Streaming video will chew through your 4G iPad data

Apple' newiPad makes a splash as Apple's first LTE (Long Term Evolution, latest standard in the mobile network technology)-compatible device--nevertheless you'd better keep an eye on your video usage over 4G. Streaming movies over LTE (Long Term Evolution, latest standard in the mobile network technology) could be the death of your data.

Your first order of business with Apple's third-generation iPad: fill up that stunning Retina Display with plenty of video. Nevertheless hang on--if you're getting the 4G model, better watch that over-the-air video consumption. Lightning-fast as things are, over LTE, you'll be tempted to burn through your data plan in less time than you might think.

The new iPad launch

Data calculatorsDays ahead of the new iPad launch, it's hard to pinpoint exact numbers. Apple is famously secretive about these kinds of claims, however Verizon and AT&T offer online data calculators that give ballpark figures for data use.

The results are far from gospel, since the carriers include caveats: devices handle data differently; all numbers are averages and guidelines. AT&T's calculator doesn't attempt to break out 4G or LTE data allotments, and Verizon's offers mobile broadband estimates for computers only.

AT&T's online calculator presents wildly different results, suggesting 1,000 minutes of HD video streaming--as your sole activity--to reach your 5GB cap. But, since AT&T never promises to isolate its 4G numbers in this tool, 3G speeds are likely lumped in as then. Since LTE and 3G networks use different research to deliver data, I caution against using it to predict your iPad data usage. On the whole, since LTE delivers data much faster than 3G, it's easier to blow through your cap in a shorter period of time.

Of course, you can tweak the calculator to simulate more of a real-world scenario. For instance, using Verizon's calculator, 4.75GB per month could net you the following: 25 e-mails; 25 Web site visits; 15 minutes of streaming music; an hour of HD video streaming plus 2 minutes of standard video streaming; 5 minutes of HD VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) video chats; and 2 hours of online gaming.

The ongoing epic battle of the latest

Jessica Dolcourt pits phone against phone in the ongoing epic battle of the latest and greatest smartphones. Previously that, she sat in judgment of smartphone and desktop apps. In her personal life, Jessica remains tireless in her quest for the world's most perfect cheese.

A study by CompTIA concludes that businesses and IT managers believe that their IT guys are woefully underskilled. Now, why might that be?

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