Deciding whether to pay an extra $150-plus for cellular can be tougher.
Let me explain why you might want to take the plunge.
I suspect this is why cellular gets disregarded in favor of a larger screen size or more storage.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
That’s the reason I was hesitant about it for a long time.
However, the convenience of cellular networking on a computing equipment is less obvious until youve experienced it.
when you obtain, it’s hard to go back.
Aleksey H/Shutterstock.com
Yes, Tethering Is an Option, but It’s Not Always Great
The scapegoat is alwaystethering.
It’s a legitimate question, too.
The problem is that its still not automatic and can create other issues for you.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
I’ve found it freeing to not have to consider Wi-Fi on my iPad anymore.
I don’t have to worry about preparing my iPad to leave the house either.
I don’t need to download documents for offline use ahead of time.
Its why I often reach for Apples tablet over its laptop when Im working away from my normal spots.
A cellular iPad can be more convenient than tethering a MacBook, depending on your needs.
How I Ended Up on the Cellular Train
My first several iPads were all Wi-Fi models.
I saw the reasonable base price and then had a hard time paying more than that.
I used tethering and fussed through all the hacks of getting data to my iPad constantly.
All the pain points and mental baggage of getting the internet on the tablet were eliminated.
Getting rid of those concerns was worth the extra upfront cost of cellular for me.
You’ll notice you don’t have to decide on a web link carrier when buying the cellular model.
An iPad is flexible about which company provides the data.
You accessthese optionsright in the parameters app.
RedteaGO is the cheapest with a one-time 1GB data option for only $3.99.
I dont stream many shows without Wi-Fi.
Mostly, I use the cellular connection to stay productive.
I can use my iPad to write articles or take notes and have them sync instantly.
Safari tabs are always fresh and not several days out of date.
Data in the Files app is current.
My Kindle books from other devices are ready to be read whenever my opportunity arises.
It would seem strange to need to wait until Wi-Fi was present on your phone to fully use it.
But thats how Ive come to see Wi-Fi-only iPads.
Without a constantly connected iPad, I wouldnt be able to just grab it and go when I needed.
If you’re an iPad couch surfer, then adding the cellular option probably isn’t right for you.
