iPad without AT&T contract?

[71T Targa]

Can you do much, if anything, with an iPad without an AT&T data plan?

I'm thinking about getting one, but I don't want to add another monthly expense.

[masraum]

If you've got DSL and WiFi, then you can do your stuff over the wifi as far as I know. I believe the data plan is for folks that want the 3G connection (for taking your ipad places that don't have wifi).

[Super_Dave_D]

The Wi-Fi is the most popular one due to its been available longer and it’s cheaper but to answer your question – yes as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. Of course you can watch movies, play games, listen to music and read books without being connected.

You can use your phone as a hot spot if you are inclined. I have heard stories of people who have jail-broken their iPhones and just connect their iPads to the iPhone but I wouldn't really know

If I had to do it again – I think I would buy the 3g and for the added functionality of the 3g as you can buy months as needed so there is no contract.

If you get one - make sure you have an Wireless N supported router and its blazing fast!!!!!

If you get one - it just might change how you do things!!!!!

It all depends on what you want to do

[71T Targa]

Sounds good.

I should have said that I wasn't looking at it for me, but as a gift. I hate to give a 'gift' that costs someone $29.95 a month or whatever the AT&T data plan is.

[71T Targa]

I see now it's + $130 to add the 3G support.

I does seem like you'd want it up front just in case you decide to go that way later.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Super_Dave_D

If you get one - it just might change how you do things!!!!!

It all depends on what you want to do

Yes, now I sit around surfing, etc... on my phone. An ipad would be a great compromise between a phone and PC for most of the stuff that I do on a PC.

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

Sounds good.

I should have said that I wasn't looking at it for me, but as a gift. I hate to give a 'gift' that costs someone $29.95 a month or whatever the AT&T data plan is.

Wow, it is my birthday in Aug, you're a bit early, but that's fine. Don't bother spending the extra $130 on the 3G, I'm fine with the wifi version.

Thanks buddy!!

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by masraum

Wow, it is my birthday in Aug, you're a bit early, but that's fine. Don't bother spending the extra $130 on the 3G, I'm fine with the wifi version.

Thanks buddy!!

No problem!

I'll just need your full name, shipping address, and credit card number (just to verify the address), and I'll get it right out to you.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I have the WiFi model and never even considered the 3G. Mainly due to the fact that my iPhone turns into a WiFi hotspot as mentioned by Dave.

As a gift, the 3G model comes into play. It depends on how the lucky person will use the device. I rarely carry mine with me. I use it laying in bed or sitting on the couch.