tom - if you are going the ipad2 route, i agree with pooh that you should consider getting the 3g version for the difference in price. there is nothing that says your MUST subscribe to a data plan from the gitgo. that can come at a later date. with the initial purchase you just have to decide which data provider you would want at that later date - verizon or at&t.
data plans could make great gifts for your wife down the line!!!
i'd pop for an ipad2 if i had someone to sponsor my data plan!!!
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Not sure if I have free time...or if I just forgot everything I was supposed to do!