If you were looking to pick up that shiny new iPad 2 with 3G, you’ll be happy to hear that AT&T has introduced some new postpaid mobile data plans.
According to the company, you will now have multiple ways to get your iPad 2 with 3G connected. The best part is that these options don’t require a long-term commitment.
Postpaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment will be charged $10 per 1 GB of overage. Charges will appear on customers’ monthly wireless statements.
Prepaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment may choose to purchase an additional 2 GB for $25. Charges will appear on customers’ credit card statements.
These data plans for the iPad 2 are actually kind of reasonable, even if I’d prefer fully unlimited options. These will apply to the Apple tablet but I’m hoping that this will also apply to other tablets it will be getting like the LTE one from Motorola.
The shift in the tablet data plans for AT&T comes as the company is expecting its network to be used for more than just phones. The company just announced that it will soon sell the Amazon Kindle 3G in stores to help with this connected device strategy.
It’s an interesting move but I’m really wondering how much do you need mobile data for a large-screen tablet? Yes, it’s nice and convenient sometimes but I’ve found that 10-inch devices like the iPad are actually kind of cumbersome to move around. I generally use my iPad in the living room where there’s plenty of WiFi.
Those 7-inch tablets are a different story though, as I can easily slip these in a jacket pocket and I dig having 3G connectivity with these. I’ve said it before – at CES 2011, I brought a 3G iPad and a 3G Galaxy Tab and I never once turned on the Apple tablet while always using my Samsung device.