iPad vs. iPhone: what does 3G cost you?
By Chris Ziegler 
posted January 27th 2010 3:25PM
posted January 27th 2010 3:25PM
 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 |
I guess I'm having a hard time figuring out why people are so bent out of shape about this not having a camera. My phone has a camera, my laptop has a camera, and I have a nice P&S camera. Do I really need another camera to add to the mix? The size makes it far too awkward to use as a still camera, and it just seems like it would be too uncomfortable to use as a web cam.
I'm really curious to hear what people think they'd realistically use a camera on a device like this for.
@TheAngryIntern
Are you serious? Exactly what you said, all your other similar devices have a lens. Why omit it here?
And yes, it looks really uncomfortable. Like holding a half pound notebook (paper, that is). Ought to be fun in the sun.
@TheAngryIntern Because everything has a camera so why couldn't we get one on the ipad. I can buy a $150 hand held HD camera. I can get a $300 netbook with a camera. Heck I can even get a camera for my xbox. This is $600 and can't even have a crappy 1.3megapixel camera on the back for taking photos(yea it would be weird to hold) or a front facing one for a skype app or something.
@xfbtmofx @Dank Dillweed: So basically your argument is everything else has a camera so this device should, too? I'll just disagree and leave it at that.
@TheAngryIntern video ichat
hype is over and way dissapointing. Can we move on engadget? piece of shit apple.
I thought it started at 499 not 629. Or am I missingsomething? Sorry if this was already addressed but safari on my iPhone keeps crashing when I try to look through the comments. I am standing outside in Philadelphia with full bars of 3g so I can understand why it's crashing.
@xfbtmofx
$499 is just WiFi.
$629 is both WiFi & 3G.
@xfbtmofx $499 for wifi only 16G model and $629 for wifi+3G 16 model.
This has "MacBook Air failure" written all over it.
how about bluetooth tethering with iPhone?
f
You guys are all tards...this thing will sell like hotcakes to the average consumer. It's not meant for super nerds who need extra. Your average consumer doesn't comprehend multitasking and the fact that this doesn't have it. As stated before, they have camera phones and laptops already. Plus jobs said the target market for this is the millions of people who already know how to use it. Face it...a powerful alternative. And At 499, it's better than your average laptop.
@Colema14 Extras? Like a keyboard? Give me a break. This is useless.
@Colema14
Explain to me in wich way it is better than an average laptop. Please.
@Colema14
Actually, you're the tard. My mother knows shit about computers, yet she surfs the web, uploads/fixes photos, etc, all open in different windows. In fact, she keeps more tabs open than I usually do.
And unless you're under 7 years old or older than 65, you know how to multitask.
@kitsune
Explain to me why they'd want to cannibalise their laptop line by being more like a Mac. Please.
@Colema14
i hope the average consumers buy a shitload of these, so they all can finally find out that apple is starting to become a money hungry company instead of an innovative company.
@Dank Dillweed
indeed and for those we wait for the courier
@Dank Dillweed
If you look at my post you'll see that I didn't say your mom couldn't multitask...we all know she can do that...what said was that she won't realize that this doesn't have it until she's purchased one...unless she has a "supernerd" like you to help her out.
It owns laptops by being simple yet powerful enough to do most of what a laptop does. Just like how my iPhone doesn't have all the features of my old winmo phone, but it's simpler, better and it just works. Hate all you want but it's brilliant marketing. I never said it was incredibly innovative.
@tallfella
So you agree with what I said, this is not better than an average laptop. Please
Just so we are all clear, if i ever see anyone of you with that Tampax Ipad, I'm gonna beat the crap out of you.
I don't know what it will cost me. but sticking with AT&T only is costing Apple yet another customer.
not that i'm defending the ipad, cuz i think it's a piece of crap...
but what part of unlocked don't you understand?
@EI8HT
And you tell me what other company uses microSIMs?
@Plazmic Flame T-Mobile already has one coming out around the time the iTampon hits. I don't know if the receiver will use the same 3G signals though, because right now ATT and T-Mob 3Gs are dif. signals so iPhones don't work on T-Mob 3G, maybe same with iTampon. It might have to run on 2G (Edge) tech.
Looks cool in the MacBook Air kind of way.. :\
Well if it has bluetooth capability its possible to tether the ipad through your iphone! That way it would cost even less! Looks sweet though!
@usammon : why risk jailbreaking? Just transfer the SIM from the iPhone.
@psycros Nice...good point! And easier as well. I wonder if the IPad will recognize that it's not technically signed up for the specific IPad service...interesting to see!
You're all wrong, what you fail to realize (guessing you didn't read the articles or follow the live blog) but this does not use a traditional SIM card, it's uses the new microSIMs which currently only ATT is utilizing as of this announcement.
Also a camera on a device makes no sense to me except one front facing for vid conferencing. I camera like on iphone would be hard to aim hence why Apple is letting you connect a normal camera.Video conferencing is a no go for awhile because it would place to much demand on carriers, not just AT&T. SO it won't be showing up for another 2 years or so until 4g starts having a good footprint. People bitch about coverage now imagine it with tons of people streaming live video. Yes its a feautre people want,but in the end you don't want it because it would bog down networks. When Apple does finally release video conferencing iphones and ipads they will prop only be available oevr wifi
@taoprophet420 "Also a camera on a device makes no sense to me except one front facing for vid conferencing."
Well guess what Einstein, THAT'S WHAT WE WANTED!
"Video conferencing is a no go for awhile because it would place to much demand on carriers,"
You mean like the other phones with front facing cameras?
"Yes its a feautre people want,but in the end you don't want it because it would bog down networks."
Oh man, these excuses you keep coming up with are splitting my sides. So what if it bogs down networks. Whose fault is that? When AT&T croons on and on about "The fastest 3G network" and "297 million supported" "Full 3G coverage" people expect what they saw on TV, and like it or not, people want to do these things like 3G, streaming, and fast downloads you promised them and they don't give a fuck what you or the carrier's excuse is. They dug the hole, so don't renege and blame the consumer for your faults!
@N900 You're right, it's AT&T's fault, not Apple's. Round of applause.
@Spencer oh lol. I'm not to mean that it's AT&T's fault for the device not having the front facing camera. I'm simply lampooning his excuse that Apple didn't put one in because it would bog down the carrier's network.
Everyone is bitching about what? A device that is $499? What did you want it to do? The damn KindleDX is $499 and has a fraction of the features. If you dont like it then dont freaking buy it. The ipad was made for the normal consumer which isnt you. They dont give a shit about multitasking or a camera.
@jsbaugh There are laptops in that range with full fledge operating systems. Touch screen? Big deal. No offence but the $499 argument is a weak one. This device is a sham as far as I'm concerned.
@jsbaugh that only implies that kindle is way overpriced as well.
@lerxst People like you will NEVER get it (pun intended), so STFU
@lerxst If you are buying a laptop that is $499 then I feel bad for you because its a pile of shit.
@jsbaugh So I can pay $830 for a giant iPhone with no camera and no phone, or I can spend about the same for a laptop with good performance, full OS, flash capability, 16:9 widescreen, multi-tasking, a 500GB + hard drive, a keyboard, and a changeable battery.
For $300 I can get a netbook with all of those features minus the 500GB harddrive, it may be around 300GB.
@nvleafs
So, do you have an $830 laptop then? Why not?
@jsbaugh "The damn KindleDX is $499 and has a fraction of the features."
Except the Kindle includes free data for life, and has an expensive e-ink screen which improves both readability and battery life.
Download the iPad video here: http://movies.apple.com/media/us/ipad/2010/tours/apple-ipad-video-us-20100127_480x272.mov
@scoutin Holy carp, that video is hilarious. These people seem like they should be in straightjackets.
AT&T is already clogged up by iphone, that is the only reason, no support for flash, no camera. Because once you have support for flash, people will be creating long play list of youtube and hulu with unlimited data plan, that's it AT&T is dead meat.
Adding a camera brings in skype...etc again another bandwidth clogger.
@dprem
its simple to disable a program while connected through 3g. The reason apple didnt put a webcam is because it'd cost them more money to install it.
Oh and if you want multitasking then jailbreak the damn thing.
@jsbaugh
oh if i want multitasking i'll buy a netbook.
@Skwidwerd Yes go buy a wonderful netbook. Enjoy it! lol