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 café 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.

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