The Apple iPad is a revolutionary, addictive Tablet PC with Wi-Fi. Add in 3G, and it becomes even more useful, just perhaps not 0 more useful, which is the premium you’ll pay for always-on connectivity. And with 3G you have to tack on another to a month for service.Sony VGP-BPS9 The 3G model costs enough more than the

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Apple iPad

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(Wi-Fi-only version) that you have to seriously consider where you’ll use the 3G. Remember, this isn’t likely a device you’ll whip out on the street. Considering that even adding a paid Wi-Fi subscription will save you money over the 3G model, you may find that there are enough Wi-Fi hotspots and other ways to get online to make up for the lack of built-in cellular connectivity.

None of this dulls the overall attraction of the iPad—whether it’s the Wi-Fi-only tablet or the 3G model. It’s safe to say that this is the only tablet we’d recommend to most people,with its thousands of apps, useful productivity software, and well-executed e-book platform.

The Basics, Pricing, and Design
In this review, I’ll focus on the 3G model’s differentiating features. For an in-depth look at all of the iPad’s features and capabilities see our original <!– start ziffarticle //–> Apple iPad review <!– end ziffarticle //–> . And for more information, check out our reviews of key iPad apps like <!– start ziffarticle //–> iBooks <!– end ziffarticle //–> and <!– start ziffarticle //–> iWork <!– end ziffarticle //–>.

The iPad 3G comes in three capacities,  each tacking 0 on to the same-capacity Wi-Fi-only version; 9 (16GB), 9 (32GB), and 9 (64GB). The tablet isn’t locked to AT&T, but it’s the only U.S. carrier that supports the iPad’s 3G frequency bands. If you cut down a standard T-Mobile SIM card with an X-Acto knife, it will fit in the iPad’s micro-SIM slot, and will work, but you’ll have an iPad Wi-Fi + 2G—since you can’t hit T-Mobile’s 3G network. Basically, this is an AT&T-only device in the U.S.

Practically identical to its Wi-Fi-only counterpart,VGP-BPS9 the iPad 3G looks a lot like a giant <!– start ziffarticle //–> iPod touch <!– end ziffarticle //–> , except for its brushed aluminum back (the iPod touch has a shiny metallic back). The 3G model has a strip of black plastic along the top of the back panel that boosts the 3G antenna’s signal, and there’s a tiny pinhole on the tablet’s side, which releases the MicroSIM card. Also, the 3G tablet is slightly heavier, weighing 1.6 pounds (compared with the Wi-Fi version’s 1.5 pounds).

Video Rating: 3 / 5

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