iPads have always been top of the gadget wishlist, and the new iPad Mini is no exception, but iPads aren’t MoneySaving by anyone’s definition. If you must have one though, there are ways to save…
While prices don’t vary much between stores, savings can be made with the 3G model if you opt for the right data plan though. This guide looks at the best available option.
Getting an iPad: What you should know
Apple’s iPads are, without doubt, the world’s most popular tablets. Like all Apple products, though, they don’t come cheap, so think long and hard before parting with your cash.
An iPad is not a pocket money purchase, so think carefully before deciding to buy one.
There are four iPad models, plus the iPad Mini. The original iPad and the third-generation iPad (the New iPad) have been discontinued by Apple now, however you may be able to pick a secondhand one up cheap from eBay or a refurbished model.
Here’s a bit more detail about the different models: Apple’s latest iPad, the iPad Mini, went on sale on 2 Nov. It costs from £269 for the Wi-fi only version and £369 for the Wi-fi + 4G version. The iPad mini is approximately two-thirds the size of the standard iPad, sporting a 7.9in screen (the standard iPad is 9.7in). It doesn’t have Apple’s super high-definition Retina display (found on the 4th generation model), but it does have the same screen resolution as an iPad 2. It’s just 7.2mm thick, and weighs only 0.68lbs, making it 23% thinner and 53% lighter than the third generation iPad. It also features a 4G data connection, however this feature will be redundant in the UK, unless you opt for a tariff with Orange, T-Mobile or their parent company, EE. Apple says it’s iPad with Retina Display, the fourth generation of the tablet, is the best device it’s ever made. However there was much umbrage when it launched, as it basically rendered the iPad 3 obsolete, just months after its launch. The Retina display on this iPad makes everything look crisper and clearer, and colours are more vibrant, because it has 3.1 million pixels. The new A6X chip inside the iPad with Retina Display is up to twice as fast as the previous-generation A5X chip, and it delivers up to twice the graphics performance, without sacrificing battery life, says Apple. For more info, read what tech websites Tech Radar and MacLife have to say about the iPad with Retina Display. Apple’s second-generation tablet, is a massive step up from its predecessor, the original iPad, not to mention faster and packed with more features and technology. One of the big boons of Apple’s latest iPad launch is that the price of the iPad 2 has dropped to £329. Apple has only cut the price of the iPad 2 16GB model though – the 32GB and 64GB models have been discontinued. As the iPad 2 is still a fantastic device many will be content with it, especially as it’s now much cheaper than newer models. Because of this, the rest of this guide focuses on the iPad 2. It’s likely the iPad 2 will come down in price further (and may be withdrawn from the Apple site altogether) in the New Year, with cheap refurbished models becoming less scarce. We’ll update the guide as and when we know more. Some of the features of the iPad 2 include:>> iPad Mini: A brief overview
>> iPad with Retina Display: A brief overview
>> iPad 2: A brief overview
Tips for choosing an iPad 2
Once you’ve chosen which iPad model you’d like, you’ll need to consider other things, such as whether you want 3G web access and need a data plan. Consider the following:
- Wi-fi or 3G? If you plan to use your iPad out-and-about, you should opt for the 3G and wi-fi model. If you’ll just be using it at home, the wi-fi only version is more suitable (and cheaper). Read below to help you decide whether you need wi-fi only or 3G and wi-fi.
- Do you need Flash? Though great for surfing the net, Apple’s iPads don’t support Flash software for videos and audio, so you may often come across broken pages where photo slideshows, videos and audio should be. The lack of Flash can also be a problem for gamers, though apps/games bought from the App Store are designed around this Apple ‘flaw’.
- Do you want to use it to make calls? One of the most exciting features of an iPad (2nd generation and above) is FaceTime; a video-calling app. However, FaceTime only works with the latest Apple technology (can only call other iPad 2s and iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 owners), so you won’t be able to ditch your mobile just yet.
- How much data do I need? The amount of data you’ll need will depend how you plan to use the iPad. Here’s a general guideline:
Low user. Uses about 100MB of data per month
Average user. Uses about 500MB of data per month
High user. Uses about 1GB of data per month
If you’re worried about your usage, there are a number of free apps that you can download from the App Store that can help you track the amount you’re using. Read the data usage section in the Cheap iPhones guide for more info.
This table below will show you a quick comparison of each tablet’s features:
| Model | Display/Screen Size | 4G Ready? | Chip | Storeage | Price | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad2 | 9.7in Screen | No | Dual-Core A5 | 16gb | From £329 | Apple iPad2 Review |
| iPad with Retina Display | Retina Display / 9.7in Screen | Yes | Dual-core A6X with quad-core graphics | 16gb/32gb/64gb | From £399 | Apple iPad with Retina Display Review |
| iPad Mini | 7.9in Screen | Yes | Dual-core A5 | 16gb/32gb/64gb | From £269 | Apple iPad Mini Review |
A few things you will still need to think about is:
Do I need wi-fi or 3G web access?
Where to find free wi-fi access in the UK
What is ‘tethering’?
What about iPad alternatives?
Cheapest iPad wi-fi only: Where to buy
Here, you’re just buying a bit of tech – there’s no contract, so cheapest is best. The problem is there’s very little price variance. As Apple keeps strict control, the savings on new iPads are frankly derisory. Check Amazon here for some real good deals: Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi – Tablet – 16 GB -Wi-Fi
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