This was the reason I went for a 3G instead of WiFi-only (iPad1, obviously...) - it's pricey on a pence/Mb scale, but very cheap if you're usage is likely to be modest as you're not committed to a contract; it's also a good way of judging if a contract's best for you or not - you can sign up for SIM-only plan and switch to a contract later if you find you're using more 3G data than you expected, or you can add data 'bundles' e.g. 3Gb of data for £15 valid for 30 days if you know you're going to be in a situation where you're likely to use 3G more than WiFi. The accounts are set up with settlement by monthly direct debit, so it really is a 'pay as you go' account rather than a 'top up' type arrangement - no monthly minimums required.

For me it was an easy way to keep contacts and calendar all in sync via MobileMe, and FWIW even though I use my iPad daily I'm still working on the £10 credit I received from Orange when I opened the account at the end of May last year...

HTH Pete

Thanks for that.
I think my issue really lies with the fact I don't want to use any 3G data, I will just be using it for the GPS. Do you have to sign-up for a SIM plan (even if it's PAYG)? Does the GPS not work without the SIM being present?

Mark

Nicola keeps asking if I'd like an ipad (2). Not as in "do you want me to get you one" but more like "would you want an ipad". She's making me think she wants to get me one. Not sure why though.

Cheers, maybe you'll have more luck than we did

As I understand it the GPS uses the internet connection to download the maps to the device, so I think you may struggle not to use any 3G data. AFAIK I'm pretty sure you don't have to sign up for a SIM plan, or even have a SIM card installed, but without an internet connection (3G or WiFi) although the GPS apparently works, it doesn't download the maps 'cos it can't get online; in other words the Maps app will locate you with a blue dot on the screen, but it can't load the map behind it. Not so useful, unless you're using the GPS for something else, of course...

Pete

Well that may be true of Google maps but it is not true for CoPilot or TomTom or any other "full fat" GPS.

Not sure about the data usage one would not expect it to use any data after all a TomTom doesn't does it?

Oh, OK; I've never used a 'full fat' GPS App - presumably they store the map data in the App then, rather than download it as required?

So it's a case of getting a dedicated GPS app for directions or getting a SIM with a data plan.
I'll need to think about this to see which makes the most financial sense.
I don't want to have to keep adding £10 worth of data every month just to keep the data plan going if I don't end up using any actual data for a couple of months or more.

Mark

Dedicated GPS apps come in a range of prices including free.

The best is TomTom and the price yoyos from£40 to £50.

I use CoPilot. It is pretty good and costs £20 for UK and Ireland.

CoPilot does not use any data. Everything is stored in the app itself. I used CoPilot USA when I was in Florida last year and it worked fine with no data charge. With the possible exception of the Live traffic add on.

Just to be clear, the Orange PAYG plan linked to above doesn't require you to make fixed monthly payments just to keep the plan active; you pay for what you use monthly by direct debit.

Pete

Because 'both of you' could use it, would be my guess

Either that, or she's thinking that 'if he's allowed to treat himself...'

Either are possibilities though maybe she wants to come clean over a credit card bill or a big splurge on shoes or something so needs a bargaining chip come the arguments.

Engadget have a nice review of the new iPad2

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/ipad-2-review/

Clicky

iPad 1 vs iPad 2 vs Motorola Xoom openGL benchmarks, with specific reference to possible game performance. The result is er.... conclusive.