Do you have to have a monthly contract to use the iPad?
Can you just use your existing internet subscription to down load stuff?
I am sure that many of you are laughing, but I know with the iPod you don't, but with the iPhone you do.
I have a very basic question, from a non techie.
Do you have to have a monthly contract to use the iPad?
It can go "either way" depending on how you buy it. It can be without the AT&T monthly connection for the Internet (by way of cell phone towers, the same network as the phone service) -- or -- it can be used by way of WiFi (either yours at home or any WiFi service that you want to use, that you get yourself, too).
Right now they started selling the WiFi-only version and then the cell phone Internet version is coming out next.
The one right now, when you buy it, that's all there is... no monthly charges. And with the next one released, it will have a monthly charge through AT&T for only the Internet service, itself (no "talking" ... :-) ...).
Can you just use your existing internet subscription to down load stuff?
I am sure that many of you are laughing, but I know with the iPod you don't, but with the iPhone you do.
Yes, you can use your own at home (it's through your own WiFi at home, then), or you can go to the library, or coffee shops or restaurants or you-name-it, wherever the public gets WiFi "out and about" as they drive around.
For example, just on this one street that I'm close to (in Tulsa) in the Brookside neighborhood (S. Peoria), there's a library, a car wash, a coffee shop, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mazzios Pizza -- all with free WiFi. And if you wanted to, you wouldn't have to "go in" to any of them, and just park right outside in the parking lot and get your signal and do what you had to do -- and then drive on from there... :-)
The iPad that is WiFi only, will work the exact same way (for Internet connections) as the iPod Touch works, if that helps one understand how it functions... :-)
No, you so nor have to have a contract with either the WIFI or the WIFI plus 3G iPads. The WIFI iPad allows you to download anything from the App Store over your standard existing internet subscription, or from any WIFI hotspot you have access to. The WIFI plus 3G allows that, plus you can have a month -to-month access to the internet available anywhere there is an AT&T 3G signal for $15 for 250 MB or $30 for unlimited access, renewable monthly (or when the 250MB is used up) without a contract. I imagine that AT&T will be offering multi-month packages.
The iPhone requires the contract because of the voice connection. However, if you cancel your contract, the WIFI on the iPhone still works... the 3G and EDGE don't.