Review: The iPad 3G

A few weeks ago we reviewed the first version of the iPad – the 16GB Wi-Fi-only model – and concluded that it really wasn’t half bad. Sure, there were things that frustrated us about it – lack of USB ports, lack of Flash, spotty Wi-Fi, problems with multitasking – but overall, we grew rather attached to the thing, before it was cruelly ripped from our hands and taken back to its owner.
This past week, RCR has been playing with the 32GB 3G version of the iPad, released Friday 30th April to the awaiting queues of unwashed masses. Sure, it cost a rather hefty $130 more than the Wi-Fi-only variety of the same size, but the idea of ubiquitous connectivity proved irresistible.

After all, what exactly is the point of touting such a trendy device if one can’t take it out and about, sit hipster style with it on a park bench, play “Words with Friends” in the car (though ideally not while driving).
What the 3G version is rather good at while driving, however, is acting as a beautiful huge GPS system, because the 3G has built-in GPS which is vastly better and more accurate than the Wi-Fi model.

Looks wise, there’s little to tell the two models apart, with only a sliver of black on the back of the 3G to indicate it’s hiding a 3G modem underneath. The models weigh virtually the same, give or take 1.6 ounces or 45 grams if you’re more metrically inclined.

The screen is just as sleek and shiny as before, although be warned, clean freaks, seeing your precious device all smudged with oily finger prints can lead to manic obsessive anti-bacterial wiping.

But getting down to the crux of the issue, the 3G connection, there is some good, some bad and some really annoying news. The good news is that AT&T have not seen fit to tie users into a contract where they have to sell their souls for 2 years’ worth of expensive data. The bad news is that users will still have to shell out some $30 a month and the bad news is that it’s for awful AT&T 3G coverage.
If you’re lucky enough to be buying an iPad to use abroad, you should know that Apple has at least had the decency to make the iPad 3G unlocked, which means one could use a micro SIM from another GSM carrier and pick up cheaper local EDGE quality data plans.
Of course if your choice of international carrier doesn’t supply micro SIMs, users will be glad to know that with just an hour to spare and access to a ruler, exacto knife and steady hand, one can cut down a full size SIM to micro SIM dimensions and still make it work, as some daring modders have discovered.
Back in the US, if you have $30 extra a month to burn on yet another data plan (yes, being an iPhone user doesn’t count, AT&T will still charge you an extra $30 for your new shiny toy) at least the process of setting it up isn’t too painful. Simply click on Cellular Data in the Settings tab and it’s all plain sailing from there. Just be sure to remember that the service auto-renews itself after 30 days, so if you don’t want it anymore, stick a note on the refrigerator.

For those who want 3G but aren’t sure they’ll be using enough of it to justify $30, there’s also a 250 MB option for $15, which may satisfy enough of the 3G itch while saving some hard earned cash. There is also an option for forgetful souls to check how much data they’ve used during a month, so that they know if they’re about to run out.
Another nice feature of the device is that if both 3G and an open Wi-Fi connection are available, the device defaults to the fastest option, which is usually Wi-Fi. This adds a level of convenience to the flexibility, although using a MiFi device provides pretty much the same flexibility if one is lucky enough to own one.
Indeed, any option faster than AT&T’s mediocre service is pretty much a Godsend, although a spotty connection is always better than no connection.
Watching video over the 3G connection is a bit hit and miss, with some disappointing quality compromises which make the whole sleek iPad experience feel a little cheap and bootlegged, even if watching a movie streamed from Netflix.

Be aware, too, that using the iPad in 3G mode means losing between an hour and an hour and half of battery time, which to be honest, is not as bad as it sounds, considering one can still get a solid eight and a half hours out of it, as opposed to the 10 hours in Wi-Fi mode.
Overall, things which were frustrating on the Wi-Fi only version remain frustrating on the 3G version, but the upside of a data plan means the repressively small size of the device – 32GB being just marginally less limiting than 16GB – is alleviated by being able to stream content rather than be forced to store it.

The lack of a physical “back” button still strikes us as one of the most counterintuitive things for a modern computing device, mobile or otherwise. Indeed, as noted in our last review, it’s maddeningly annoying and one could even go as far as saying it is quite possibly the most irritating feature.
Why is this so important? It’s important because the iPad was conceived of as a portable media device for people to consume content on the go. Not being able to satisfy our short attention spans with the ability to “flick” seamlessly from one webpage to another, or glide effortlessly between Facebook, iTunes, photos and videos is a failure in our eyes. If everything works well, and looks good, why not make it all easy and effortless to use?

Despite what some say about the device still being too big to comfortably lug around, we think it is an ideal form factor for its purpose and will make travel a much less painful experience for those who have one.

Is it worth an extra $130 plus a monthly charge of $30 for unlimited data though? Personal hotspots and hub offerings like Novatel’s Mi-Fi could be a good portable fix and have the added advantage of being able to connect up to five devices on one very small pocketable device.  Then again, those cost around $200 without carrier subsidies, as well as a rather hefty $50 – $60 per month for data, not to mention you’ll only be able to squeeze four hours of life out of it on the go.
Last month, Sprint started promoting its Overdrive 3G/4G mobile hotspot device, claiming customers could achieve Internet speeds up to ten times faster than AT&T’s 3G network by connecting via Wi-Fi to Sprint’s 4G network using it. The Overdrive hotspot device is currently priced at $100 after rebates and a two-year service agreement offering unlimited 4G data and 5 GB of 3G data for $59.99 per month.
So the short answer to whether or not the iPad 3G is worth the extra money is, yes, the value add is worthwhile, and AT&T’s price for the data is relatively fair, although iPhone owners who are already paying for unlimited data from AT&T may disagree.
The iPad is a solid device, worth considering, especially if you travel a lot. As a product it managed to meet most of our expectations for a first generation tablet, and even exceeded expectations on a couple of fronts. The iPad is not for everyone and remains prohibitively expensive for most but if you fit in the target demographic, it’s a good tablet choice.
A few more pictures below: