So you’re buying an iPad. You either want to buy one of the current models, or hold out for a 3G. Either way, it’s going to cost you anywhere from $499 to $829, plus tax, and that’s about it, right? Not so fast. You might want a few accessories, like a protective case, a charging dock or keyboard and of course the Apps. You can’t forget the Apps.
Still, it’s important to know that this story isn’t a sort of, “OMG! The iPad has hidden costs,” alarmist piece. This is really about taking a step back and looking at the big picture before you decide to dive in. The first major choice you must make is whether or not you need a 3G capable iPad. Then you must decide on how much storage capacity you want from you new gadget. The pricing structure is as follows:
As seen above, the wifi models range anywhere from $499 to $699 depending on the amount of storage you desire. The 3G model, which will be available later this month, ranges anywhere from $629 to $829. Those getting the 3G iPad are buying if because they want to jump on the 3G network, which will set them back $14.99 with a monthly bandwidth cap of 250 megs while $29.99 a month will give them unlimited data. At about a year, this is $179.88 on the low end, and $359.88 for a year of the unlimited plan. Still, there is no contract, so users aren’t obligated to pay the monthly fee.
That breaks down something like this, using a year as a benchmark:
3G
16GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $808.88
Total with unlimited data plan year – $988.88
32GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $908.88
Total with unlimited data plan year – $1,088.88
64GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $1,008.88
Total with unlimited data plan for a year – $1,188.88
As you may know, the iPad’s screen is basically a thin sheet of glass. Dropping it probably isn’t a question of if, rather it’s a question of when. And chances are. that if it takes a spill, you are getting a cracked screen (Ouch!) Fortunately, there are various cases for the iPad. For the sake of simplicity, the Apple-branded case ($39.00) will be used as an example. It costs the same as most of the third-party cases on Apple’s website, and $20 less than the Incase Travel Kit Plus ($59.95).
The prices with Apple’s case are as follows:
Wifi
16GB – $538
32GB – $638
64GB – $738
3G
16GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $847.88
Total with unlimited data plan year – $1,027.88
32GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $947.88
Total with unlimited data plan year – $1,127.88
64GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $1,047.88
Total with unlimited data plan for a year – $1,227.88
After purchasing the $39 case, an iPad owner is looking at anywhere from $538 to $1,227.88. Now you need the Apps, which are probably the reason you purchased your iPad in the first place. There is no telling which Apps you will choose to buy, but there are a few that will turn your iPad into a device for productivity as well as a fun gaming machine. Most of these Apps will add about $10 each to your iPad.
Total = $59.94
Doing the math, that runs each SKU up to:
Wifi
16GB – $597.94
32GB – $697.94
64GB – $797.94
3G
16GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $907.94
Total with unlimited data plan year – $1,086.94
32GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $1,007.82
Total with unlimited data plan year – $1,187.82
64GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $1,107.82
Total with unlimited data plan for a year – $1,287.82
Of course there is nothing forcing you to buy any or all of those Apps, but each is worth looking at for any iPad owner.
Besides all the above mentioned add-ons, there are peripherals that can add even more functionality to the iPad. None of the following are needed, but they are great pieces to add. The VGA Adapter allows for the iPad to be connected to a television for video, the Keyboard dock acts as both a charger and a tactile keyboard for typing and the iPad Camera Connection Kit makes it possible to import photos from a digital camera.
Here are the prices for each of those:
iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter – $29
iPad Keyboard Doc – $69
iPad Camera Connection Kit – $29
Total = $127
Adding that total, should one choose to buy all of these peripherals runs the iPads up to:
Wifi
16GB – $724.94
32GB – $824.94
64GB – $924.94
3G
16GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $1.034.94
Total with unlimited data plan year – $1,213.94
32GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $1,134.82
Total with unlimited data plan year – $1,314.82
64GB
Total with 250MB plan for a year – $1,234.82
Total with unlimited data plan for a year – $1,414.82
Just how much does pimping out your iPad run? Anywhere from $724.94 to $1,414.82. Again, many of these purchases are nothing more than add-ons, but the bare minimum requires one to at the very least purchase a protective case, unless they are feeling brave. Breaking any item down to individual expenses can easily reveal how much it really costs. Whether it’s an iPad or a Nintendo DS. The important thing, however, is knowing what sorts of costs are associated with any product you purchase before making a decision, and determining what best suits your needs.
Important Note: Because tax and shipping vary depending on your state or the retailer you purchase from, they have not been factored into any of the costs above.
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Gee. Thanks for pointing out that I’ve just spent $1,414.82 for my iPad 64GB 3G, which I don’t even have yet. I’ve received the case & keyboard, but am waiting for the rest . . .
Actually, that number is not quite right, since you didn’t include the $99. for the AppleCare Protection Plan which I also ordered.
Oy vey is right!
This is a ridiculous point. Every piece of technology can be analyzed in this way. You buy a netbook, you want a case, or if you want broadband service through sprint you have to pay money. And if you want to use this netbook on a desk you might also want to purchase a keyboard and mouse. In addition, if you want games and utilities, your going to have to buy software as well. This is the way computers are. Software and accessories cost money. This is not just something that applies to Apple products. Give me a break.
What good is it? What does it do that my G5 doesn’t do better (other than let me watch movies on a tiny screen while I’m driving, or sitting on the pot)? I’ve heard all this noise about how this new way to spend a lot of money is going to change the world, but I haven’t figured out yet what that means. Will the world be a better place because of it? The more I read, the more it seems to be that this is just a new toy which will soon go the way of my transistor radio, LP collection, 8-track cassette player, Golden Anniversary RCA television set, 4 KB Atari . . .
With respect to Kevin K., obviously some people are aware of the extra costs for add-ons, etc. The article is not necessarily intended for them, I am surprised if you know this, that you read it at all, let alone took the time to post a negative comment.
For the rest of us ignorant consumers, we appreciate that the research has been done and compiled by others. GREAT JOB!
Thank you for this VERY helpful and user friendly presentation on the extra costs associated with the IPad. We were considering getting these for our two 20-something children for Christmas but we will now think twice. Even if we get the bare minimum (IPad and protective case) and let them get the add-ons themselves, there’s still the ongoing $30 a month for service (I’m assuming they’ll need the unlimited package.) Will the cost of the IPad ever come down?
thank you for the breakdown of all costs of owning an Ipad. I’ve thought I might get one, but the breakdown really spells it out. Features that I used on my computer, like MS wordk are extras on the Ipad, as well as, numbers, etc., monthly 3G charges, and more. I find I don’t really need this new toy.
All very good points, but if you’re on a budget, obviously you can cut back.
* Don’t get the 3G model; WiFi is just about everywhere…and if you need connectivity on the road, you’re probably better off spending your money on a mobile hot-spot (or jailbreak your iPhone and use MyWi), so all your WiFi devices can access the ‘net.
* Unless you’re planning to replace a laptop with the iPad, or you have a productive need for the extra memory, just get the 16GB model.
* Be frugal with app purchases. If you already have iWork or Office installed on a desktop Mac, consider using iTeleport to give you access to your desktop Mac from anywhere on the ‘net. This gives you the traveling convenience of the iPad, with the full functionality of your desktop. For games, look for the free “lite” versions, and only spend your money for the “full” versions that really grab you.
* Finally, remember that the iPad is designed to be a “laptop replacement” for most people. What you’re really buying is an ultra-portable laptop, so think in those terms when you’re considering the costs.
agree with all of your points. I spend so much time with iPad that cost makes it justified.
As someone completely unaware of the costs for the extras, I found this very useful. I’d like to get one for my husband for Christmas, and this is a more realistic budgeting tool, thanks! Now I know better what to expect.
I feel that the iPad is somewhat of a con.
Not one salesperson I approached explained to me that with the IPad one has monthly “running costs”
I would like someone to tell me how I can check my daily costs for I found out to my
surprize that a purchase of 250mb…at around
20 pounds..lasted me only about 9 hours of mainly Skype.
Buyers beware!
What about printing off a Ipad,is this a task, or does it work well
I am soooo pleased this was posted. I have been wanting an IPAD but will not purchase one now. What with the cost of my broadband for my computer…data charges etc. for my cell phone…charges and purchases using my Kindle Fire I can’t afford an IPAD as well….pretty prices when getting down to the final cost and charges. Don’t think it would do much more than what I already have. THANKS FOR THE INFOR!