Do you need broadband with your new iPad 2?

It’s pretty fair to say that Apple’s iPad changed the way we think about portable computing and mobile internet, defying the naysayers to not only sell in mind-boggling numbers but also spawn a whole culture of developers, hackers and fans. It may have been called the love-child of a laptop and a smartphone – and that wasn’t the worst it got called, either – but the iPad and its successor the iPad 2 are now firmly part of our everyday culture and technology. However, one of the iPad 2’s main drawcards – mobile broadband via the 3G network which powers your smartphones – has been the subject of some debate, especially after many early adopters found themselves slapped with massive data-roaming fees after travelling overseas. It certainly has many uses, but should you get iPad 2 broadband?

What the iPad 2 can do
The iPad 2 is famous for being very, very flexible. The number of apps available for the device is clearly testament to that: Apple’s promotional campaigns aside, the iPad has found a home in many unexpected places, from hospitals to concert halls (look up Lang Lang’s performance of “Flight of the Bumblebee” on an iPad if you’re not sure what we mean). Many of these functions, of course, don’t require mobile broadband access through your iPad 2 – they’re usually based in apps which can function perfectly well offline. And don’t forget that all iPad 2 models have built-in WiFi, so you will have access to the internet regardless. Rather, it’s a question of coverage: do you really need to have always-on Internet access wherever you go?

Why you might want iPad 2 broadband
Although most smartphones nowadays have mobile internet access via 3G, it can be hard to use such a small screen to browse the internet or access rich-media content. The iPad 2’s larger screen and faster processor make for a smoother, more enjoyable Internet experience. And while a smartphone may be fine if you’re just checking your mail, the iPad 2 affords you a whole lot more flexibility in what web content you access. It’s especially handy for checking the news, with many newspapers now offering iPad app versions of their online news – many of which contain exclusive content or more streamlined interactivity.

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