How quickly will you go through a data plan on an iPad?

[GHOST WRITER]

I'm going to be getting an iPad for Christmas mostly to use when I commute to and from work which is about a 2 hour train ride a day (an hour each way). I'm considering purchasing a data plan to use at this time when I don't have wifi available. Mostly I want to be able to use Skype Instant Messaging (not calling or video chat), social media apps like Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, and Podio (a business CRM app). What would be a good amount of data to have this sort of access without overages? The plans range from 250 MB to 5GB. At all other points in my day, I'd have access to wifi so it's just for the time I'm on the train.

[Matthew]

My guess would be to get 4GB's of data. That should suffice, but if you want to be safe then I would purchase a higher plan then downgrade after a month of usage, to suit your needs. Its better to pay more for one month, then to have overages. Contact your phone carrier and make sure they will let you downgrade after a month. There are also apps that will track your data usage, so you dont go over.

[Ipad Family]

Not that much really. I would use a provider who has an App for managing or monitoring your usage. Instant Messaging takes up VERY LITTLE bandwidth, and Facebook and Twitter only take up significant bandwidth if you're looking at a lot of photographs. Your CRM app is probably only sending text-based data (not photos) so again you're likely to find you don't need much bandwidth at all. I would go for one of the pay-as-you-go plans for a month or so to monitor your bandwidth. If you switch Airplane Mode on when you get into your WiFi zone you won't accidentally use any extra bandwidth, and if you REALLY need to move bigger files around wait until you reach WiFi. We've used less than 200mb on our iPhone 5 in an entire month, and we made ten FaceTime calls (for about an hour total), sent 50+ photos up to Facebook and Twitter and did a lot of Instant Messaging. Like the other person said, MONITOR your usage for a month and you'll know. I wouldn't commit to a year's plan if you can help it before you get an idea of your usage. Happy commuting!