Trying to Find the Cheapest iPad? Three Things You Need to Know to Save Money on a New Device

With so many iPads to choose from, which one is the cheapest iPad on the market? With the iPad 2 coming in so many different variations, yet with similar features, it's not always easy to tell. Let me help you break down the options for iPad 2 models to find the cheapest iPad.

Wi-Fi-only

The cheapest iPads generally come in the Wi-Fi-only version. What does this mean? It means that you can get internet access when you're in the vicinity of your home wireless network or an internet caf? with free Wi-Fi. This way, you get free Wi-Fi whenever you link into the network, and you never have to pay any data fees like you'd have to with a contract.

There are six iPad 2 models in the Wi-Fi-only version. These are the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models, each of which come in black or white. The cheapest iPad in the whole bunch is the 16GB, Wi-Fi-only one. It costs $499, or for all intents and purposes, call it $500.

The next two Wi-Fi-only models in the lineup cost $599 and $699 for the 32GB and 64GB versions, respectively.

3G-enabled

If you plan to use your iPad on a roadtrip, on vacation or on business where you don't have access to a free Wi-Fi network, you might consider getting the 3G-enabled model. These come in the same storage sizes as the Wi-Fi-only and are offered through AT&T and Verizon networks.

Surprisingly, the cost of each of the iPad 2 models through both networks are identical. You can pick whichever provider you want and not sacrifice anything in the upfront price.

However, you'll spend $130 more per device for getting the 3G-enabled iPad. Plus, you'll have to spend at least $10 per month (with Verizon) or $15 per month (with AT&T) to actually use that 3G service.

So you're talking at least $140 more for the 3G version in the initial month than with the Wi-Fi only version. Wowzers! That's pretty expensive.

So as you can see, the 3G-enabled iPad 2 models are hardly the cheapest iPad choices you could pick from. If you really want to go cheap, you should get the Wi-Fi-only version in a 16GB model.

About the Storage

Now, why would you want the 16GB model as opposed to the other two, which have so much more storage? Well, one thing I've learned in my years of owning several Apple products is that you don't really need as much space as you think you need. You hardly need that much to browse the internet or read an iBook. You don't even need that much space for applications.

With 16GB of space, you can still fit thousands of songs, a couple of movies, some applications and more. Unless you plan on storing your entire 64,000-song music library on your iPad 2, you're probably better off getting the 16GB one, as far as space and price are concerned.

I think it's also pertinent to mention that the black and white models cost the same, so you don't have to choose between colors for a price savings. However, you'll be happier you took the black option, as the white iPad gets really dirty from fingerprints, dust and everyday wear.

I know that's a lot to digest all at once, but if you're really serious about getting the cheapest iPad you can, those are my recommendations. But before you buy, there's a couple more things you really need to find out before making the plunge into your purchase. I've detailed these features here at http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-new/, and I highly recommend reading them before purchasing your new device.

Apple iPads: Top Three Things That Make Them Worth the Money

Apple iPads are way better than their competition in almost every way. From 3G network access to HD high-resolution on YouTube videos and all other movies you can possibly stuff onto its 16, 32 or 64-GB storage drive, you'll see why you'll fall in love with the Apple iPad the minute you unwrap it.

Wireless Access Wherever You Go - No Contract!

If you didn't want the iPhone because you had to lock yourself into a $90 per month contract, you'll love Apple iPads. Why? Because you can still link into the 3G wireless network anywhere in the US without actually paying for a contract.

So how does that work?

Apple makes it easy. Within the 3G settings in your iPad device, you can sign up for monthly data plans. And you pay by the month, so you can cancel by the month as well. You never have to sign a contract; you just pay for Internet access whenever you need it.

So, if you're going on vacation and you know you want to access the Internet at the beach, you can pay for a month's worth of 3G access and then cancel it when you get home or when your month is up.

Apple iPads are into Multitasking Now!

You know back when you had to close out of your apps before you opened a new one? Now you can run as many apps as you want without ever closing out of them.

Apple iPads are able to multitask now. Did you know that? Because that was new to me - and exciting, too.

This is the feature that takes the iPad from just another handheld device to an almost laptop-like business item. You can read an ebook, listen to a radio app, check your email, type in notes, and more - all at the same time.

Plus, the Apple iPad will remember where you left off in the app, so you don't have to start fresh every time by opening it up and launching the whole app all over again.

Dump the iPod and Use Apple iPads for Music Instead!

Toying between getting an iPod or becoming one of many users of Apple iPads? I'll help you make your decision easy: get the iPad. The iPad works exactly the same as an iPod, only it goes two steps further.

For one, iPads feature an external speaker. So if you don't want to plug yourself into uncomfortable ear buds, you can just pump the sound right out of the iPad itself for enjoyment around the house.

But on the other hand, if you want to allow others to enjoy your music with you, the AirPlay app on the iPad allows Bluetooth connection to compatible speakers in your house. This allows you to wirelessly stream music from your iPad all around your house!

There are a lot more features about Apple iPads that I don't have room to write here. That's why I highly recommend reading the much more in-depth review about the Apple iPad right here at http://www.squidoo.com/apple-ipads.