iPad 3

[Jr Mouse]

Don't remember if anyone mentioned this or not, but the iPad can now be used as a wi-fi hotspot too. Used to be only the iPhone could do this. Not 100% sure if only the new iPad has this feature or if they are letting the 3G models do it too.

 

[NorCal]



Man, I would feel bad for you if you ever had to get something fixed at Best Buy if you feel that way about Apple. Best Buy's customer service is the 5th layer of Hell.

Actually Best Buy is about what I would expect. You wait in a long ass line, then they take your item and ask what is wrong then they exchange/fix.
Apple ALWAYS leads with "there is nothing wrong with this" followed by "I've never seen this problem before" The last was in reference to the first gen mag cord fraying around the base, a problem so wide spread that they were forced to do a redesign mid cycle. I've never had Apple fix a problem or exchange an item without either paying a grip or being forced to call in managers to argue that yes indeed an item that does not work AT ALL is broken.

Because they are the only ones allowed to review the product and do that type of exchange.

Yeah, but the idea that I have to have two or three people ask me what is wrong, tell me nothing is wrong, and then make a ******* appointment to resolve a simple problem is ludicrous.

I do wish it was possible to sign up for a plan that only charged you for the data used. No billing, unless the 3G/4G activates and you are billed per megabyte then. Make it seemless and easy to check you use as you go. That would be fantastic.

http://gigaom.com/mobile/wifi-ipad-meet-truconnects-cheap-pay-as-you-go-mifi/

 

[Jr Mouse]

That's weird. I have had Apple replaces several items of mine, including a Macbook battery that was a couple years out of warranty. Didn't hold a charge anymore and the guy at the store gave me a new one without making me pay a dime. I'm sure it went on my record and they wouldn't do it again for that laptop, but it still was a big plus.

Otherwise, have had them replace or fix several iPhones. Once with a 3G and twice with my 4. Only time I got rejected was a couple months ago when I took my 4 in because the home button has been spotty. The guy wouldn't replace it for free and wanted something like $129 to do so. Considering I am out of warranty and they had already replaced it twice, I didn't fight too hard that time.

I have heard experiences can vary depending on who you speak to. Some reps are more likely to hand out free replacements then others. Also with Applecare+ now being offered they are a little less likely to replace things out of warranty then they used to.

 

[oneeightyseven]

I got my iphone replaced after smashing the screen when I was drunk lol didn't pay a dime and was totally my fault.

 

[blairh]



I do wish it was possible to sign up for a plan that only charged you for the data used. No billing, unless the 3G/4G activates and you are billed per megabyte then. Make it seemless and easy to check you use as you go. That would be fantastic.

I agree. However I doubt that will ever happen.

 

[foodguy]

i've had great experience with apple service, too. granted, it's apple, so there's a bit of a cultish aspect to it, but they're genuinely helpful, knowledgeable and they let you play with the toys before you buy them.

 

[KurtS90]

My only problem with Apple is the strange looking workers that they employ, it's hard to take them serious. They maybe by age group, but I never fit in...

~Kurt

 

[foodguy]

[sigh] ok, this is a REALLY dumb question, i know. but forgive me because i'm old. i remember long-distance phone calls and WATS lines.
if i buy a wifi only ipad, do i have to buy a data plan?

 

[javyn]

Nope, wifi only means you can only connect to a wifi network. Only your standard internet charges will apply, and if you are at a Burger King or coffee shop, you'll connect for free.

 

[KurtS90]

No you don't have to purchase any data plane with the WiFi only, same goes for the 4G Model. When I am traveling, I am either driving and don't need to play with the thing or on an airplane. I also have 2GB Tether package with my iPhone if I felt the need.

~Kurt

 

[GQgeek]



[sigh] ok, this is a REALLY dumb question, i know. but forgive me because i'm old. i remember long-distance phone calls and WATS lines.
if i buy a wifi only ipad, do i have to buy a data plan?

no.

 

[Jrufraz]



[sigh] ok, this is a REALLY dumb question, i know. but forgive me because i'm old. i remember long-distance phone calls and WATS lines.
if i buy a wifi only ipad, do i have to buy a data plan?

No since a wi-fi only iPad isn't capable of connecting to a 3G/LTE network...can only connect to wi-fi networks

 

[foodguy]

thanks all!
i've got wifi at home and at work and about the only time i use 4G on my iphone is for phone calls (old school). it'll be a second computer (still have desktops at home and work), so it looks like i'm ok.

 

[A Y]

Even with a 4G-enabled iPad, you don't have to pay for a data plan if you don't use it. If you do, then you pay month-to-month. There is no contract.

I have a 3G iPad 1, and I have never once activated the 3G. It did come with a GPS chip, which the non-3G iPad 1s doesn't have. I think all of them now have GPS.

Having said that, I am extremely leery of using public Wi-Fi because anyone can eavesdrop on what you're doing if you're going to non-secure (no "https" in the URL) sites.

 

[Jr Mouse]

http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/8/2854902/new-ipad-lte-data-plans-verizon-att-hotspot

Clarification on rate plans.