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.
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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 |