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iPad vs. iPhone: what does 3G cost you?

With the announcement that the iPad would continue Apple's often-rocky relationship with AT&T to serve up wide-area data, we wanted to know: exactly what does an iPad cost you over the course of a couple years? Granted, the iPad doesn't support voice calling -- nor does it require a contract, unlike the iPhone -- but for anyone who uses an iPhone primarily for browsing and gaming, this could make for a serviceable alternative that saves money over the long term. Follow the break for the full rundown.




iPad


iPhone

Upfront cost

$629 / $729 / $829

$99 / $199 / $299

WiFi-only version available

Yes ($499 / $599 / $699)

Yes (iPod touch - $199 / $299 / $399)

Voice calling capability

No

Yes

Contract required

No

Yes

Device unlocked

Yes

No

SIM standard

microSIM

SIM

Monthly cost for unlimited data

$29.99

$29.99

Minimum cash outlay per month

$14.99

$69.99

Minimum data cost over two years

$359.76

$720

Maximum data cost over two years

$719.76

$720

Minimum cash outlay over two years

$988.76

$1,778.76

Maximum cash outlay over two years

$1,548.76

$3,178.76