If you're planning to buy an iPad, you'll need to know this...
because the Best Buy clerk sure didn't mention it when I bought mine:
If you intend to use it for the internet when you're away from home, be sure to ask for the 4G (or 3G) & not the wi-fi version. I got a mini iPad so that I could put it in my purse to use when I go out & because with the smaller size I can easily type with my thumbs. On two different occasions when I tried to use it away from home, I couldn't connect with the internet, even after changing the wi-fi setting.
An AT&T store was right up the street from where I was today, so I stopped in to get some help. Thank goodness I went, because the young lady informed me that my iPad version was wi-fi only (for home use only, when I'm near my router) & that there was a 4G version that could be used when I'm away from home. So today I returned the one I had & exchanged it for the 4G. Now I'm happy. 
I didn't want this to happen to any of you!
= new reply since forum marked as read
The mini and the retina screen iPad3 use the new charger plug, like the iPhone 5.
So, it's convenient to have all alike (if you have a iPhone 4 and plan to keep it you might want the iPad2).
Also, don't expect to be able to use the iPad 4G cellular to send and receive text messages to everyone you used to:
Messaging on iPads only works with other users using Apple Products.
I suppose this is fair since an iPad is not a "Phone", per se, but it was a big disappointment that I only figured out last night.
I loved the mini, I REALLY did, it was hard to go back and upgrade, and costly, but I needed a little more screen real estate for what I do!
It's good to know about the messaging, but those who I text with most often all have Apple devices. I doubt, too, that I would have used mine as a phone since I have an iPhone.
I actually love the size of the larger iPad (especially the retina screen), but the mini is great for purses & it handles well for typing with my thumbs!
I used to toss in my car console, in some of my pants and jacket pockets, truly a cool deal.
But having it made me realize I could probably stop taking my Air around with me if only the screen was bigger.
I was gonna just swap it for a new iPad2 but the charger thingy messed up that idea- I'd already converted everything to fit the iPhone5/mini charging tip thingy.
Yeah, that's the ticket... the charger tip made me buy the retina!!!
There is so much to know before getting all the lastest stuff! The best advice is to do your homework before buying.
