How2Day: Options for the iPad

The iPad is a tablet computer made by Apple. It has a touch-screen display and measures 9.56 inches by 7.47 inches by 0.5 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds. This allows the user to hold it like a book to read documents or use the on-screen keyboard to type. The iPad plays music and videos and can run more than 200,000 applications available from Apple's App Store. It also has wireless connectivity to the internet. Here are options to explore before buying an iPad.

The basic Wi-Fi model features Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows you to connect to the internet using a signal from a router or access provided at spaces such as libraries, coffee shops, hotels or airports that are Wi-Fi enabled. It also has Bluetooth wireless connectivity, allowing you to sync with Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headphones.

The iPad with Wi-Fi plus 3G 250 megabytes has the same Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features as the regular basic model but adds 3G wireless data service through AT&T on a no-contract, month-to-month basis. The service allows you to download up to 250 megabytes of data for $14.99 a month as of October 2010. This option allows you to use the internet when Wi-Fi access is unavailable and is most suited for consumers with modest data needs.

The iPad with Wi-Fi plus 3G 2 gigabytes model has the same features as the previous models but adds 3G wireless data service through AT&T on a no-contract, month-to-month basis that allows users to download up to 2 gigabytes of data at a cost of $25 a month as of October 2010. This option also allows users to connect to the internet when Wi-Fi access is unavailable but is more suitable for consumers with greater data needs.

While you can use the iPad's touch-screen keyboard for typing, Apple also offers an optional keyboard dock for consumers who anticipate longer writing sessions. It combines a full-size keyboard with a connector that allows you to charge the iPad with a USB power adapter and an electrical outlet.

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