Which New iPad Models We Bought and Why

While many people are trying to figure out if they should buy Apple’s new iPad, most GottaBeMobile staffers have already pre-ordered Apple’s shiny new iOS tablet. We see hundreds of new gadgets every year at industry events, but it’s a rare for so many of us to actually buy any particular device.

Apple’s new 3rd generation iPad is available in three storage capacities, two colors and three wireless configurations for a total of 18 model numbers. Three of us opted for the 64 GB iPad with Verizon 4G LTE. One more editor preordered the Verizon 4G LTE iPad with 32 GB of storage. Two went for the 16GB WiFi model and one editor opted for the 32GB WiFi iPad.

Read: New iPad: AT&T 4G LTE vs. Verizon 4G LTE 

Read: New iPad and Apple TV News Round-Up

Almost all of our writers went with black iPads, with the lone white iPad buyer being Chuong Nguyen, who is the most fashionable amongst us.

Buying a new device like the iPad can be a very personal decision. There simply isn’t a “best” iPad model since people’s needs, priorities and budgets vary greatly.

Read: Should I Buy the New iPad?

Here’s a rundown of which iPad models we bought and why.

Xavier Lanier: 64GB iPad WiFi + Verizon 4G LTE

I preordered the 64GB iPad with Verizon 4G LTE. The Retina display and 4G LTE were enough to get me to pull the trigger. The new apps and other features are gravy.

Despite some frustrations with Verizon 4G LTE on my Android devices, I opted for it over the AT&T model because Verizon’s 4G LTE network has a much bigger footprint. Even though I could tether my iPad to my smartphones, the user experience of built-in 3G/4G is much smoother.

I went with the 64GB model because I almost always fill up my devices with photos, videos and musics. There’s over 32GB of data on my 64 GB iPad 2 and I’ve had to delete files regularly from my 64GB iPhone 4S to make way for new apps. I’m an avid photographer and will be dumping large files on my new iPad for quick editing with the new iPhoto app.

I went with the black iPad because I like how the black bezel frames content, especially apps and Web pages with white backgrounds. Having black iOS devices also helps me differentiate between my iPads and iPhones and my wife’s devices, which are always white.

Kevin Purcell: Black 32GB iPad WiFi + Verizon 4G LTE

After hitting the preorder button over and over again, Apple promised to send me a 32 GB black iPad with Verizon 4G. I picked Verizon because my area sits between two Verizon 4G LTE regions. I’m much further from AT&T’s closest 4G region. I’m betting Verizon will hit my rural area by year’s end. I’ve been told AT&T won’t ramp up 4G speeds till 2013. I chose black so it would look different than my white iPad 2. I picked 32GB because my first 16GB got crowded quickly, but I never used more than 30GB of my 64GB white iPad 2.

Josh Smith: Black 32GB iPad WiFi

I upgraded from the iPad 2 to the new iPad WiFi only with 32 GB of storage. I settled on the 32 GB size to make sure I have room for the larger apps and 1080P HD video. I couldn’t bring myself to spend another $100 for the 64GB model.

The new camera and Retina Display are the biggest reasons I decided to upgrade to the new iPad.

I would enjoy a 4G LTE connected iPad on Verizon, but I already have a 4G LTE smartphone with a personal hotspot that I can use to connect the new iPad to Verizon 4G LTE.

Adam Mills: Black 16GB iPad WiFi

I am upgrading from the iPad 2 to the new iPad, a black 16 GB Wi-Fi model to be exact, because of the device’s Retina Display.

I watch a ton of video on my iPad, actually that’s really all I do, so the absurd resolution alone sold me.

I also have a feeling that I’ll start using the camera more now that is seems to be capable of shooting decent videos and photos. I decided against 4G LTE because I very rarely ever bring my iPad 2 outside of my house.

K.T. Bradford: Black 16GB iPad WiFi

I bought the black 16GB WiFi model, same as the iPad 2 I currently have. The only reason I have an iPad is for work (those app reviews don’t write themselves, yanno), but if any feature convinced me to do the upgrade it’s the Retina Display. I do a fair amount of reading on this tablet, so crisper fonts make for happier eyes. I also sometimes use it to stream video and I’m looking forward to Netflix in HD (hoping they’ll offer it).

Since I mainly use my iPad for apps and not to store media like music and movies, I don’t need any more than 16GB. And I have a mobile hotspot feature on my phone plus unlimited data from Verizon, so it wouldn’t make sense to get a 4G model.

Warner Crocker: 64GB WiFi + 4G Verizon

I’ve purchased a new iPad 64GB WiFi +4G Verizon. I’m using the iPad more and more for script reading and gathering other material so the larger storage capacity is a must for me. I’m sure I’ll enjoy the Retina display because I do a lot of reading on the iPad. I’ve noticed in upgrading some of the apps from Apple that the size of the apps have increased and I’m guessing that’s something we’ll see from other developers as well.

I also purchased a new Apple TV because I’m completely into the Apple ecosystem when it comes to entertainment (although I purchase music through Amazon.)

Chuong Nguyen: White 64 GB iPad WiFi + Verizon 4G LTE

After having skipped the iPad 2, the compelling new features of the new iPad for me include the Retina Display and 4G LTE network connectivity. It’s unclear how much marketing–and how much of it is real–there is behind Apple’s A5x graphics claims, but hopefully the guts will have enough chops to handle iPhoto editing on the go. I opt to go with a model with integrated broadband connectivity because it supports GPS and though I may not need 4G connectivity today–I can always tether or find WiFi–I may need it in the future. Why Verizon versus AT&T? You can read my separate post on GottaBeMobile as to why I chose Verizon’s hardware and may want to use AT&T’s HSPA+ service as a backup. The convenience of being able to carry a singular tablet–no tethering required–and fire up a web page and using it right away is worth it to me in the end.

I always opt for the largest capacity that I can afford or bear to spend at the time of purchase as you can’t pop in a memory card on Apple’s mobile products so you’ll be stuck with what you have. Though iCloud–the ability to re-download iTunes-purchased digital content at any time–make storage less of an issue, especially with ubiquitous connectivity thanks to integrated 4G, I like having all my photos and some important videos and documents with me at all times. Along with books, a decent selection of bad music, magazines, some apps, and perhaps a video project for editing on the slate, I cannot imagine going anything smaller than 32 GB. But I’m also the type of person who’s a digital hoarder and could pack a 128 GB iPad–if one were to be available–to the brim given the chance.

The iPad is where I store and see content, but has also become a digital portfolio for me where I get to show off things I am working on while on the go. It’s a one stop shop, short of a laptop. And unlike my more subtle colleagues, I am choosing the more consumer white edition.