Top 10 iPad 2 deals with 3G + WiFi

iPad deals explained

With a groundbreaking touchscreen interface, laptop and e-reader functionality and thousands of applications, Apple iPad tablets are a revolution in mobile computing.

What is an iPad?

The iPad is a bold step into the future of computing. Unlike traditional laptops that feature a physical keyboard, iPad users access all the programs installed on the device simply by touching their expansive screens. Apple has also incorporated its famous Multitouch control system into iPads. This lets you scroll through a page just by flicking your finger up or down on the screen or pinch the display to zoom in or out on a photo.

A number of different versions of the iPad are available - including the original iPad (or iPad 1) or the new super-high spec iPad 2. Users can choose editions with between 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage space and can opt for versions equipped with or without 3.5G mobile broadband support.

What else does an iPad do?

The iPad is brimming with a host of great functions. These include:

Web browsing & email

The huge screen makes the iPad brilliant for web browsing on the move, with web pages appearing as they were meant to be seen — one page at a time, with vibrant colour and sharp text. So whether you’re looking at a page in portrait or landscape, you can see everything at a size that’s readable.

You can also use your iPad to send and receive emails, with text entry and opening messages performed with a large, onscreen keyboard. The iPad is compatible with all the best-known email providers, including Gmail and Hotmail.

Running applications

Applications, or apps, is another word for software. Applications take in everything from games to more practical business tools. iPad owners can choose from the 140,000 apps available for the iPhone as well as a host of brand new applications specifically designed for the iPad which take advantage of its superb features.

E-Reader functionality

Rather like Amazon’s Kindle, iPads are great devices for reading electronic books. Users simply have to download the free iBooks application and download from a massive choice of classics and best-sellers from a built-in iBookstore. Turning the page is done by making the appropriate gesture on the screen. And because iPads are backlit, they're brilliant for reading in the dark.

Video

iPads' massive, high resolution screens are ideal for watching videos on DVDs or streaming TV shows on the likes of the BBC iPlayer. Owners can also download the great YouTube app to enjoy the very best entertainment the internet has to offer.

Photos

Viewing photos is a rare pleasure with iPads' large screens, with users able to flick through their favourite images using the screen, or watch a slideshow.

iPod

Simply download the iPod app to your iPad to be able to enjoy all your favourite music at your fingertips. Apple iPads house a powerful speaker that delivers rich sound quality, while support for iTunes means you can buy new songs from a massive catalogue at your leisure.

What does the iPad 2 offer that the original iPad doesn't?

All the above features are common to both iPads. However, for iPad 2 Apple added some great new functions that are exclusive to its second-generation tablet. Here are some of them:

Dual cameras

The first iPad had no camera. The iPad 2 features two cameras, one at the back for taking pictures and recording HD video and a secondary camera for making video calls over the built-in FaceTime app.

Powerful processor

The iPad 2 boasts a dual core A5 processor - up from the A4 single core chipset of the original iPad. This means it's much, much faster and smoother to use and means you can get more done with your time.

Longer battery life

Apple boosted the battery life of the iPad 2 to ten hours, so it's got enough juice to last you a whole working day or throughout a long-haul flight.

Why choose online iPad deals?

Because iPad users are likely to want to get online on-the-go to send emails, surf the web and download movies and music, bundling the device with mobile broadband contracts makes sense.

What’s more, with only an upfront payment required, mobile broadband with iPad deals are a brilliant way of spreading payments for Apple’s tablet. This makes them a great choice for students and anyone who may not have a large sum of cash to hand.

Choosing an iPad 3G, WiFi or broadband deal?

Obviously price will be one of your chief considerations. However, another key factor should be data allowances and service that a provider offers. Here, we'll look at each iPad mobile broadband supplier in give you a good idea of the strength of their offering.

Contract deals that combine an iPad with mobile broadband access are available from a range of UK broadband providers, namely Orange, T-Mobile and Three.

iPad 2 mobile broadband deals work in the same way as laptop offers, whereby a one-off charge is payable initially, with the remaining cost of the device spread over the course of the contract.

You are then required to pay a monthly charge which will entitle you to a set amount of anytime, anywhere web usage via your provider’s 3G mobile broadband network.

Orange iPad & iPad 2 deals

Orange iPad customers benefit from competitive price points, plus a network rated as among the best in the UK. Customers who sign up get generous anytime web access, additional quiet time access at non-peak times from midnight until 4pm and unlimited Wi-Fi use via BT Openzone.

Pick Orange and you’ll also benefit from the great Orange Wednesdays promotion, which gets you two for one entry at cinemas every Wednesday and cheap pizzas, as well as a new film from iTunes every Thursday with Orange Film to Go.

T-Mobile iPad & iPad 2 deals

T-Mobile shares a network with Orange, so also offers some of the best 3G coverage around, as well as an extra allowance to use between midnight and 10am on its pay monthly and SIM only iPad plans.

To sweeten the deal, T-Mobile also offers a free online account management area that gives subscribers around the clock access to free online billing and itemisation, topping up and upgrades.

Three iPad and iPad 2 deals

Three iPad SIM only and device-bundled contracts are keenly priced with generous monthly allowances. Other benefits for choosing Three include its award-winning network and highly rated customer service channels.

Vodafone iPad and iPad 2 deals

Vodafone offers SIM only and bundled iPad deals for business and consumer users. On top of a 3G allowance, the network offers iPad pay monthly customers use of 3,000 BT Wi-Fi hotspots are no extra cost.

Subscribers can also opt in to the Vodafone VIP scheme and get access to a host of promotions as well as the chance to win tickets to exclusive sports, fashion, music and retail events.

O2 iPad and iPad 2 deals

O2 does not offer users the chance to sign up for bundled iPad deals. But does offer SIM only deals for customers who've already bought an iPad, with rolling contracts available for maximum flexibility.

Wi-Fi access via The Cloud and BT Openzone at thousands of hotspots in the UK is also included at no extra charge.

Not sure an iPad is right for you? Compare broadband and free laptop deals here: Broadband and Free Laptops