With the original iPad , you had a dim-witted pick to make : to 3 gm or not to 3G. But with the addition of Verizon 3 G data options alongside those from longtime Apple partner AT&T , you now have to not only make up one’s mind if you require 3 G connectivity in addition to Wi - Fi , but which flattop you want service from as well .
There are separate versions of the 3G - enable iPad 2 — one for AT&T ’s meshing , and one for Verizon ’s . You ca n’t just get a 3G - enabled iPad 2 to utilize across both carrier . In fact , if you include the new mordant and white colouration selection , as well as the three storehouse sizes of 16 GB , 32 GB , and 64 GB ( the same size of the first - generation iPad ) , Apple sells a total of 12 different 3G - enabled iPad 2 manakin between both common carrier .
You ’ll also want to opine about mail carrier insurance coverage . The advantages , disadvantages , and intricacies of wireless coverage between the U.S. ’s two largest carriershave been covered at length elsewhere , so I ’m not going to duplicate them here . But if you have n’t check this item off your shopping research lean yet , I recommend spending some time planning where you ’re likely to use your iPad 2 ’s wireless connection , talk to admirer who are currently using the provider you ’re interested in , and checking bothVerizon’sandAT&T’spublished reporting mapping .
Note: Neither AT&T nor Verizon charge activation fees for iPad data plans. You can start service one month, cancel it, and start again months later with no activation fees.
Of naturally , for many of you , the iPad 2 decision will come down to which data point design and cost work intimately for you . In that case , let ’s get to the chart :
Note : Neither AT&T nor Verizon kick energizing fees for iPad data point plans . you could start table service one calendar month , cancel it , and go again months after with no energizing fees .
In terms of variety , Verizon has taken a shot at AT&T by offering more data plan option at a turn of Mary Leontyne Price point . Targeting data - thirsty magnate users , Verizon ’s monthly plan are available in 3 GB , 5 GB , and 10 GB options , while AT&T ’s plan top out at 2 G .
On the scurvy end , AT&T does best Verizon by $ 5 per month for 250 MB of data . For user who just want the cheapest wireless accession while on - the - go , or those who are primarily interested in low - bandwidth chore like checking e - mail infrequently or occasionally downloading a book or two , AT&T has the advantage there .
Ultimately , Verizon offers a more affordable data plan run to climb if you think your wireless employment could increase over sentence . If you design to do more browsing , working , or app download on your commute or at the local Wi - Fi - less park , you ’ll believably spend less money on Verizon as your wireless data point exercise grows .
Updated at 2:46 p.m. on Thursday March 10 with check that Verizon will not be charging activation fees for iPad 3 G plan .
