Top 10 iPad deals with 3G + WiFi

iPad deals explained

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

But if you're going to make the most of owning an iPad, you're going to need a 3G allowance so you can get online wherever you are. Here we take a look at some of the 3G contracts that networks are offering for Apple's wonder-tablet to help you find the right carrier and deal for your needs.

New iPad & iPad 3 deals

The third-generation iPad is also the best yet. Officially called the new iPad, but informally known as the iPad 3, it improves on its predecessor with the addition of a super high density retina display, a more powerful A5 processor and a five megapixel iSight camera with auto-exposure and autofocus. It's also 4G capable, which means it's equipped to offer super browsing speeds when the network technology begins arriving in the UK.

Why get a new iPad deal?

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 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. Below we look at each iPad mobile broadband supplier in turn to 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, including Orange, T-Mobile and Three.

iPad 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.

Better to go for an iPad 2 deal?

Affordability-wise, consider whether an iPad 2 might be a better option for you than a new iPad - as contracts are far cheaper. With the launch of the new iPad (also dubbed the iPad 3), the cost of iPad 2 deals have fallen as networks and retailers look to sell off their older iPad stock.

Device-wise, the iPad 2 is still an astonishing tablet (March 2012), and falls short on few areas compared to the new iPad.

Orange iPad 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 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 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 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 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