After a few weeks with the new iPad, I pried open my wallet and paid for a data plan.

[onehandle]

The average Verizon LTE speeds I got in a Philadelphia suburb were around 22 Mbps up and 14 Mbps down. This was while sitting on a park bench.

Uh, wow.

To put that in perspective, the free WiFi offered at your average Starbucks is usually less than 1Mbps. I've had my AT&T 3G iPhone hit as high as 5Mbps (rarely). Our home Comcast modem has been as high as 26Mbps, but usually hovers around 18Mbps.

Wow.

I've seen much higher speeds reported on the Internet, but 22Mbps is pretty darn fast. Next week I'll be in central Philly and re-test.

[Stinky The Clown]

1. I just got a new ipad3 with AT&T 4G. How do I check the speed?

I know how to do this on a computer. I'm not sure how to do it on an iPad.

[onehandle]

2. Download this app on your iPad...

It's sized for an iPhone, but the functionality is accurate.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speedtest.net-mobile-speed/id300704847

I've seen reports of up to the mid-40s. Please share your results and don't forget to switch off WiFi, if you are near a network you have enabled.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. 30/16 on WiFi. 7/2 on 4G, but in an underground garage of a two story office building

Going to go outdoors next.

[onehandle]

4. FYI: If it says '4G' at the top, you are not on LTE.

4G is what AT&T is calling it's 'upgraded' 3G system, but it's not the same.

It has to say 'LTE' on the top of the screen. AT&T hasn't implemented LTE in Philly yet, which is one reason I went with Verizon.

[Stinky The Clown]

6. Well, that explains why with 5 bars it was still 7/3

Hmmmmmm. I thought this was supposed to be o much faster. Wonder when the new LTE network will be implemented.

[nashville_brook]

5. i love my ipad cellular data connection

wouldn't think of getting rid of it!


i'm using it now as a matter of fact

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. I don't carry my iPad around enough to make 3G worthwhile

but I love having it on my iPhone. I have caught several e-mails from customers that way, and the location function has helped me find my way to people's houses.

I use my iPad mostly for travel, and as such, most hotels these days have free wi-fi, especially overseas. It means not having to carry my computer to Japan, for instance, when I go to in June.

[onehandle]

8. Yeah, I just got a cheap plan for house hunting on the go.

I only got a cellular capable unit for oddball traveling and the such.

Likely won't renew the data plan after this month.