The iPad 3G, the new iPad-model with 3G-connectivity, was Friday introduced in the United States .
Beside the plastic strip on the top sit – for 3G reception – and the entrance for the sim-card, the new iPad looks the same as the previous model we know. Or not?
While the newest model of the Apple iPad is only somewhat gained in weight you can surf on the internet via an available 3G connection anywhere and anytime .
This new feature will you cost around the 130 euros. The final prices are not yet confirmed by Apple but the 3G version, which are like the WiFi available with 16, 32 or GB, but rumours indicate it will start around 500 Euros . While they indicate the top model around 800 Euros you need to understand it is still a rumour . Next week monday Apple will announce the final prices and availabililty in all countries .
Some US reviewers already warned the users they need to understand they pay extra for the feature but also have the subscription costs per month .
They compared the performance of the iPad 3G on an AT&T network and it was the same like the iPhone 3GS did . The quality of reception was the same . You cannot compare the speed of an 3G connection with the speed of a normal WiFi connection. Nevertheless is the speed enough to check your e-mail and surf on the popular websites .
Because the iPad have been equipped with a faster processor, loading webpages is faster than on the iPhone . It’s not only on paper faster, it feels in reallife faster . Also switching between 3G and Wifi works hassle free . An icon at the top the screen displays you which network you are currently using .
The die-hard Apple fans are not the one who bother which model to buy . You also have alternatives available which give you almost the same feature with the iPad WiFi model . A MiFi router can be the solution you are looking for . Via this kind of software you can convert a device with GSM/3G/UMTS-signals into a WiFi-signal . (Mifi-software is available for Windows Mobile Smartphones or jailbroken iPhones or Symbian S60 phones).
When using this Mifi-connection your iPad believes that the device is connected via a fast Wifi-connection . You have an extra advantage beside you can use your smartphone as router. You can also download and install Apps which demand WiFi .
Reviewers report low quality of video when connected via 3G . Because the iPad has a bigger screen and needs more resolution you will experience these videos as bad quality. The iPhone has a little screensize but also lower resolution. This is why on the iPhone this complain is not heard before .
If GPS is important for you, the iPad 3G is the solution for you . The quality of GPS with the new GPS-chip for the iPad 3G works better compared to the GPS-chip of the iPhone 3GS .
Is the price a problem for you, but you want really the same functionality and you are prepare to do some concessions? Install your smartphone with a software Wifi-router or use a Mifi-router with your regular iPad.