Common Questions with The Apple iPad 3G

For many people who in one way or another did not buy the initial iPad release - the Wifi version, there are now interesting questions arising about the next version of the iPad - the 3G version. For one, it is definitely more expensive than the Wifi version, but its 3G capability left a lot of avid iPad fans waiting. Biggest difference is that Wifi only version is limited by whatever wireless network you are connected to, while the 3G version allows you more range of motion by using 3G connectivity that spans much wider areas than a single wireless network can.

You may have already bought the Apple iPad 3G version, but still many people have some questions about it. Whatever is your purpose for asking, here are the frequently asked questions about the iPad 3G that we gathered at Best-Buy-iPad.com:

1. I am already on Verizon’s 3G network. Will it work with the Apple iPad?

Verizon’s 3G network will not work with the iPad. Not yet, at least. Some believe that Apple and Verizon might work in the future to get a deal going for 3G service, but as of right now, you will have to stick to AT&T’s service. If you want 3G capability but have some sort of vendetta against AT&T, you might want to wait for future iPad releases. That would be years down the road, however, and many want their iPads right now.

2. How about the T-Mobile’s 3G network? Can it work with the 3G version of iPad?

Yes, it does, but there is one condition: you must be using it in EDGE mode. Be aware of this condition and you should be fine.

3. What frequencies does the Apple iPad 3G support?

Frequencies supported by the iPad 3G include the following: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, GSM/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz, and UMTS/HSDPA 850, 1900, 2100 MHz. This led into some issues with Israel and other US universities few weeks ago.

4. How more expensive is the 3G version?

This depends on what you consider expensive, of course, and also on your personal budget. We can reveal the pricing on 3G data plans, however. AT&T is the lucky company that got the deal with iPad to provide 3G, so you will be dealing with them. If you see yourself using the 3G capabilities constantly with the iPad, you will want to go with the unlimited data usage plan. This costs $29.99 per month. If you think you will use it sparingly and don’t want to cough up so much cash, you can opt for the 250MB of data usage plan for half that price at $14.99 per month. As an extra bonus, AT&T even allows these data plan users to access their Wi-Fi hotspot program, giving you plenty more connectivity options when on the road. When you decide which plan you want to use, you can pre-pay for the plan and get it activated using the iPad itself.

5. Do I need to have contract with AT&T for the 3G service?

The answer to this is no. This is a great idea by AT&T to not tie people down with contracts. With this economy, many don’t need extra bills, especially ones that might last a year for something they may not use in the future. Luckily, AT&T allows you to cancel your 3G service for the iPad at any time. If AT&T did make a yearly contract or longer necessary, it likely would have dealt a big blow to the 3G’s popularity. It’s a good thing Apple was able to get a favorable deal with the carrier for such service.

6. How do I monitor my usage if I have the a 250MB data plan with AT&T’s 3G service?

If you have the limited data plan, you are capped at 250MB. In this case, you will be well served to monitor just how much data you are using. After all, you don’t want to overuse it in the beginning of the month and be left with hardly any remaining for the rest of the month. You will be better served to budget your usage evenly so you can enjoy the iPad fully. To check your data usage, all you have to do is go into the Settings menu, and then select the Cellular Data option. Another feature that helps you monitor your data usage is automatic. The iPad will actually inform you when you are down to only 20 percent of your data remaining. It also does the same when you reach the 10 percent mark, and also when it hits zero.

That ends this iPad 3G version mini-FAQ discussion. We certainly hope that the answers discussed above will help you decide about the iPad 3G, or assist you in making a decision before buying this Apple mobile device.