As you can quickly see the cheapest solution is going with Apple / AT&T - which for 3 years is $1000 cheaper to own and operate on AT&T than on Sprint or Verizon.  It is also the most convenient solution as there is no extra hardware to carry around as is required by the other three solutions.  However if you are looking for the fasted connection speed.  Then you will want to look at the 4G (WiMax) solutions from Clear and Sprint.  But note with both Clear and Sprint when you are not on the 4G network - then the data is not unlimited.  You have a 5GB cap on the 3G connection or 300 MB/mo. while off-network roaming. Additional monthly usage over 5GB costs $0.05/MB. You may not use more than 300 MB/mo. while off-network roaming.

My recommendation - If you want the simplest and cheapest solution - hands down go with built in 3G and AT&T.

If you do not want anything to do with AT&T or want the fastest solution then Clear is the next best option.  

But each solution does have it pluses and minuses.  Here they are to help you decide for yourself.

Apple / AT&T:

Pluses: Cheapest solution by a wide margin. Most convenient solution - All in One.  Best for the road warrior that cuts the handles off of tooth brushes to save on weight.  Never any overages if you go with $30 plan. Very easy to turn on and off 3G plan so you can save even more money or even go with the $15 a month plan for very limited bandwidth (250 MB).  

Minuses: If in NY or San Francisco - AT&T - enough said.  Need to wait until late April for your iPad.  

Clear: 

Pluses: Fastest connection speed (same as with Sprint) WiMax.  Cheaper than Sprint and Verizon.  Can go month to month with data plan.  Can use 4G/3G modem also with your laptop when not using iPad. 

Minuses:  Very limited 4G coverage. Data cap on 3G coverage area with $0.05 per MB fee after cap is reached.  Need to buy both a hot spot unit ($140) and a 4G/3G modem ($225) - on top of the iPad - highest up front cost.  

Sprint: 

Pluses: Overdrive is one device ($99) so lower upfront cost vs. Clear.

Minuses: Very limited 4G coverage. Data cap on 3G coverage with $0.05 per MB fee after cap is reached. Most expensive solution.  Over $1000 more than Apple / AT&T solution for first 3 years. 

Verizon: 

Pluses:  MiWi is a single device and cheaper ($50) than the other options. Verizon 3G coverage is the widest of all the options. 

Minuses:  $1000 more over 3 years than AT&T option with a slower connection speed than AT&T 3G.  Data cap of 5 GB per month.  

NOTE: The cheapest solution overall really is just getting the $699 WiFi only iPad and not getting a data plan.  This post is just on comparing the iPad for those that must get a data plan or feel they must get a data plan. 

For more information check out these links:

Apple 

Clear

Sprint

Verizon - MiFi

Verizon - Plans

"The iPhone App Reviews editor-in-chief Shaun Campbell said he was unaware that his sites writers were requesting payment in exchange for reviews. He explained that the reviewers work autonomously, so he is unsure of how theyre paid by app creators. As of this writing, The iPhone App Reviews About section remains unchanged, stating that fees only apply to expedited app reviews."

See here I have a big issue - as Mr. Cambell is claiming he was unaware of this.  As of March 18th 2010.  However, here is the full Email from Mr. Cambell to me after I called out his site for the same thing back in September 2009.  

From: Shaun Campbell <webmaster@theiphoneappreview.com>

Date: September 22, 2009 2:04:13 AM CDT

To: <todayiniphone@gmail.com>

Subject: Podcast feedback

My name is Shaun Campbell, Im the Editor in Chief of The iPhone App Review.

It has come to my attention that your podcast "Today in iPhone" made a number of (incorrect) assumptions and allegations about theiphoneappreview.com which I would like to address.

I do not deny that there is a charge for a review to be published – just about every other leading iPhone review website charges a fee - most charge more than us - but I fiercely deny the allegation that the reviews are dishonest. The other review websites may refer to the fee as 'an expedition fee' to speed up the process of the review. However you choose to word it, the outcome is the same – the review is being paid for, and we are then no more deserving of your criticism than any of the others. It seemed that the lack of discretion was your main concern - this was not intentional and has since been remedied.

We have a strict policy on the reviews – the developer is purchasing exposure, not a glowing recommendation. I instruct all my authors to write honestly. We have published several reviews in just the past week that have scored ratings of 50% or lower. iDrop Dead was a paid review and scored 4/10 ( Hostile Waters was a paid review and scored 5/10 - there are other examples.

I would appreciate it if you would check your facts before you make such claims in the future. We take pride in having some of the best written and comprehensive iPhone reviews available, and this will continue into the future.

Regards,

Shaun Campbell

Oh but that is not all in February, 2010 the following email was sent out from one of his reporters that he claimed he did not know how they were paid. (Hint - BS)

From: "Nancy" <nancy@theiphoneappreview.com>

Date: February 28, 2010 xx:xx:xx AM CST

To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: App Review Opportunity

My name is Nancy Jones, I'm an author at The iPhone App Review  Would you be interested in having your app, xxxxxxxxx, featured and reviewed on the website? The iPhone App Review is a leading online source of iPhone application news and reviews, and with thousands of readers each week, you’ll gain invaluable exposure to a targeted audience of potential customers.

We can provide an expedited review on The iPhone App Review for only $25. Our review will provide a permanent direct link to your app on the iTunes store. Additionally, we can link to your corporate website to help with your promotion and sales. Reviews on The iPhone App Review are both comprehensive and honest, and apps will still be judged on merit.

Your app looks like it would be a lot of fun and educational as well.  I look forward to testing it. 

If you would like us to feature your app, please forward me your iTunes link, preferred website URL, promo code and any supporting images, and I will publish your review within 7 working days. Payment can be forwarded to PayPal ID shaun.p.campbell@xxxxxx.xxx

Nancy Jones

Author

The iPhone App Review

(xxxxx's added by Today in iPhone to protect all involved - even if one did not deserve protection)

For him in the article on Wired to say he knew nothing about the pay for play and how they were paid is a lie - plain and simple.  He knew it in September when he emailed me - and he definitely knew it in February when the email went out with his pay pal account for payment.  

As I said before do not trust any reviews you read on - the iPhone app review - site or any other site that charges for reviews.  And as a developer don't ever pay for an app review.

I would love to hear your feedback in the comments or call it in for the next show. If you are a listener you know the number. 

Update: 3/20/2010 10:41 AM CT - Mr. Campbell sent me an email threatening legal action if I do not remove the emails above. He claimed they were in violation of Copyright law.  However I claim they fall under the fair use doctrine - as the emails present a counter claim to his public comments in the Wired article and as such provide the public with needed information.  I guess we will let the courts decide.  I don't like being threatened - Mr. Campbell I will NOT remove the emails above.  Mr. Campbell here is something to try - How about full and fair disclosure next to each post where someone paid for the "expedite fee".  

Update: 3/21/2010 9:02 AM CT - Mr. Campbell contacted me to let me know they are now including with each post which ones paid an expedite fee.  As per what we recommended above and in compliance with what the FTC requires.  However he is still threatening us with legal action.  And claiming the following:  "You don’t even have the common decency to reply to criticism, you just post your ramblings where there is no right of reply."  Ummm - How about the comments button below Mr. Campbell? Or calling into my show? 

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Potentially nasty new iPhone security flaw discovered

Apple iPad: Analyst Rachets Down Unit Sales Estimate - WSJ

Credit Suisse downgrades Verizon, says AT&T likely won't lose exclusive iPhone deal until 2011 - latimes.com

Apple Bans Location-based iPhone Ads -- InformationWeek

zoomIt brings SD card access to iPhone, iPod touch | iLounge News

iPad pre-orders overwhelm Norwegian stores

iPad tablet computer consists of components that cost only $219.35

Microsoft's Bill Gates Comments on the Apple iPad - AllThingsD

iPad news from Redpark Product Development

Dev-Team Blog - Scam season

Bill Gates on iPhone: 'Oh my God, Microsoft didn't aim high enough'

Photoshop App Tops 6 Million Downloads On The iPhone

Former CNET Wants To Fund Your iPad App - ReadWriteStart

Apple placing ban on jailbroken devices? | iPodNN

>5000 Apps Banned; The New Rules « Chillifresh

Rumor: The iPad To Go On Presale Next Week

Is Apple Preparing To Add An ‘Explicit’ Section To The App Store? | Cult of Mac

AT&T tops in PCWorld’s 3G wireless testing - msnbc.com

91% Of iPhone Users Would Recommend Device Vs. 69% Of webOS Users

Apple raises limits on downloads via 3G

Possible Apple iPad Dashboard Key Spotted - PCWorld

Steve Jobs Still Using iPhone OS 3.1.2; Surely Not Jailbroken? - HotHardware

Applications and Software Mentioned in this Episode:

Tii - iPhone App

Sketchbook

Type Drawing

Word Ace

Bill Tracker

Slingbox Player

Categories - Cydia / Rock

Pedometer

Knocking Live Video

Navigon

Crazy Hamster