As extensive computer users at PF Systems (or computer geeks), we have not jumped on the iPad bandwagon as the use of our computers/notebooks paired with our iPhones has proven to be an ideal combination for our business and personal needs. However, we can see why the popularity of the iPad has increased amongst home users as it allows them to do most things they used to do on their computer, and some new ones. All with increased portability, reliability and speed.
The iPad 2 is the second generation of the iPad family featuring a design that is 33% thinner and up to 15% lighter than the original iPad. It features Apple's dual-core A5 processor for faster performance and includes two cameras (a front-facing VGA camera and a rear-facing camera that captures 720 pixels HD video).
Telstra is now offering the iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G on 24 month plans or on a range of attractive pre-paid data plans. So for the Santa's out there who have to deliver an iPad 2 for Christmas, you could look at the following post-paid options or at the $30 Telstra Pre-Paid micro-SIM so that your spoiled ones can enjoy their gift straight away.
POST PAID
If you were thinking about getting an iPad 2 but did not want to spend the dollars upfront, the following post paid options are now available. You will pay monthly for the data + tablet plan and will benefit from member credits.
iPad 2 16GB
Cost per Month (minimum monthly spend, including data + tablet plan and device repayments after MRO bonus for 24 months) | Monthly included data allowance for use in Australia | Minimum Total Cost over 24 months |
$49 ($29 data plan + $30/month - $10 member credit) | 1GB | $1176.00 |
$59 ($39 data plan + $30/month - $10 member credit) | 4GB | $1416.00 |
$69 ($49 data plan + $30/month - $10 member credit) | 8GB | $1656.00 |
$99 ($89 data plan + $30/month - $10 member credit) | 15GB | $2376.00 |
iPad 2 32GB
Cost per Month (minimum monthly spend, including data + tablet plan and device repayments after MRO bonus for 24 months) | Monthly included data allowance for use in Australia | Minimum Total Cost over 24 months |
$54 | 1GB | $1296.00 |
$64 | 4GB | $1536.00 |
$74 | 8GB | $1776.00 |
$104 | 15GB | $2496.00 |
iPad 2 64GB
Cost per Month (minimum monthly spend, including data + tablet plan and device repayments after MRO bonus for 24 months) | Monthly included data allowance for use in Australia | Minimum Total Cost over 24 months |
$57 | 1GB | $1392.00 |
$67 | 4GB | $1632.00 |
$77 | 8GB | $1872.00 |
$107 | 15GB | $2592.00 |
PREPAID
If you prefer to a pre-paid option, you will need to purchase a $30 Telstra Pre-Paid micro-SIM card with an included 3GB of data to get you started. This is available from PF Systems. Data allowance is valid for 30 days and cannot be used while roaming overseas. The recharge amounts are as follows.
| Recharge Amount | Effective Allowance | Data Rate per MB | Expiry |
| $20 | 1GB | 2c | 30 Days |
| $30 | 3GB | 1c | |
| $60 | 6GB | 1c | |
| $80 | 9GB | 1c | |
| $100 | 12GB | 1c | |
| $150 | 12GB | 1.22c | 365 Days |
So if Santa brings you one without a plan, you can pick up a $30 Telstra Pre-paid micro-SIM card from PF Systems to get started with 3GB of data. More details.
You can read here some reviews issued back in March when the iPad 2 was released:
Engadget: “The iPad 2 isn’t just the best tablet on the market, it feels like the only tablet on the market
WSJ/Mossberg: “Best tablet for average consumers”
Daring Fireball/Gruber: “Like last year’s iPhone 4, it seems like technology from the near future”
