Apple iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G (16GB/32GB/64GB)

Apple’s first tablet computer—the version we all wanted for ourselves was the more powerful iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G ($629-$829), which was released on April 30, 2010. Though it shares the same physical dimensions and 16/32/64-Gigabyte storage capacities, the Wi-Fi + 3G version adds a major new feature: like Apple’s iPhones, the more expensive iPad uses 3G wireless hardware to access cell phone towers, radically expanding the iPad’s on-the-road utility. Need to use a big-screen map in your car? Check a restaurant’s menu, send e-mails, or reach friends through Facebook on something larger than an iPhone but smaller than a laptop? The possibilities seemed endless—anything you could do from Wi-Fi, you could do with your 3G connection, right? Well, not exactly: as is commonly the case with Apple’s cellular devices, the reality of using the iPad in 3G mode falls a little short of the marketing. But the experience is still very good, all things considered.
As expected, the two iPad versions are nearly identical in hardware and iPhone OS system software, details that we previously discussed comprehensively in our review of the iPad with Wi-Fi. We won’t revisit all of the numerous similarities here: both versions have the same external buttons, ports, speakers, microphone, and screen, ship with the same applications, and perform identically on Wi-Fi networks. But there are some noteworthy differences between the models in pricing, cosmetics, and internal hardware—changes that potential iPad customers should know about before they choose between the two iPads, or decide to hold off on a purchase altogether.
This supplemental review of the iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G discusses all of the new model’s unique positives and negatives in separate sections below. Those looking for common features between the iPads, or details on the standard iPad with Wi-Fi can check out our prior review. Everything you need to know about the new iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G can be found on pages of the drop-down menu below. Enjoy.