iPad Technical Information

iPad Technical Information

You can buy an iPad in one of three storage configurations, either with Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi plus 3G. Perhaps the best way to visually represent what you get with each model is with a simple comparison of features:

Wi-Fi Only Wi-Fi plus 3G

Width 7.47 inches (19 centimeters) 7.47 inches (19 centimeters)

Depth 0.5 inches (1.3 centimeters) 0.5 inches (1.3 centimeters)

Weight

1.5 pounds (0.7 kilograms)

1.6 pounds (0.7 kilograms)

Storage Capacity

16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB

Storage Type

Solid state

Solid state

Price $499, $599, $699 $629, $729, $829

Processor 1GHz Apple A4 1GHz Apple A4

Battery Life

10 hours 10 hours

Battery Lifespan

1,000+ charges

1,000+ charges

Pre-loaded

Apps

12 12

Case

Recycled aluminum

Recycled aluminum

Wi-Fi

802.11a/b/g/n

802.11a/b/g/n

Bluetooth

2.1 + EDR technology 2.1 + EDR technology

3G

None

UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)

GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

Data only

AT&T Data

Price Plan

None

$14.99/month (250MB), $29.99 (unlimited)

Video

Up to 720p, 30 frames per second

Up to 720p, 30 frames per second

Micro SIM

Card Tray

None

One

As you can see, there's not a whole lot of difference between the two models. But a few things do set them apart, most notably 3G capability.

U.S. Federal Communications Commission

These are the iPad's WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers with the shielding removed.The Wi-Fi models work much the same way a notebook or netbook computer works. All three devices communicate with a wireless Internet connection via built-in Wi-Fi. You would be subject to the same Wi-Fi hotspot limitations with this iPad model as you would a notebook computer. The Wi-Fi + 3G model allows you more freedom to browse the Internet and check e-mail. By utilizing similar wireless and cellular technology found in the iPhone, you can tap into the Internet using 3G service, but it'll cost you. If you go this route, not only will you pay an additional $130 for the 3G-enabled device, you'll need to purchase one of two 3G data plans through AT&T. Plan on an additional $15 or $30 per month, depending on how much data you want. Regardless of which plan you choose, as of this writing, you don't have to lock into a contract. If you choose to, you can purchase 3G data sporadically, depending on how much you intend to use. If you do choose the Wi-Fi + 3G model, don't expect to be walking around holding the device up to your ear and calling your friends. Like with the iPhone and iPod Touch, you'll be able to access all your social networking sites and use e-mail on the run, but the iPad isn't a phone. When you pay for 3G service, it's for data only.

If you're new to Apple products, you may not be familiar with CEO Steve Jobs. The Apple founder is a mercurial individual and has a unique way of doing things. He's known for his showmanship at company media events, and when he unveiled iPad at a keynote seminar in March 2010, plenty of people were hanging on his every word. In the next section we'll look at what some in the media have said and delve into some of the shortcomings that may keep iPhone or notebook owners from dropping all that coin on a new gadget.