Apple iPads at The Villages

[glgene]

Are there sufficient number of wi-fi's in TV to support access to the Internet on Apple iPads? Or must one pay $20 (or so) a month for 3G connection?

Gene

[teachnmo]

There is Wi-Fi in some areas such as restaraunts. I purchased a Kindle with Wi-Fi and could not pull anything in at or near my home in Bonita. So I ended up returning it and getting the Kindle with 3G.

[Mikeod]

Regional rec centers have wi-fi,

[golfnut]

you may be able to sniff out a neighborhood signal....gn

[Barefoot]

Some restaurants offer free Wifi ... Crispers is one of them.

[glgene]

From the initial replies, it doesn't sound too optimistic about depending on wi-fi spots in neighborhoods. Right?

I guess it would be stupid to ask if there are wi-fi spots on the Golf courses. But I'll go ahead and ask anyway...wi-fi spots (dependably) on golf courses?

Gene

[chacam]

I guess it would be stupid to ask if there are wi-fi spots on the Golf courses. But I'll go ahead and ask anyway...wi-fi spots (dependably) on golf courses?

Gene

Wouldn't that just pi** off your partners ?

[Avista]

I want to get an IPad and can't decide between the WiFi or added 3G. I am leaning toward the one including 3G. I was in an Apple store, and the way they explained it to me is you can pay the 3G by the month. In other words, if you are going to be home a few months, don't pay the 3G. If you're going on a trip and want to use it in the car and away from home, sign up for 3G for that month only. I think this is the way I will go.

[iandwk]

A wireless router for your home can be purchased for less than $50. I have seen them on sale at Staples for less than $30. They're easy to set up.

We have an ipad and considered buying the 3g model, but the extra cost deterred us, including the monthly fee for the 3g. We've had it now for 3 months and have never found a need for 3g. Weighing cost vs. convenience, a wireless router was a great alternative for us.

[gvsulakerfan]

yeah. just set up a wireless connection in your home. 3g is worthless. especially from at&t.

[Avista]

Most people have wireless for their computer. I have both wifi AND 3 G on my Nook. Never have had any problem with 3g.

[laryb]

I bought a 3g model but have not used it yet. Although it cost about $100 more, the advantage for us would be the internet access traveling from Ma to Fl. The ability to make reservations, general info, and the ability for directions. With the way technology advances, there will probably be some advancement that will make me wish I had spent the extra money. I love home electronics, and every time I've settled for a little less, I've always ended up wishing that I spent a little extra.

[Snowbirdtobe]

We have a Virgin Mobil MiFi box that is the internet connection for our house near SS.
It is the WiFi router for all of the following devices.
Vizio TV
TiVo
HP Airprint printer
iBook
2 iPhones
iPad WiFI only
We can only run 5 of them at a time and are able to stream Netflix to the TV.

We both have 3gs iPhones and don't see awful ATT&T coverage but we stay close to SS most of the time.
Virgin just announced that they would cut back on your speed after 5Gb per month but it's not on the web site yet.

I anticipate that some other cell phone company will offer 4G in the next year or 2 and I'll jump.

[Avista]

I bought a 3g model but have not used it yet. Although it cost about $100 more, the advantage for us would be the internet access traveling from Ma to Fl. The ability to make reservations, general info, and the ability for directions. With the way technology advances, there will probably be some advancement that will make me wish I had spent the extra money. I love home electronics, and every time I've settled for a little less, I've always ended up wishing that I spent a little extra.
That's exactly why I would like the 3G. It would be useful to be able to browse as we drive. Perhaps drive through an area and then read aloud to my husband about the history. Also being able to check out motels as we drive. I like the idea of only buying the 3G for the months we need it.
Are you interest in the 16, 32 or 64 GB? I am undecided between the 16 and 32, but will probably end up getting the 16 with WiFI and 3G.
I am looking into Apple refubished:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

[Jhooman]

I want to get an IPad and can't decide between the WiFi or added 3G. I am leaning toward the one including 3G. I was in an Apple store, and the way they explained it to me is you can pay the 3G by the month. In other words, if you are going to be home a few months, don't pay the 3G. If you're going on a trip and want to use it in the car and away from home, sign up for 3G for that month only. I think this is the way I will go.
I purchased with the 3G. Will only use when I'm traveling. My iPad rocks.

[Avista]

I purchased with the 3G. Will only use when I'm traveling. My iPad rocks.
Did you get 16, 32 or 64? Are you satisfied with the amount of memory you have?

[Redtail]

yeah. just set up a wireless connection in your home. 3g is worthless. especially from at&t.

i hate at&t as much as i hated aol but if youre on a trip sporadic wifi hot spots dont work well!

[TCLaD]

Got my Ipad this Christmas. We are sporadic snowbirds and have no internet at our Bonita home. I got the Ipad 16, with 3G capability. There seems to be several WIFI signals in and around the neighborhood but all seemed to be locked out to prevent pirated use. I buy the 30 day 2 GB ATT useage and use it only when I am down there. Actually the 250 (14.95) worked well until grandkids got a hold of it. It ran out in 3 days, so I next purchased the 2GB ($25.00). Still using it. My 30 days will be up in 3 days and I still have 1/3 of the 2 GB remaining. Most likely be up before my 2 GB is used up. Here at home I do have wireless and do not need the 3G. Love my I Pad.

[Barefoot]

I purchased with the 3G. Will only use when I'm traveling. My iPad rocks.

I also purchased the 3G model, and will only use the 3G when we're travelling. My iPad also rocks! What a cute toy. :024:

[Avista]

Got my Ipad this Christmas. We are sporadic snowbirds and have no internet at our Bonita home. I got the Ipad 16, with 3G capability. There seems to be several WIFI signals in and around the neighborhood but all seemed to be locked out to prevent pirated use. I buy the 30 day 2 GB ATT useage and use it only when I am down there. Actually the 250 (14.95) worked well until grandkids got a hold of it. It ran out in 3 days, so I next purchased the 2GB ($25.00). Still using it. My 30 days will be up in 3 days and I still have 1/3 of the 2 GB remaining. Most likely be up before my 2 GB is used up. Here at home I do have wireless and do not need the 3G. Love my I Pad.

Are you satisfied with the 16 GB? I think I will get exactly what you have.

[villages07]

Avista.... 16 vs 32 vs 64 is dependent on how much content you intend to store on the iPad. Would you put all your digital photos there? All your music? I have mine set to not automatically synchronize all my music and photos from my main desktop....I select which ones.

I have over 150 apps, 400 songs, 1400 photos and still have only used 10 gb out of my original 32gb.

So, 16GB is probably enough for the average adult (a kid would load it up with all sorts of useless stuff). I went with 32gb for the extra cushion.:024:

[memason]

Ok....love the iPad. I bought one as soon as they came out and only got the 16gb, wifi only model...cheapest option.

I thought 16 would be more than enough, but as i started putting photos and music on it, I filled up the 16gb pretty quickly..then there are the apps that you will download. If i were buying today, i wouldn't consider anything less than 32gb...and would most likely go with the 64gb model

Eventually, i purchased a VirginMobile MiFi unit to get 3G connection. We use the mifi primarily when traveling, since we can connect the iPad, MacBook and both phones to the wifi. Only pay for the months we need mobility.

Mike....

[linandvin]

I got the 16 3G for Christmas and absolutely love it!!! Paid the $25 for the first month since we were traveling back and forth to Long Island. It was very entertaining for over a 1,000 mile trip. I have over 4000 photos, lots of books and aps and a TV episode and more and I'm still only half full. I'll take the shows off when I need to free up some memory. It is amazing.:coolsmiley:

[Jhooman]

Did you get 16, 32 or 64? Are you satisfied with the amount of memory you have?

I purchased the 16. I also purchased a Mac Book pro. I want to us the iPad for games and surfing. It's amazing!

Maybe we should start an iPad club!

Our home is on the market and soon as it sales we are on our way to The Villages. Our dreams are coming true. :a040:

[robbie]

Santa brought me a 16 and I have hardly put it down.... Have 800 songs, 100 pictures, several magazines (ladies, the new Martha Stewart is amazing, completely interactive), 3 books and I still have 8g left... The sensitive scroll still takes some getting to...opened up three ads I didn't intend to just reading totv:cus:...highly recommend to anyone who is on the fence...

[BBQMan]

iPad is a great step forward for most of us. I can take it on the road and manage my email, watch movies, read books, read the morning WSJ, play games, watch movies, manage my calendar and so much more it is mind boggling. For most of us it easily substitutes for a laptop and has a considerably greater battery life.

To virtually eliminate the need for the cell phone and its potentially expensive minutes I installed a home network. Other companies lag far behind Apple and are bringing very limited devices to market to try to compete with iPad. I can recommend iPad without hesitation, but strongly suggest you get a screen protector.