An interesting Alternative to iPad w/3G
While pondering about the Apple iPad and having numerous conversations about this “magical and revolutionary product” the big questions that people always ask me is “How much memory should I get? ” and “Should I order it with 3G”. Well the first question to me was pretty simple – Memory. From my perspective while 16GB is just not enough – the cost of the 64GB unit just pushes this device in my humble opinion to a price point that is just too high! In addition to my price concern, I carry a 32GB iPhone have 339 songs, 33 videos, 190 photos, 82 Apps and still have over 8GB of free space! So what I have learned from my first iPod days is that I really don’t need to carry my entire library with me all the time! Thus 32GB just “feels Right” and practical to me for storage.
WI-FI + 3G or Not?
Well I have to say my initial reaction was YES you need 3G, however the more I thought about it the less I thought of having to add $130 to the cost of an iPad and then spend either $14.99 or $29.99 a month, contract or not for 3G data access! So then it dawned on me that there was another option albeit more expensive, it would provide me 3G access on my iPad plus a whole lot more!
Enter Verizon’s MIFI 2200 or Sprints Overdrive app Wireless Hotspot! In case you are not familiar with these devices they are
pocket sized, battery powered, portable WIFI hotspots that allow up to 5 devices access to the internet over the 3G/4G wireless networks! Currently you can buy the Verizon MIFI 2200 from Verizon for $59.95, and the Sprint Overdrive for $99 with $50 mail in rebate. Of course both devices assumed a 2yr contract for service with both carriers offering “unlimited” 5GB per month data plans at $59.95 per month.
I was able to do some extensive testing with both of these devices to determine how well they really did perform with normal usage, at least with my laptop and desktop computers. These tests were conducted around Rochester, NY so Sprints 4G network was non-existant, meaning all tests were done within Verizon & Sprints 3G EDVO Rev a. Network. I found that both units from a download speed persecutive were very close to each other in multiple tests and web page surfing user experience. Utilizing an internet speed test site – SpeedTest.net I found that wireless download speeds ranged from 1.0 – 1.3 mbs down and .150 – .350 mbs upload speeds. The Verizion MIFI 2200 usually bested the Sprint Overdrive almost every time by 10%, not really anything you noticed when surfing web pages or watching YouTube videos. What was surprising to me however was the speed comparison when the hotspots were directly connected to my laptop via the included USB cables. With the Sprint Overdrive the speeds did not change, however the Verizon MIFI just took off with speed testing improvements such as 1.7 – 1.9mbs down and .350 – .550 mbs upload speeds! Beyond the speed testing you could easily see that web pages easily loaded faster under this configuration as well. Bottom line: Verizon out performed Sprint, at least in Rochester, NY with no 4G coverage at the time of this blog posting.
Alternative Approach
So think of this approach from this perspective; add $130 to the cost of my iPad, then plan on spending $29.99 per month for unlimited data access OR get one of these instant hotspot devices which will give you hotspot access for not just your iPad, but your smart phone, Laptop and 2 other internet hungry devices! The long term monthly cost (assuming 2 year contract) is certainly more then the iPad data plan however again in my humble opinon you get more capability then buying a WI-FI + 3G iPad!
If you ordered an iPad I would like to hear your comments about this device. I will be sharing my unboxing and thoughts on this device over the coming weekend in both blog posts and video. Hope to see you soon!