I’ve had quite a few folks ask me why I chose the new iPad I purchased: a white model with 16 gigabytes of RAM storage that can connect to Verizon’s LTE network. After explaining it for about the 10th time, I decided to lay it out here.
Why 16 gigabytes of storage?
I upgraded from a 16-GB, Wi-Fi-only iPad 1. I used just a little more than half of the available space on it, mostly apps. I don’t keep music on it and only occasionally download and watch video. I keep my music on my iPhone 4, which has a capacity of 32 GB and is nearly full.
I don’t foresee changing my habits to the point that I’ll need more than 16GB of space on the new iPad. I’m not worried about the growing size of apps because of high-resolution graphics needed to make them look good with the Retina Display. Plus, with iCloud, I can access the music I may want to hear on it at any time.
16 gigabytes is more than enough for me.
Why LTE?
My iPad 1 was Wi-Fi-only, and while I’m around Wi-Fi connections most of the time, there have been enough instances in the last two years when I wanted a cellular broadband connection.
The nice thing about the data plans from both AT&T and Verizon is that they don’t require a contract. That means I can buy cellular data access only when I really need it. I can see going several months without shelling out cash for access, then buying it on an as-needed basis, mostly while traveling.
For me, after living with Wi-Fi-only, I’ve decided it’s worth an additional $130 to have this capability.
Why Verizon?
My original decision was based on the amount of money I’d pay for the least amount of data. Since I plan on using LTE only when necessary, I want a decent amount of data for as little cash as possible.
AT&T’s cheapest data package for the iPad is $15 for 250 MB. That’s a paltry amount of data and not really adequate, and the next step up is 3 GB for $30, which is a good chunk of change and probably more than I need to spend for temporary access.
Verizon’s cheapest data plan is $20 for 1 GB, which is only $5 more than AT&T’s cheapest but for four times as much data. I figure 1 GB may be about right for my needs, so I went with Verizon.
Then, after I made the decision and ordered the iPad, I learned that Verizon is allowing its customers to tether other devices to the iPad’s LTE connection with the Personal Hotspot feature. Verizon is not charging extra to do this. AT&T says it’s still “talking to Apple” about tethering. This made me feel even better about choosing a Verizon iPad.
In addition, Verizon’s LTE network is – for now – much bigger than AT&T’s and thus available in many more cities.
Finally, I’ve been bothered by AT&T’s actions regarding its throttling of unlimited data users. I’m considering moving to Verizon when the iPhone 5 comes out later this year because of AT&T’s policies. Using a Verizon iPad will give me a chance to try out Big Red’s service before then.
Why a white iPad?
Um, because I think it looks better?
Did you buy an iPad, or are you considering one? If you bought, offer the specs you chose and why in the comments.