Apple Inc (AAPL)

[SMaturin]

I think that would depend on how much you use Wifi at home or in public, and whether you are downloading movies and streaming video or audio.

I have had it 3.5 weeks so far, and doubt I have used more than 1 Gb on 3G.

Looking at the statistics in the usage panel of settings, I have used less than 900 Mb of cellular data since 6/26, when I last reset it to see how much I would use over time. I have probably used several Gb total when wifi streaming is included, but the iPad does not report that statistic, as far as I can tell.

I doubt I will go beyond 2Gb most months, as I do not (so far) tend to purchase movies via 3G on the iPad, which I would guess would be the biggest data hog. I have looked at a couple of the streamed TV shows, but it does not seem to burn through data too badly.

If I were traveling and wanted to watch movies or stream TV in the car or a hotel room without wifi, I imagine I could go over the 2Gb limit in the current $25 plan. But not most months, as I am not a road warrior. For the unlimited plan to be cheaper than the 2Gb plan, I am calculating you would have to exceed that 2gb more than six months out of the year and then buy an extra Gb for $10. See:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/06/02/att_announces_iphone_tethering_plans_caps_ipad_3g_data_at_2gb.html

Like the article says, 98% of users are probably not going to exceed 2Gb/month. I suppose if you streamed 3G music and video 24/7, you could. Or bought more than a couple of movies downloaded over 3G. But most folks are going to be using wifi at home, which is faster.

Your mileage may vary. But I would suggest you not let the 2Gb limit keep you from experiencing this great device, because I doubt it will be an issue.