Tag Archives: ipad 2011

iPad 2 Wireless Data Plans – AT&T and Verizon Compared


iPad 2 Wireless Data Plan Options

Comparison of AT&T and Verizon Wireless Monthly 3G Data Plans


Apple’s new iPad 2 will be available this Friday and many new and existing iPad owners are trying to figure out which 3G wireless data plan they should pick.  Unlike the choices available when the first generation iPad launched last April, US customers will have several different data plans from AT&T and Verizon Wireless to choose from this time around. With these new choices comes the question, “Which one is best for me?”  We’ve broken down all the important information to help you make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for the least expensive data plan for your iPad, then AT&T has you covered.  The company offers a 250 MB plan for only $14.99.  The least expensive Verizon Wireless plan is $20 but includes 1 GB of data, nearly four times as much as AT&T for only $5 more.

Low Usage User

So is 250 MB of data enough?  Well, that of course depends on how you plan to use your iPad.  The two questions you need to ask yourself are, “How will I use my iPad?” and “Where will I use my iPad?” Lets tackle the “where” part first.

If you use your iPad primarily at home or somewhere you have access to free WiFi, then you won’t be using the 3G wireless option very often.  WiFi will be the main way you stay connected and you’ll more than likely only use 3G wireless while you’re out running errands or traveling.  So, now that we know your main connection method is WiFi, let’s look at how much data your usage style will consume.

If you’re a heavy apps user, love surfing the web or watching video content and your primary method for connecting to the Internet is via your 3G data plan, you’ll definitely want a plan bigger than 250 MB.  However, if you connect mainly via WiFi or you only use the Internet to occasionally send an e-mail or check a website, then 250 MB should be more than enough for you.

It really comes down to how often you plan to use the Internet while away from WiFi.  For most casual users, 250MB is a good place to start and then move up if you see you’re consuming more data.

High Usage User

If you’re someone that uses your iPad for business, travels frequently, enjoys web videos or is a heavy e-mail and web user, then chances are you’ll want a plan that gives you at least 2GB worth of data.  AT&T’s 2GB plan will cost you $25 or you can opt for Verizon’s 3GB plan which will set you back $35.  These two plans are great options for heavy web and e-mail users, but might not be enough for hardcore video fans who like to watch TV while on the road and away from an open WiFi hot spot.

If you need 2-3 GB of data, the AT&T plan may be the better option.  The AT&T plan allows you to pick the 2GB option and if you creep up to 3GB, simply pay a $10 overage fee for the additional 1 GB in data.  With Verizon, you’ll have to pay for the full 3GB even if you only use 1 or 2 GB.  The AT&T plan gives you a little more flexibility and can also help you save some money each month.

Once you go over 4GB of data, Verizon’s data plans become the much better option.  For example, let’s say you are a heavy user and use 10GB a month.  With Verizon you can pick the 10 GB plan for $80, whereas with AT&T you’d spend $115 for the same amount of data.

Coverage

We’ve all heard the stories of wireless networks and their dreaded dropped calls but that is not an issue when it comes to data plans.  Both carriers have separate voice and data networks, UMTS / HSDPA for AT&T and EVDO Rev A for Verizon, so dropped calls really don’t apply when choosing the best data network.  Coverage for both carriers is roughly the same for most urban areas, but you should check the AT&T and Verizon websites to determine the coverage for your location.

Given decent coverage, the difference will come down to how much wireless spectrum (i.e. bandwidth) each carrier has available in your area as this will greatly impact your network speed. While AT&T claims to have the fastest network, your mileage may vary, so be sure to check with friends who already have the AT&T or Verizon Wireless service and see what their experience has been.

Conclusion

For most people the choice will come down to how much data you need and who has the best price.  The good thing with both carriers is that they don’t lock you into a long term contract which allows you to give the plans a try and see which one is best for you.  You can also easily increase, decrease or even drop your data plan from month-to-month as your usage varies.  This is a great option for college students who might need data plans during the semester but will only use WiFi when they are back home during holidays.

Both companies provide easy access to your online usage so you can monitor the data you’ve been using and adjust accordingly.  AT&T and Verizon Wireless have tried to make getting online with your iPad 2 as easy as possible, so go ahead and enjoy all the fun of untethered Internet access wherever you might go with your shiny new iPad 2.

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Apple Expecting to Ship 10-12 million iPad 2s in Q2 2011


Taiwanese news site DigiTimes reports that Apple is expecting to ship between 10 to 12 million new iPad 2 devices in Q2 of this year.  This estimate is in line with previous analyst reports stating Apple is expected to sell between 40 – 50  million iPads in 2011.

Suppliers report that Apple wants to take delivery of  6 to 6.5 million units of the original iPad and over three million units of the new iPad 2 in the first quarter of this year.  According to DigiTimes, Apple’s supply chain is currently forecasting a shipment ratio of 4:6 for the first and second half of 2011.  This would indicate iPad 2 shipments will hit around 22 million units in the second half of this year.

To meet demand for the new iPad 2, Apple began shifting production away from the original iPad back in February. Component suppliers believe March shipments of the new iPad 2 will top 2 to 3 million units.

It took Apple 80 days to sell three million units of the first generation iPad back in June of 2010.  If Apple is able to reach sales of 2 to 3 million units in March, it would put the company well on track to making 2011 the year of the iPad 2 as Steve Jobs announced during this week’s iPad 2 launch.

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AT&T Changes Billing for iPad 2


Cyberspace is all abuzz with iPad 2 related news one day after Apple’s announcement of their next generation device.  If you plan to make the big purchase on March 11th, you might be wondering about data plan options and availability. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, AT&T is planning to offer new billing option for iPad 2 owners.

With the iPad 2′s support of both GSM and CDMA, AT&T and Verizon Wireless will now compete for iPad 2 subscribers.   Both companies will have to get creative as the only differentiator will be network coverage and their data plan pricing.  When the iPad was first released, AT&T had an advantage as they were the exclusive network provider.  Several months later, Apple added Verizon as a distribution channel but users were forced to use an additional MiFi device in order to use their iPad when outside of WiFi coverage.  Unlike Verizon Wireless, AT&T has been able to offer the iPad with direct access to its wireless network without the need for additional equipment.

One advantage for Verizon is the growing frustration many current iPhone and iPad owners have with their AT&T network coverage.  Verizon Wireless is considered by many experts to have superior network coverage, despite the millions of dollars AT&T has spent on recent network upgrades.  Now with both companies offering “essentially identical products,” who will win out?

AT&T plans to keep its current pricing structure and charge $14.99 for 250 megabytes of montly data and $25 for 2 gigabytes. In addition, it’s also introducing a “postpaid” option in which customers may elect to receive regular AT&T bills for data access without being locked into a contract.  While the change might be a small one for many, it does give customers extra flexibility when choosing how to pay for their iPad’s wireless service.

Verizon Wireless plans to add the iPad 2 to its existing Android tablet lineup and offer customers a range of data plan options. While the carrier plans to offer more pricing options than AT&T, the entry-level plan comes with a higher starting price but includes more data.  Verizon’s data plans won’t require a contract for the iPad 2 and include an entry-level $20 plan for 1 gigabyte of data, $35 for 3 gigabytes, $50 for 5 gigabytes and $80 for 10 gigabytes.

AT&T and Verizon Wireless are currently competing on equal footing in the smartphone arena with Apple’s iPhone 4 and things appear to be going well for both carriers.  With AT&T’s exclusivity contract with Apple over,Verizon Wireless reports they’ve sold more iPhone 4 devices in its initial launch than any other product in the company’s history.

What does the future hold for AT&T, Verizon Wireless and their iPad 2 sales?  Only time will tell…..

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Apple Posts Video of iPad 2 Keynote Address


We followed Apple’s announcements closely today and were excited about the new products they unveiled during their big media event.  The day began on a positive note with Steve Jobs making a surprise appearance to present many of the items. From iOS 4.3 to the new iPad 2, March 11th promises to be a busy day with several new products hitting store shelves.

If you’re interested in watching all the details of today’s event firsthand, you can stream the QuickTime video of the entire keynote address from the Apple website or you can download a video podcast from iTunes.

 

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iMovie and GarageBand for iPad 2


Apple has a long history of software products known for helping users to get their creative juices flowing.  During today’s media event, they announced two new apps for the iPad that fall into this category:  iMovie and GarageBand.

Randy Ubillos took the stage to discuss iMovie for iPad and said, ”Today we’ve got a new version that takes advantage of the iPad 2 and its extra horsepower.”  The iMovie for iPad app will allow users to shoot, edit, create and share HD video all from the iPad 2, iPhone4 or iPod (4th generation).  Designed especially for Multi-Touch, iMovie for iPad will help you create endless masterpieces using your family video collection or anything else you choose to use.

Three new video themes, great titles, transitions, audio soundtracks and over 50 sound effects all provide details that help transform an ordinary video into a great one.

Videos are easily shared with family and friends via YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and more.  Use AirPlay to stream to your Apple TV or transfer between devices in iTunes.

iMovie for iPad will be available for download on March 11th for $4.99 in the App Store.

Xander Soren took the stage to demo GarageBand for iPad.  This great new app will give users all the tools they need to “lay down fresh tracks and record music anywhere you go.”  Built to take advantage of the iPad Multi-Touch screen, GarageBand will provide musicians with a collection of touch instruments and a full-featured recording studio.  Play, record and arrange soundtracks like an expert musician regardless of your location, all from the screen of the iPad.

Share your musical compositions through email,export and add your song to your iTunes library or send a project to your Mac and open it in GarageBand to keep refining your song.

Like iMovie for iPad, GarageBand for iPad will be available for download on March 11th for $4.99 in the App Store.  Be ready to get creative!

 

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Apple Unveils iOS 4.3 – Available March 11


During today’s iPad 2 launch event,  Apple announced that iOS 4.3, the latest version of their mobile OS, will be available to iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch (3rd and 4th generation) customers starting March 11.

New features in iOS 4.3 include the following:

  • The update brings a much faster web browsing experience thanks to Safari’s new Nitro JavaScript engine.
  • Users can now access all their iTunes media content via WiFi using the new iTunes Home Sharing feature.
  • AirPlay has been improved so that all iPad apps can push video or photos out to any AirPlay ready device like the Apple TV.  The feature even allows websites to push audio and video via AirPlay.
  • As was rumored, users can now select whether to set the iPad’s switch to lock screen orientation or act as a mute button.
  • iPhone 4 users will be able to set their phone up as a personal WiFi hotSpot and share a single cellular data connection with multiple WiFi devices.
  • Photo Booth finally makes it to iOS.  Users can select from dozens of photo effects to capture and stylize photos.
  • FaceTime video calling now takes advantage of the new iPad 2′s dual cameras. iPad and iPhone users will now be able to connect via FaceTime.

Users will be able to update their device via the software update feature in iTunes.

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Apple Online Store Down Ahead of iPad 2 Launch


As is the case before most big Apple product launches, Apple has taken down all of their Online Stores ahead of today’s iPad 2 media event. The Online Store went down approximately two hours ago and should come back shortly after the conclusion of today’s launch which should be around 2:00 PM Central Time.

The fact that Apple has taken the store down could mean that the iPad 2 will be available for order immediately following the event.

Be sure to check back with us beginning at 12:00 PM Central Time today as we cover all of today’s iPad 2 launch news.

 

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iPad 2 – Trade-in Your Current iPad to Upgrade


Apple’s announcement for the new iPad is tomorrow. Without a doubt, it has been a highly anticipated announcement over the last few months.

We’ve heard plenty about all the possible new iPad features. While this can be an exciting time for both new and existing iPad owners, it could also be the best time for existing owners to think about ways to pay for that tempting iPad 2 upgrade.

You have a few options of course. You can sell your existing iPad via eBay. Many folks have done that when they upgraded from the WiFi-only to the iPad 3G. Of course, you can give your current iPad as a gift to your significant other or your kid, if you’re in the mood to give away 2010′s Hottest Gadget.

Or, you can use someone like NextWorth to facilitate the trade-in process of your first generation iPad. NextWorth is a website that will tell you the trade-in value of many of your electronic devices. They cover everything from MP3 players to video games to cell phones. Now, they’re offering trade-in values for the first generation iPad, which could help you subsidize the cost of an upgrade to the new iPad.

I’ve checked some of the trade-in values provided by NextWorth for the first generation iPad. The most recent trade-in values for first generation iPads with “Light Wear” seem to be as follows:

  • iPad 16G WiFi: $255
  • iPad 32GB WiFi: $285
  • iPad 64GB WiFi: $310
  • iPad 16G WiFi + 3G: $298
  • iPad 32G WiFi + 3G: $350
  • iPad 64GB WiFi + 3G: $390

The folks at NextWorth have told us they have partnered with Target stores across the country to offer an in-store trade-in option. NextWorth offers its online trade-in option as well. According to NextWorth, you will receive credit towards a purchase, or a prepaid Target card for the value of the trade-in that can be used for any item sold at Target stores. Via NextWorth.com, you have the choice of cash or a gift card when you trade-in your first generation iPad. NextWorth offers FREE, fully-insured UPS shipping service to all online customers.

For a list of participating Target stores click here.

We wanted to share this option, just in case you’re looking for ways to subsidize the cost of the new iPad being announced tomorrow.

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iPad-Mini Spotted in Taiwan?


Throughout 2010 we’ve heard plenty of rumors about Apple coming out with a smaller version of the iPad, one that would bring us a 7-inch tablet in 2011.

But, we also heard Steve Jobs referring to the current 7-inch tablets as devices that will be DOA (Dead on Arrival) due to being too small, which would force their manufacturers to increase the size in 2011.

However, the iPad-Mini rumor just refuses to die, and the rumors will start to go rampant once again after this recent picture from Taiwan.

A famous Taiwanese celebrity, Jimmy Lin, who is a race car driver is claiming to have a prototype of an iPad-Mini. The picture above shows Jimmy Lin looking quite confident holding a regular size iPad, and what he claims is a new prototype of the next generation iPad-Mini.

Is it real? Well, there is zero evidence that an iPad-Mini indeed exists. Apple guards upcoming products very carefully from the general public. The picture above is not clear enough to really determine if indeed an iPad-Mini prototype has been released.

For now, we will say this is a fake. But, only time will tell if Apple decides to venture into the 7-inch tablet market at all. Steve Jobs has indicated that would not be a smart move for Apple. What do you think? Would you buy a smaller version of the iPad?

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