“You think this was hard? Try auditioning for Baywatch and being told they’re going in another direction. That was hard.” – Sue Sylvester “Glee”

As users clamor for faster and faster speeds on wireless devices Gizmodo explains why it’s hard to stream video over a 3G network. Wireless data traffic has exploded in the past few years as more and more people are doing more and more on their smart phones and increasingly are using their laptops on wireless aircards. With all of this traffic the largest type is video and yet as Gizmodo points out “the true video explosion hasn’t happened yet.” Taking into account increasing demand, the limitations of technology and the FCC the article really dives into what it’s going to take to handle the future of video streaming.

” I feel the need, the need for speed” – Top Gun

The gang at Gizmodo did some comprehensive speed tests on the new iPad 3G. Comparing the speed of the iPad with the iPhone 3GS, an iPad on Wi-Fi, and an iPad on Mi-Fi.

Follow the link to see the results of the rests of the tests.

Alex Osh does a fantastic unboxing of the 32GB 3G iPad.

Since the release of the 3G iPad there has been much talk of disappointment over the quality of video over 3G being much lower than over Wi-Fi. I’m not exactly sure what all the fuss is about. Did people really think that the iPad was so “magical and revolutionary” it could improve the beleaguered  AT&T 3G network? If anything, I expect the opposite. I fear the AT&T 3G network that the iPhone and iPad is imprisoned with, will worsen with the addition of hundreds of thousands of new 3G iPad users wanting to . . . continue reading

Here are the international data plans for the iPad and . . . ouch!  20 MB of data for $24.99? That’s highway robbery! $14.99 here in the US will get you 250 MB, but abroad 200 MB will cost you a whopping $199.99. That’s an outrageous charge for a nominal amount of internet usage. I travel abroad quite often and I have to say that if these rates were at all reasonable I would totally use 3G when traveling but these rates are ridiculous. Keep in mind that when traveling internationally it is not likely that your apps like ABC Player or Netflix will even work so you should be fine with a very small data package and then using the Wi-Fi at the hotels for you web surfing and email needs.

If you have not yet updated your ABC Player app it’s time to do so! For several days after the launch of the iPad 3G users complained that the ABC Player did not allow viewing of videos when on the 3G network. This made iPad users very angry, and you won’t like us when we’re angry! So ABC has responded quickly and as of Tuesday there is an update available that allows for videos to be streamed over 3G. The update also allows for landscape view of all screens where previously only some screens supported landscape.

Good move, ABC!

Today Fed Ex trucks are delivering pure joy in the form of iPads to houses across the nation. Santa, eat your heart out.

And lines are already forming at Apple stores in advance of the 5:00pm release.

Are you at home awaiting delivery or are you headed to the Apple store?

Stay tuned for pictures, video and lots and lots of information.

Apple has announced that the 3G iPad goes on sale April 30th. This is good news for those patiently waiting for the 3G units especially after seeing the international iPad launch pushed back last week because of overwhelming demand.

So for those that did not pre-order the iPad’s will be available after 5:00pm on April 30th in stores. If you choose to place an order now the Apple website states it will ship by May 7th. For those that pre-ordered you will receive your iPad in “late April” still which I assume to mean on or before April 30th.

We’re finally getting close!

Costello: Well then who’s on first?

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: I mean the fellow’s name.

Abbott: Who.

Steve Jobs took time out to answer some emails and even apologize for international delays. As well as give a cryptic answer about US 3G shipping. But he did confirm that the 3G iPads would arrive internationally at the same time as the Wi-Fi only iPads. So at least those living abroad wanting 3G iPads won’t have to see their neighbors getting their Wi-Fi iPads weeks before them.

Emails (and classic video of Abbott and Costello’s Who’s on First routine) after the jump. continue reading

“The internet . . . is that the one with the email?” (For Your Consideration)

It’s a hard pill to swallow to have to pay for internet on yet another device, especially if you are paying for a second time to the same company. For the majority of iPad users they are already paying for internet at home and on their smartphone so the iPad 3G will represent a 3rd internet bill. Ouch.

Since Apple (and AT&T) won’t give us tethering . . . continue reading