The challenge of choices

Stopped by the Apple Store last night, before going to see K. They're sold out of new phones, of course, for the foreseeable future. When I asked about getting a MacBook for K, they steered me toward the iPad. Seems like a reasonable alternative, since it's smaller and lighter, and especially considering the new apps available that allow access to Flash-enabled websites. I got through the first of the choices ok, then ran screaming, when faced with the choice of carrier and data plan. Aaaiiieee! My experiences with Verizon, T-Mobile, and now AT&T have been less than stellar. I can only imagine Sprint has their own troubles. What to do...