Reply
Respected Contributor
Posts: 11,367
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

On 6/11/2014 NoelSeven said:

My advice is to get your iPad at an Apple store. They're trained to know what you need, otherwise you're getting a salesperson who doesn't really know what they're talking about.

Apple stores are all over, look for a store locator. They have an extra guarantee plan that may be worth it to you, I got that and the keyboard which makes for easier typing. You might also want to get the longer cord for recharging.

If you get it from an Apple store, they're always around to answer questions for you and fix the product if you have trouble. That would not be true for other stores.


Good advice if she has one in her area.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,527
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

On 6/11/2014 greamy said: Don't know about the technical stuff or advice on what to buy, just want to say, I love, love, my IPad and enjoy using it. Good luck with your research on what to buy.

ITA!! If I'd gotten the iPad first, I could have saved myself the cost of a kindle fire HDX. {#emotions_dlg.sad}

*********************
Keepin' it real.
Super Contributor
Posts: 1,113
Registered: ‎08-13-2013

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

I just wanted to say the $10 I pay a month is so I can have access to cellular data. It is a separate number from my home phone. I also do most of my messages using that phone number.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,660
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

On 6/11/2014 Sparkle Babe said:

Okay, I am about ready to order but, hopefully, one last question which I am still not clear on. Can I order the WIFI only I-Pad (not a cellular branded one) & still get cellular capabilities should I be in an area where there is no WIFI?

No,the cellular enabled version of the IPAD has a additional chip in it that allows cellular service. The non cellular enabled version does not. That is the reason for tghe price difference.
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 132
Registered: ‎03-29-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

Sounds like I need to get an I-Pad with both WI-FI & 4G but I am still stupid. If I get both, do I have to go ahead & hook up with my cell carrier even though I will be using the WI-FI mostly but I'm thinking I should have it just in case there is no WI-FI available. Like one person said she was in an area with no Wi-Fi & she just activated her cell for 30 days. I know I'm not explaining myself very well but, bottom line is I don't want to pay a monthly charge every month for the internet when I would probably only be using it in an emergency situation.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 78,079
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

Unless you anticipate using the iPad away from home a lot, like in the car, I wouldn't get the 4g. I didn't and I've never missed it. I've stayed at hotels in the US and Canada and they all had wifi I could tap into. Even my doctor's office, a clinic, has it. Also go to the Apple Store online and see if they have reconditioned iPads. That's what I've used successfully for 3 years without a glitch, and at a big savings. All of the exterior is brand new, just the inside is reconditioned by the factory. Tablets are very easy to use; I think he'll enjoy one.
New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,126
Registered: ‎06-20-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

On 6/11/2014 Sparkle Babe said:

Sounds like I need to get an I-Pad with both WI-FI & 4G but I am still stupid. If I get both, do I have to go ahead & hook up with my cell carrier even though I will be using the WI-FI mostly but I'm thinking I should have it just in case there is no WI-FI available. Like one person said she was in an area with no Wi-Fi & she just activated her cell for 30 days. I know I'm not explaining myself very well but, bottom line is I don't want to pay a monthly charge every month for the internet when I would probably only be using it in an emergency situation.


You don't have to activate the cellular network unless you need it.

I haven't priced iPads recently, I think there is about $100 difference between WiFi only and WiFi and 4G.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,021
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

We got my husband an iPad a couple of years ago. He never uses the computer and really thought he'd never use the iPad, but he uses it all the time now and loves it!!!

I got him the one that I would have the option to be able to use the 4G, also. I haven't activated it, and may never have to, but I still like knowing that if we are traveling somewhere and need it, we have that option. When you do need it, I believe you pay for it on a month-by-month basis.

I agree that if you have an Apple store near by, I would get it from them. They aren't on commission so won't try to oversell you...they will direct you to what you actually need.

If you haven't already, you can go on the Apple website and compare, etc.

ETA: If you are going to order online anyway, I would personally order from Apple.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 132
Registered: ‎03-29-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

I first want to thank each & everyone for responding. I have made a decision & decided that the Apple WI-FI will best work for us. We don't do much traveling, so should have access to WI-FI most of the time. If we were younger & more savy on all this new technology, I would definitely go with both the WI-FI & the cellular. I ordered from BEST BUY this afternoon & just got a notice that it is ready for pickup. It is a 16 GB w/Retina. It is on sale today only for $356.39 including tax. I believe it is $70 off regular price. I'm excited - going to pick it up this evening & cable company is coming tomorrow afternoon to install wireless router. I just hope this old gal can figure it all out so I can get my husband started on it. Thank you again. Ya'll have definitely planted more knowledge in my pea brain than I could ever have asked for considering where I was when I asked for your help. HUGS!

Super Contributor
Posts: 3,036
Registered: ‎03-21-2010

Re: Need Help Purchasing My First I-Pad

Congrats! Once the cable company installs the wireless router, and you have your iPad in hand, it is very easy to set up the iPad. Basically just turn it on and the screen will walk you through everything. But...don't forget, every apple product purchase comes with free phone support for the first 90 days. It's called Apple Care. They are based in the US and speak English and are very, very patient and helpful. If you get stuck and cannot figure out how to get the iPad connected and up and running, call them. They will help you step by step.