I have not had many coverage issues with AT&T. I think that is highly dependent on where you live. I hang around mostly in Texas, Hawaii and maybe California from time to time.
The big thing when I first got AT&T a long time ago was being able to use the GSM system. I travel overseas a lot and AT&T phones worked just about anywhere. I've lost track of where that stands with newer Verizon phones, but a few years ago you had to rent a phone for international use, and when the first international phones came out they had pretty poor coverage because they didn't use GSM.
The other thing I prefer about AT&T is that I can talk and use data at the same time. I can have a headset, be on a call and still use maps, look up something online or use other apps while I am talking. I've even gotten calls in the plane while using WingX Pro. This is only relevant for the iPhone. It doesn't matter that much for the iPad, but since I had a phone first, I wanted to use the same provider for all my cellular needs. It also helps that I have a really good corporate discount from my employer ...
I ended up ordering directly from Apple. They sold it cheaper, and it got here faster than if I had ordered from Amazon. I'm very happy with Apple's service!
I know I'm not supposed to peek at the mail packages this time of year but...
My recommendation: full-size AT&T iPad2 with no data plan. AT&T gives you the option to get a dataplan on a month to month basis in case you need it at a future time..
Same for Verizon....better coverage
Better coverage, eh. Well, I got three bars of AT&T in the Alvord Desert. Can you say that about Verizon? Hmmmmm?
Mark, I was thinking that I was checking email on my Droid (Verizon) in the Alvord....but maybe I am mistaken. I do remember on my first Alvord trip many years ago I was the only one who could get reception and I was on ATT at that time.
Are you adding Foreflight or wingX or Garmin APP to your IPad. I just got WingX and a dual XGPS170. The XGPS170 gives me GPS and ADSB for free weather. Only problem is the XGPS170 cost more than the IPad mini.
Thank you Amy for asking all the questions and everyone else for your replies.
My wife sat through Sandy's seminar at Clinton this year. Earlier this week she used this info to "talk me into" an ipad for "us" for Christmas. You know I get to use it in the airplane and she gets it at home. So I log in to ask what the best opitons are and, well here they are. Thanks for all the info, this site is the best resorce.
Only one problem, by the time I get my bird in the air it will probably be out dated..LOL