iPad will ship with 802.11n Wi-Fi, 3G optional

I've been unhappy with the 802.11g Wi-Fi in iPhones and iPod touches, so I was quite happy to see that the iPad will have 802.11 a/b/g/n built in. This will allow everyone running an 802.11n network to no longer cripple your upload and download speed as is the case if you have an an iPhone or iPod touch. The iPad will run at the full speed of an Airport Extreme, Express or Time Capsule.

What's also interesting is that the 3G model will run on the the UTMS/HSDPA 800, 1900, and 2100 MHz band with GSM/Edge running on the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands. This means that it will run on just about any provider out there. And the SIM comes completely unlocked, so even if you don't want in on Apples $14.99 for 250mb or $29.99 unlimited pay-as-you-go plan with AT&T, you can find your own 3G provider. Don't forget, though, that you'll be waiting for an extra month, as the 3G models are releasing in 90 days, not the 60 days expected for the Wi-Fi versions.

Also included is Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology which is right in line with their previous products.

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Source: http://www.apple.com/ipad

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I've been unhappy with the 802.11g Wi-Fi in iPhones and iPod touches, so I was quite happy to see that the iPad will have 802.11 a/b/g/n...

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Patricia

I'm no techie by any means, but I am interested in the iPad -- and I'm confused about it's capabilities regarding networking with my iMac. Will it network like any other Mac product? Will I be able to access my photo library, iTunes library, or movies on my iMac? Will I be able to download the eReader app to read my ebooks, instead of having to use the Mac iBook library?

Yes, it's pretty and less inexpensive than a MacBook, but if it can't do the things I need it to do, it's worthless.

January 30 2010 at 3:36 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Mark Cuda

Honestly, I know AT&T has some serious problems in the US, but personally, I live in South Florida, and I've NEVER had a problem with service, coverage, speed, dropped calls, etc.

So for me, 30 bucks for a month of unlimited data is great, and being able to switch it on and off, the months I need is is freaking sweet. And the smaller plan is also great.

Imagine you know your going on a little weekend trip this month, so you pick up a month of 250MB of data for some email/surfing/etc, on the go, maybe your hotel doesn't have WiFi.

And then imagine two months later you go on vacation for a week and you want to do some heavy online gaming, web browsing, Email for work/school/etc, you pick up an unlimited plan for a month, and get rid of it after that.

I see that as a dealMAKER for me..

January 27 2010 at 8:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

eKipSe758

I would love to see this casing in the next version of the iPhone or possibly iPhone Pro! Anyone else?!?

January 27 2010 at 7:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

philster

I'd rather get the WiFi only model. But it It would be great if they allowed bluetooth tethering to the iPhone.

January 27 2010 at 6:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Andy

@trickydance13

Supporting 2100MHz is not sufficient to support T-Mobile. 1700MHz is *required* additionally to 2100MHz. One band is the upstream while the other is the downstream band at the same time. It's not either 2100 or 1700MHz, it's both at the same time. Go read "UMTS AWS" on wikipedia.

So, no, the iPad does not support 3g on t-mobile since it lacks the 1700MHz and AWS band implementation support. It will only support GPRS or EDGE at best.

January 27 2010 at 6:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

TheRespondent

Okay, so Bluetooth. Good. Does that mean I'll be able to tether to my iPhone to grab the Internet? I do it with my MacBook. Why pay for two whole data plans when my iPhone's always in my pocket anyway?

January 27 2010 at 4:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

dan.hutch

Looks very appealing but seems to be a halfway house between iPhone/Touch and a netbook. Great wireless connectivity by the looks, but needs a USB port then it could be realistic netbook alternative - just the one USB would do! Does it even have a headphone jack for that matter?

January 27 2010 at 4:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

levent

Would it be able to use iPhone's Internet connection?

January 27 2010 at 4:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rob

damn, I knew I shouldn't have let my 5 year old cousin play with my steam roller. :P

January 27 2010 at 4:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Andy

You won't be able to select any other nationwide gsm provider other than at&t since the listed 3g bands don't seem to support t-mobile's AWS 1700/2100MHz bands nor will you be able to get a micro sim from anyone else easily.

January 27 2010 at 4:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to Andy's comment

ACortez

T-Mobile USA 3G runs on 1700/2100, the iPad has 800/1900/2100 and since it's unlocked, I'm sure other GSM providers will gladly start to offer Micro-SIM cards and data-only plans for this... it's only a matter of time. Or 90 days, right?

January 27 2010 at 6:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Andy

Supporting 2100MHz is not sufficient to support T-Mobile. 1700MHz is *required* additionally to 2100MHz. One band is the upstream while the other is the downstream band at the same time. It's not either 2100 or 1700MHz, it's both at the same time. Go read "UMTS AWS" on wikipedia.

So, no, the iPad does not support 3g on t-mobile since it lacks the 1700MHz and AWS band implementation support. It will only support GPRS or EDGE at best.

January 27 2010 at 6:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply