GPS ability with the iPad3 wifi only

[dnaber]

Does the new iPad have the ability to perform as a true GPS? The developer for xmotion is saying this new iPad doesn't have the GPS chip set required. Are they correct?

Thanks
Don

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[Lyndon23]

New iPad GPS - iPad Navigation and Maps

Found this - may help.

[b00bie]

The GPS is part of the radio (3G/4G) chipsets if you only get a Wi-Fi pad you don't get a GPS sorry.

[AQ_OC]

The Wifi version of iPad does not have a GPS chip, as B00bie stated. The xMotion people are correct, of course.

However, if you get a GPS receiver, such as this one

Amazon.com: Dual Electronics XGPS150 Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad 2, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone and Other Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops: Electronics

which will link with your iPad via a bluetooth connection, then you can make the wifi-only iPad GPS enabled. And actually, this solution offers some advantages over having the GPS chip inside the iPad, as you can position the receiver for optimal reception when in a car, which is a lot harder to do with an iPad. Also, you can use this receiver with other devices such as laptops.

If you want the navigation function, you will need to get a Nav app that has downloadable maps that are stored on the iPad. That way, you can navigate using a wifi-only ipad when you don't have a means to download maps (like on a 3G iPad).

HTHs.

[Seadog]

The wifi only models will use a modified service based on where you are using your wifi and other features. It is not accurate, nor reliable, but it beats having nothing. Even if I had not needed 3G/4G service, I would have gotten the 4G model just for the GPS.

[Rends]

You can locate you position on WiFi.
If i check my position in the maps app it locates me about 50m (150ft) from my real position.

[Vertigo1]

You can locate you position on WiFi.
If i check my position in the maps app it locates me about 50m (150ft) from my real position.

Still nowhere near as accurate as GPS and, if there are no WiFi hotspots around, you're screwed.

[Rends]

Still nowhere near as accurate as GPS and, if there are no WiFi hotspots around, you're screwed.

Yep you got it but better than nothing. I have GPS in my car and mobilephone and no need to have it In my iPad. If you do go for the 4G version. Your choice.

[rjreynolds]

The Wifi version of iPad does not have a GPS chip, as B00bie stated. The xMotion people are correct, of course.

However, if you get a GPS receiver, such as this one

Amazon.com: Dual Electronics XGPS150 Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad 2, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone and Other Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops: Electronics

which will link with your iPad via a bluetooth connection, then you can make the wifi-only iPad GPS enabled. And actually, this solution offers some advantages over having the GPS chip inside the iPad, as you can position the receiver for optimal reception when in a car, which is a lot harder to do with an iPad. Also, you can use this receiver with other devices such as laptops.

Do you know if that device is Bluetooth 4.0 or does it even matter? I heard the new iPad with Bluetooth 4.0 limits battery drain, but I am not sure if both devices have to be Bluetooth 4.0 devices for the benefits.

[Hnhassan]

I bought a similar GPS add on that plugs on the bottom of my iPad 3 wifi only version.

Yes it does work as a sat nav device, although the satellites may take a little time to kick in at first.

Here are some things to bear in mind. Firstly there is no active traffic... Which to me is important if you're around a city with loads of traffic. Simply because you need a 3G. If you're not sure what active traffic is,it basically tells you where there is expected or reported traffic on your route and based on this, your sat nav software will re-route your journey.

Also, a lot of mounts you'll find out there is quite flimsy and the iPad shakes like it's going to fall off.

All in all I have stopped using it as a sat nav, simply because a) I need active traffic. B) I can't be bothered to plug in all the gadgets like bracket, and GPS receiver to get it to work, it's easier to just plant my iPhone and it's all working. Of course you don't get the big screen which is a great shame!

If I knew how this worked, I would have gotten an iPad 3 with GPS/4G but without a plan... Oh well.