The Apple iPad has captured the imagination of consumers and the attention of the media. Are you planning to purchase an Apple iPad?

I will be purchasing an Apple iPad. I’m leaning towards the WiFi model because I’m not usually far from a wireless network and I expect to use the device primarily at home. Although the WiFi + 3G model is attractive as an option, I’m not sure I’d have a reason to spring for the pre-paid monthly 3G service except while away on vacation. In those instances my iPhone would serve well as my primary news reader. Besides, most vacation spots today do offer WiFi service if even for a modest additional fee.

I probably will buy one some time down the line, but I will need to see one in person and sorted out the wifi only versus wifi + 3G option (it is not clear to me regarding the 3G option how it will work) before I will buy one.

I am 99% likely to purchase an iPad.

The only hesitation I have is that I currently believe I need the 64GB 3G version.

3G - There are a few places where I really want to be able to use and show the iPad that do not offer WiFi. I’d hate to buy without the 3G and then regret having been too cheap later. However, it does seem a little expensive for a feature I will only occasionally use. To me, the whole line would appear much cleaner and simpler if 3G was built into all units. That might even help the carriers since more users would end up signing up for extra data. I’d be really ecstatic if I could simply get the WiFi version and tether to my iPhone, but I’ve not heard anyone say this would be possible. I’d even be a little happier if the 3G version used a standard size SIM card so on those rare occasions I could simply swap my existing SIM card instead of getting a data plan for the month.

64GB - I have a 32GB iPhone that has very little space available and my daughter’s 64GB iPod touch has only about 8GB available. I’ve loaded her touch with kids movies and it’s amazing to see how she prefers to watch movies where she wants to watch them on her iPod. Her location preference makes the small screen a clear winner vs. watching in the family room on the big screen. Given that the iPad is just as ‘house portable’, but offers a much bigger display, I know it will be loaded up with movies and that 64GB will be necessary. I really think the versions should have gone from 32 to 128GB when you consider it’s going to be such a nice platform for enjoying video.

In summary, the only thing that might prevent me from buying an iPad is that at $829, (plus some more for the case), I start to waffle and begin thinking I should push that money up the line to a new MacBook. Given some of my worries, I also start to think I should wait for the 2nd version before buying as the early adopters often pay a higher price for a device that will soon have the improvements they desire.

I’m springing for the Apple cover and the docking station/keyboard combo. I have a bag of old Airport gear and I’ll bring that to the office, set-up my own wireless network and use the iPad as my primary email device for both work and home. It’s that portable, convenient and amazingly cool.

oldmac - 28 February 2010 09:44 PM

I probably will buy one some time down the line, but I will need to see one in person and sorted out the wifi only versus wifi + 3G option (it is not clear to me regarding the 3G option how it will work) before I will buy one.

Same here… it is not very clear to me how the 3G option will work….
but I will buy two ipads the minute they hit the shelves… even thinking about going to NY to buy them, ‘cause (as usual) here in Europe we will need to wait a bit longer for Apple’s finest

N.L. - 01 March 2010 02:02 AM

oldmac - 28 February 2010 09:44 PM

I probably will buy one some time down the line, but I will need to see one in person and sorted out the wifi only versus wifi + 3G option (it is not clear to me regarding the 3G option how it will work) before I will buy one.

Same here… it is not very clear to me how the 3G option will work….
but I will buy two ipads the minute they hit the shelves… even thinking about going to NY to buy them, ‘cause (as usual) here in Europe we will need to wait a bit longer for Apple’s finest

Considering the importance of European sales to Apple’s growth in revenue and earnings and increasing presence in the EU, I suspect you won’t have to wait for long. How far are you from an Apple retail store?

DawnTreader - 01 March 2010 03:19 AM

N.L. - 01 March 2010 02:02 AM

oldmac - 28 February 2010 09:44 PM

I probably will buy one some time down the line, but I will need to see one in person and sorted out the wifi only versus wifi + 3G option (it is not clear to me regarding the 3G option how it will work) before I will buy one.

Same here… it is not very clear to me how the 3G option will work….
but I will buy two ipads the minute they hit the shelves… even thinking about going to NY to buy them, ‘cause (as usual) here in Europe we will need to wait a bit longer for Apple’s finest

Considering the importance of European sales to Apple’s growth in revenue and earnings and increasing presence in the EU, I suspect you won’t have to wait for long. How far are you from an Apple retail store?

Well, we have only 10 official Apple Stores in ...Europe… closest one for me is Frankfurt (about 170 miles…) still prefer a 7 hours flight to NY though

I voted no, because I am reluctant to buy first generation technology. I am glad I waited for the 3G iPhone, and I am not dying for new electronics in my life.

If the offering becomes more compelling in the future, I will get one. But I have to really know what I am buying.

N.L. - 01 March 2010 07:40 AM

Well, we have only 10 official Apple Stores in ...Europe… closest one for me is Frankfurt (about 170 miles…) still prefer a 7 hours flight to NY though

I thought there were that many in the UK? Oh wait UK not part of Europe any more - when did that happen?

EDIT: 26 Apple Stores in the UK.

2 in Italy, 2 in France, 3 in Germany,  3 in Switzerland. So there are your 10 in Europe, but I still think that the UK is in Europe - or it least it was when I left.

rattyuk - 01 March 2010 08:36 AM

N.L. - 01 March 2010 07:40 AM

Well, we have only 10 official Apple Stores in ...Europe… closest one for me is Frankfurt (about 170 miles…) still prefer a 7 hours flight to NY though

I thought there were that many in the UK? Oh wait UK not part of Europe any more - when did that happen?

oeps, I always forget about that little island (just kidding!)

No, you are right, I was only talking about the main land…

I wasn’t really hassling NL - just wanted to point out that Apple had a pretty massive presence in the UK - But yes looks like there is enormous room for growth in Europe at the moment - I think Apple may have put the breaks on until the purchasing sentiment changes there.

I can’t wait to use my ipad sitting on the couch watching tv playing games and surfing the internet. I can do everything on the ipad the iphone does but bigger better and brighter.

I’ve gone from “not getting one” (before the announcement), to “might get the second generation”, to “I have to get one the first day.” That said, I currently think I’ll just get the WiFi 16GB model. Since I already have a MacBook Pro and I don’t even use my Macs for serious work, I just see it as a armchair web browser, a remote for my home theater (driven by a Mac Mini), and a PDF/eBook reader. I just don’t see watching movies on it since I have a MacBook that can hold it’s screen upright without having to be held or propped up against something.

I put the WiFi only version as most places I go have WiFi and I don’t know what Data plans will be offered up here.

I plan on buying the WiFi iPad on day one (64GB).  I have an iPhone 3GS and I’d rather just tether the iPad to the phone if I need 3G access.  Now this supposes that AT&T will get its act together on tethering and it won’t cost a lot more to do it (will it??)  Anyone else planning on this route?