4G: Does It Actually Matter? [Poll]

4G is one of the key technology movers this year — whether it’s the ACCC going after Apple over the “4G” iPad, Telstra launching a bevy of 4G devices ahead of Optus’ any-day-now 4G launch — or the whole contentious issue of what should be regarded as “4G” anyway. But how important is 4G when it comes to gadget buying?

I love a bit of gadget speed, and I’m not afraid to say so, but that’s got to be tempered against other factors such as cost and feature set; as an example, when I reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 4G, I liked the device, but wasn’t that keen on the extra price you’d pay for 4G connectivity; in that regard I’d say matching up a tablet with the Telstra 4G hotspot would be a better bet.

Then again, as I’ve seen time and time again, while the upside to 4G can be quite high, especially if you’re uploading, that only applies for as long as you actually get 4G signal — and in busy markets like Sydney’s CBD, that can be highly variable.

So what’s your take? Is 4G a must-have feature for 2012 gadgets, nice-to-have, or something that doesn’t rate at all?

Bacon is, as always, for those who don’t particularly care but want a clicky button to click on anyway.