Saturday, March 18, 2023 – Should I get an iPad with the cellular option? – Beware this recurring ‘Buffalo Wild Wings Gift Card’ scam

Q&A: Should I get an iPad with the cellular option?

Question from Laverne:  I’m in the market for an iPad and I’m trying to decide whether I should get one that works with cellular data or just stick with a WiFi-only model.

What’s your recommendation about this? Is it worth paying extra for cellular?

Rick’s answer:  Laverne, my answer to that question is one that I often give for these types of questions…

It depends.

If you’ll really need to use your new iPad in places where there are no available WiFi networks AND you can’t set up a hotspot via your phone for some reason, then you’ll definitely need to get an iPad with cellular connectivity.

But if you’ll only be using it in places where WiFi is available, a WiFi-only model would be the way to go.

Adding WiFi connectivity will add anywhere from $150 to $200 to the cost of your new iPad, depending on the model of the device. In my humble opinion, that’s a lot of money for an option that you might not even need (or rarely use).

Even if you won’t be able to connect via WiFi in one or more of the places where you’ll be using the device, you might be able to set up a hotspot via your smartphone and use that “personal” WiFi network to connect your iPad to the Internet.

Many cellular plans allow users to create WiFi hotspots these days, often for little or no extra cost. If that option is available to you AND it makes financial sense, I would strongly recommend that you take advantage of it and save the cost of a cellular upgrade.

Bottom line: Speaking strictly for myself, I would never buy a cellular capable tablet unless I simply had no other option for accessing the Internet via WiFi.

But as they say, “your mileage may vary” and only you can decide whether the cellular upgrade is worth the added cost after carefully considering your own situation and needs.

The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…

• Scam alert: Beware this ‘Buffalo Wild Wings Gift Card’ scam

It’s back yet again.

• How to back up (and restore) the Windows Registry

Never edit the Registry without backing it up first.

• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.

Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.

Rick’s Daily Pick…

Dell SE2722HX 27 inch Monitor (#ad)

The prices of quality 27 inch monitors have dropped to the point where they are now a very affordable option, even for entry level computer systems. This model from Dell is a perfect example of that.

Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…

Time-lapse video: The amazing Northern Lights

Gorgeous scenery and mesmerizing light shows.

Tech news that caught my eye…

• Bitwarden addresses autofill issue that could be exploited to steal logins

• Microsoft shares script to fix WinRE BitLocker bypass flaw

• Windows 11 may be slowing down your SSD again

• How to set up a shared network Time Machine folder to back up multiple Macs

• Mid-range Android phones are about to get a serious performance upgrade

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Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.

Your tech buddy,

Rick Rouse
https://www.ricksdailytips.com