I just ordered the 32gb + 3G. I wanted to get wi-fi only and save $129 but remembered all the times I've been frustrated being stuck without an internet connection on my laptop or iPod touch. I do have an iPhone 3GS and plan on keeping it but I figured it will likely be a certain amount of hassle to substitute iPhone 3G access for access on the iPad when that's what I want to use.
Was on the fence due to the expense but finally went for it since none of us really know what kinds of use cases will materialize that may benefit from 3G plus the AGPS and my sunk cost is only $129 since I don't get stuck with a cellular contract.
I'm confident that the 250 mb, $15/month service will be adequate for my needs since I do have access to wi-fi most of the time. Except perhaps when I'm traveling which is typically only 2-3 times a year.
Cellular access could wind up being the crucial ingredient in making the iPad a laptop replacement. I can imagine using a remote control program of some sort to run things on my Mac at home from my iPad to look things up or file transfer to Drop Box or Mobile Me while away from a full-powered computer.
Got the Apple case for the 3-position capability which I bet is needed for things like typing. Don't care about it as a photo viewer though but maybe other notifications now and down the road. And hoping for widget support in OS 4.
Did not get Applecare. Willing to take my chances and can reconsider once I have it in hand.
I'm hoping to take the iPad with me on my morning exercise walk with destination at Caffe Acri. If I must, I'll take my Macbook Air which I still love and appreciate immensely.
I expect that most days I'll get by fine without my Macbook Air as the five most likely things I'll be doing while out for coffee is surf the web, read, check and reply to email, plan the day's tasks and write my morning journal entry -- probably in an iPad version of Momento.
Kindle vs iPad for Book Reading. When both devices are available, I expect to read fiction on the Kindle and non-fiction with lots of illustrations on the iPad. If I didn't have a Kindle, I doubt I would buy one at current prices, but I am glad to have it for the smaller form-factor and lighter weight for reading fiction in bed especially. I do appreciate the e-ink when lighting conditions aren't a problem. However, now that the Kindle will have competition for which device I carry, it is unlikely it will leave the house unless I'm in the middle of a page-turner and have time to do that kind of reading.
I sure hope I like typing on the iPad. I am big into writing and want this tool to be a moleskine replacement. I'm not optimistic about handwriting on iPad due to what I recently read on JK On the Run about handwriting recognition and the iPad. I hold out a little hope, though, that individual iPad apps like Evernote or NoteTaker will add more handwriting capability.
Then there's the on screen keypad. Not so sure how well I will like it but it's got to be better than typing on my iPhone (fingers crossed). It competes with the great typing experience on my Macbook Air. Also, might get a super light, small Bluetooth keyboard - like one that rolls up if available. I want the iPad to be a tool for thought (remember the great Howard Rheingold book Tools for Thought? Read it online free at the link - one of my all time favorite books).
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