What’s the Difference Between the 3G and WiFi Only iPad?
Now that both the WiFi and 3G iPad models are available, we’ve been getting a lot of questions asking the differences between the two iPads. Here are five things you need to know.
1.) The biggest difference between the two is the addition of 3G wireless capabilities which allow you to stay connected to the Internet while on the go. To use the 3G service you’ll need to sign up for one of two iPad data plans. One plan gives you 250MB for $14.99 while the other is an unlimited monthly plan for $29.99. Both plans are limited to domestic US coverage. You have the option to sign-up for international roaming if you need coverage while traveling abroad, but be careful as international roaming fees can be extremely expensive.
Having 3G wireless also leads to the need for two physical differences when compared to WiFi only models:
- A.) To get a good wireless signal, Apple had to cut out part of the iPad’s aluminum case and replace it with black plastic to improve wireless reception. This change might not look as stylish but makes all the difference in getting a good signal.
- B.) Like an iPhone, the 3G iPad needs a SIM card to identify the device and connect to a cellular network. The iPad has a small door on the side that pops out to reveal a SIM tray where you can insert the micro SIM.
3G Black Plastic Cover & 3G iPad’s micro SIM slot (image from iFixit’s 3G iPad teardown)
2.) Although both iPad versions support location services, only the 3G model has built-in GPS. Both units are able to determine your location based on WiFi triangulation but the 3G model adds a dedicated Broadcom GPS chip which provides a more accurate location fix. The built-in GPS is also able to determine your location even when you are out of range of WiFi signals, for example when you are out in a field using your cool new iPad Star Walk app.
3G iPad’s GPS Chip (image from iFixit’s 3G iPad teardown)
Category: iPad News
So for those that jumped on the bandwagon and got the wifi version, what options are available to use 3G. I understand sprint has a device you can use and are even marketing it with an ipad case. What other solutions are there?
@Doug, you definitely have options. There are a number of personal WiFi / Cellular routers on the market from the major wireless carriers. These routers connect to the cellular network and then provide you a WiFi hotspot to connect your iPad. Some of these units even have built in batteries that allow you to stay connected while away from a power source. Check out our Mobile Internet post for a bit more detail.
@Doug – I have a Sprint Mifi and I still opted to wait for the 3G iPad. The problem with the Sprint & Verizon Mifi’s (and Sprint’s 4G Overdrive) is that they also have a battery, and therefore a limited run time, you have to remember to bring it with you, it’s one more device to carry, it takes longer to get online, and it more of a “hassle” (if I can say that – power on, wait, make sure the iPad connects to that wireless signal (should automatically if profile saved)), and it MORE EXPENSIVE. Those devices are about $60 to $70/month compared to $30/unlimited data on a 3G iPad. My advice – if it is just for the iPad, and you own a Wifi – dump that thing on eBay, take the very small loss, and buy yourself a 3G…you’ll save yourelf tons of money, and it is a helluva lot more convenient than a separate device!! (I only still have the Mifi because my company pays for it, and I need to bring my full sized laptop on trips where I need connectivity – although the iPad is replacing a lot of that for me as well!)
Why not save yourself some more money and get a smartphone that has a mobile hotspot feature. You already pay for the data connection on your smartphone, why not use it more? Verizon for example has the Palm Pre Plus with mobile hotspot for free. Windows based phones can always use WMwifirouter.
With a Verizon phone that can act as a Hotspot, such as the Palm Pre Plus, you still can’t surf the internet and make phone calls at the same time. So iPad (WiFi) + Palm Pre Plus (Hotspot) + voice phone calls simultaneously is a no go.
Does the iPad + 3G require a Data Plan to use its GPS functionality?
YES!
No. Data signal is not required to use the GPS. The software that uses the GPS may use data. But there are apps that don’t get their maps wirelessly and stores them all on the internal storage. On my iPhone 3G I use Navigon which stores maps locally. I don’t need data to use gps and it’s same with iPad. GPS uses the broadcom chip to get a fix from satellites. Has absolutely nothing to do with your data plan.
Thank you for that explanantion.
Concerning the higher power consumption vs. the WiFi version:
On my iPhone 3GS I hardly ever use 3G. EDGE (available on the T-Mobile network here in Germany) quite often is nearly as fast as 3G browsing the web, especially when browsing pages designed for the iPhone or other mobile devices. And it is using much less power. The iPhone has an option to turn off 3G, leaving celular on. The iPad screen shots on this page do not show that option. Is it missing?
Another question: I assume that the iPad 3G has the same stamina than the WiFi only model when cellular data is switched off completely. Or do the additional components (like the GPS chip) consume any noticable power?
Lets say i buy my self a IPAD WiFi+3G, but if your not living in the USA, can i get it connected to another countries local 3G network i.e. is there a country lock on the IPAD 3G?
nope. All the iPads sold by Apple are carrier unlocked.
Except in Japan