
Chart Source: AllThingsDigital
When the iPad 2 launches later this week we’ll have a number of choices on models and versions. There are black and white models, 16,32, and 64GB storage options on all models, and now there are also three choices when it comes to connectivity for the device: WiFi only, WiFi + 3G via the AT&T network, and WiFi + 3G via the Verizon network.
As you can see from the chart above, Verizon’s data plans look very attractive, especially at the entry level – where they offer four times the amount of data usage (1GB compared to 250MB) for just $5 more per month. Their higher level plan offers 1GB more than AT&T’s (3GB and 2GB respectively) for $10 more per month. That seems quite a good deal too, if you feel you may need more than 2GB a month.
One important thing to keep in mind if you do much international travel is that Verizon’s CDMA technology is not widely used outside of North America; whereas AT&T’s GSM tech is. Sof if you plan to do a fair bit of international travel with your 3G iPad (and you need to have 3G available and not just make use of WiFi hotspots) then AT&T is clearly the better choice.
Happily, both AT&T and Verizon require no contract to use their iPad data plans. You can turn them on during any month, turn them off a month later, and turn back on as needed.
I am a happy AT&T customer. Their voice and data service has been largely reliable for me with my iPhones here in Austin, Tx, and I have had only one issue (an admin / billing screwup) in using their iPad data plan. Even so, as I do not travel much at all, I may go with a Verizon iPad 2. I like the look of their data plans and I’d like to see how much their US network lives up to its reputation.
How about you? For those of you in the US who are getting a 3G iPad 2, which carrier will you be going with?