It's no secret: the IPAD is COOL! At first people weren't sure why Apple would make a product that was essentially a combination of an Ipod touch and a laptop. As is so often the case, Apple was ahead of the curve and people have realised that combining an Ipod's portability with a laptop's power creates the kind of device we've only before seen in science fiction. It's light, thin, practical, and powerful. But before you dive into the IPAD waters head first, take a moment to consider the different levels of service available to you in Canada.

The first thing to know is that you do not need to buy a contract! Mainstream providers allow you to use the devices full capabilities at all data levels while giving you the option of canceling or opting out at any time. As well, certain providers will not only sell you the data package directly on the device itself (making things extremely convenient), but give you warnings when you have used up 20%, 10,% and 0% of your data.

Some feature automatic rollover plans, and they tell you in advance that you will be charged month to month until you cancel the plan yourself. Something to watch out for is not all carriers are so convenient. Other carriers insist that the user must update their plan each month if they want to continue. Their service will terminate unless the adjust it themselves.

As far as data rates go, providers do it differently. Some charge by thirty day intervals for 2.5 MB and 5 GB, but it also includes free Wi-Fi access in their hot-spots. The rates are essentially common across the board, but the amount of Wi-Fi access varies. Perhaps the amount of connectivity is the same, but the places where you'll access it depends on the carrier. Some have deals with all the Starbucks in Canada. But, you can bet all internet providers will joust for Wi-Fi spots, and in the end the availability will probably be roughly equal.

Some providers give you incentives to buy their plan like TV minutes they distribute, but this will count against your data plan so it's not as if you're totally getting something for nothing.

Just like with phone plans, countries around the world typically have better deals. In Canada, doubling the price gets you twice the data (actually, a little less for some reason), but in the UK, doubling the price gets you literally ten times the data! Actually, the doubled UK price works out to be roughly the same as the doubled Canadian price, but it gets you ten GBs instead of five. Several international providers also offer pay as you go options as well.

In short, Canada doesn't have a lot of variety in the costs, but there are different benefits and packages you can keep track of which vary from company to company. It's well worth seeing what's out there to best suit your preferences.