I have an iPhone... so do I need an iPad with 3G?

[Aeaea]

I'm definitely getting an iPad, but I've been trying to think how useful 3G will be if I already have an iPhone?

Almost every time I connect to the Internet today I have Wifi access. If I'm out of WiFi range with my iPad, I'll still have the connectivity via iPhone if I ever need it. The real question is whether the iPad will have must-have exclusive apps that require 3G?

I'd be astounded if Apple and AT&T would allow iPad tethering to an iPhone.

GPS is another thing. According to the technical specs, only the 3G iPad has it. GPS would be nice to have if maps were downloaded to the device prior to getting outside Wifi range. I'm surprised there is no GPS chip in the iPad. Maybe we'll get surprised at the launch? And if so, would the added cost for the 3G iPad be worth it if only it had a GPS chip in it? The augmented reality apps could be awesome.

I think I'd like to grab the Wifi model now as an early adopter and then replace it with a generation 2 device when it comes out in a year. I could save the $130 price difference plus the (optional) 3G fee now. Heh, but will I kick myself in August once the app developers get their hands on the thing?

[scorelessmusic]

For me, I will be getting the 3G iPad simply because I read on-the-go a lot. My newsfeed reader usually presents me with about 500+ new topics a day, and while the convenience of reading it on my iPhone is great, it's beginning to take its toll on my eyes.

There is also something that I am working on right now (as an iPad developer) that would benefit greatly from an 'always on internet' connection so it's really a no-brainer for me.

[shigzeo]

I think you need to rethink the meaning of 'need'. I doubt there is any technology we 'need' unless our livelihoods depended upon it. A photographer would be out on the street without a camera, that is for sure. I would like to have an iPad as my laptop is way too heavy and more than annoying to carry around. But, my finances are arguing with me and to be honest, I don't need one now.

[NineSwords]

I wouldn't wonder though if tethering would be allowed though.

[Aeaea]

I think you need to rethink the meaning of 'need'. I doubt there is any technology we 'need' unless our livelihoods depended upon it...

I hear you @shigzeo.... but then needs fall into several levels. If we really look closely at what we do with our lives, our basic needs are probably fairly simple (food, housing clothing, protection, etc.). However, once those basic needs are met, then we are faced with the second tier of "needs" namely electronic gadgets (my wife equates this with the third tier, i.e., vices, because the obsessive symptoms are similar, but I know she's wrong).

[aidan_ree]

I do not think I will need an iPad with 3G but will surely dream about it. Most of my downloads currently, even with the iPhone 3G, is through wifi, although 3G is useful when no wifi is available. However 3G data download costs can be very expensive.

[Aeaea]

Cute article from our friends at TUAW on this topic:

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/02/19/dear-...y-the-3g-ipad/