much wider range.

For myself I know I have acesses to WiFi networks just about every where typically go. Be they home networks of people I know or business that have acess points for customers.

At home you will need either a Wireless router or if your home computer has a Wireless card it can also create a wireless network while it is on. I strongly suggest the router as your computer would need to be stay on if you wanted iPad Internet acess. If you have a laptop it should have a wireless card, just check for local wireless networks in the places you go and see what's there, or ask the busnesses and locations you frequant if they have WiFi.

 

I don't have a home computer, only a Palm Pre cell phone with Sprint. Can I tether a WiFi iPad with the phone and, if so, how the heck do I do that?

 

Get the 3G version as you don't have to use it if you choose not to but it will always be there just in case.

 

This might be of benefit if you feel comfortable with it: MyTether

I plan on using the iPhone equivalent (MyFi) to turn my iPhone 3G into a wireless router so I decided against the 3G version of the iPad. Why spend that extra money on hardware and the extra monthly fees if you don't have to?

 

So spend $130 just in case? Doesn't sound like a feasible plan....for $70 more than the 16GB 3G you can get the 64GB Wifi....much better investment especially since the only service available is ATT.

 

Stupid iPhone and not tethering...well unless it's jailbroken right? I may have to look into that.

Either way, I went with the 3G version because I do plan on using it on the go a lot, even out of the car while parked to connect to my work stuff. Even if I get the iPhone to tether, I don't want to worry about the phone running out of battery and then I have no 3G access on the iPad. I know it's an additional $130 and even if I don't use ATT's 3G thru the iPad, I would rather have the feature just in case...you don't buy an iPad everyday so might as well do it right the first time.

 

The jailbroken iPhone is a good stopgap for the time being. However ATT and many of the other providers are about to stop their "unlimited" plans and will be going to a tiered pricing (which may be good or bad... just depends on how much bandwidth you actually use). Me? I don't use a ton even though I do tether on occasion... so it may end up being cheaper for me. Until that happens though... I'll continue to tether my laptop to my iPhone 3G and the same goes for my iPad when I get it 'till a tiered pricing structure is put in place and even then I still might.