Apple’s iPad 3G is here. After nearly a month after the debut of iPad WiFi model, the 3G version went on sales on April 30 in U.S. Apple stores at 5p.m. According to Reuters, there were roughly 75 people stood in line 90 minutes before the 3G iPad went on sale at a store in downtown San Francisco. It’s quite sure iPad 3G will be another big hit for Apple.
Base on the survey feedback, around 40% of our readers prefer to buy the 3G version of iPad. Obviously, the main difference between the WiFi and 3G version of iPad is you can always have the Internet connection anytime via the 3G network. I have used the iPad for over two weeks and love it so much. The only problem is I have to hunt for a WiFi spot before I can surf the Internet. So, normally I used it at home or cafe with free WiFi connection. Now, with the 3G version, you can access the web at any location.
Probably you are considering to buy an iPad 3G, here I summarize all the things you need to know about it.
Where to Buy iPad 3G
For now, the iPad 3G is only available in U.S. Like other Apple products, the iPad 3G is available at Apple’s retail store and online. The iPad 3G went on sale on April 30 at 5p.m. You can go to your nearest Apple retail store to buy one. At the same time, you can also order it via the online store and let Apple ship to your home directly. But expect to wait for 5-7 days before you can get your iPad.
Other than Apple stores, you can also find iPad at Best Buy store.
What’s the Pricing?
You have to pay $130 premium over to the WiFi version of iPad. Here is the pricing information for iPad 3G:
- $629 for the 16GB model
- $729 for the 32GB model
- $829 for the 64GB model
How many iPad can I order?
Apple restricts each customer to order two iPads only.
What about the Data Plans?
To access the Internet from any location, you need to sign up a 3G data service. In U.S., as expected, the 3G service is offered by AT&T with the following data plans:
- 250MB for US$14.99
- Unlimited data for US$29.99
It’s a no-contract 3G service. So, you can sign up anytime and withdraw it if you don’t need it anytime.
How do you sign up an AT&T data plan?
You do not need to visit to an AT&T store to sign up the data service. You can just do it right on your iPad. Just tap Settings and choose Cellular Data. Then type in your user information, select a plan, and enter your credit card information.
Can I change my limited data plan to unlimited?
When you need more data, you can always change the data plan to unlimited right on the iPad.
Is iPad 3G locked to AT&T? Can I use other carriers?
According to Apple’s support, the iPad 3G is not locked to AT&T network. You are free to use other 3G data service provider. However, there is a catch. The iPad 3G uses micro-SIM card, which is a new type of SIM card in half the size of a standard SIM. As of now, AT&T is the only carrier in U.S. offering micro-SIM card. That means, you are still locked to AT&T right now until micro-SIM is widely available.
Can I use Skype over 3G and make calls on iPad?
You can use Skype to make call over WiFi but at least for now, Skype call over 3G is not allowed as reported by TUAW:
During our live iPad 3G first look this afternoon, TUAW readers were able to confirm that Skype calls still cannot be placed over the iPad 3G’s cellular network connection. The Skype application will not connect those calls, telling users that, “You need WiFi to call over Skype.” So what’s the reason for this? “Skype calls over 3G networks are currently not allowed due to contractual restrictions.”
What else do I need to know about iPad 3G?
Don’t expect you can run all video streaming apps over 3G or they run the same over 3G as they are on WiFi. Some iPad apps are just designed to work with WiFi only. As covered by iLounge, the iPad’s built-in YouTube application strips both standard and HD videos to a lower resolution over the 3G data connection. The same video downgrade is also found on other apps like Netflix when you view video over the cellular connection. Worse of all, the ABC player refuses to stream video when the iPad is connected over 3G. As mentioned by Techcrunch, the ABC player is WiFi only on purpose.
I do not live in U.S. How can I purchase an iPad 3G?
Earlier, Apple has announced its plan for international launch of iPad. Both WiFi and 3G version of iPad will be available to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in the end of May. If you are in these countries, you can wait for another month to get your hands-on with the iPad.
If you can’t wait for it, you can also pay a premium and use personal shopping service to order an iPad from U.S. However, as said before, iPad 3G makes use of micro-SIM. So, make sure your country’s 3G data service providers support this type of SIM card.
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