My Ipad does not have 3G so many of the functions that require GPS type connectivity don't work. With a PC, you can buy small GPS units that plug into the USB port. You can then, for example, use maps on your computer with your GPS to find out where you are and where you're going. My question is whether there's something like that which can be used on the Ipad? Any ideas? Thanks for taking the time to help me.

I have not tried it yet, but you might be able to use a bluetooth GPS puck to do this. I do not think you would be able to use a USB version. Also, even with bluetooth, you may have to jailbreak the iPad for it to work.

Yes, you'll need to be jailbroken. You will also need some sort of internet connection otherwise you may not be able to get maps on the fly depending on the software you are using.

Yeah unless you have pre loaded maps you will need Internet.

That's why I bought the 3G for just incase. Found out in the end I did need 3G and a little gps.

If you have the 3G, then there is a built-in GPS, you should not need a separate GPS puck.

I really appreciate all your comments. Having owned a PC forever, I'm new to Apple and find myself wondering why they make it so hard to use accessories on the Ipad. Not having a USB port is a major stumbling block in my view. Wish I had the 3G capability with mine but, alas, it doesn't. Looks like there's no easy way to hook up to an exterior GPS unit without jailbreaking my Ipad which is something I have no idea how to do. thanks anyway for your help.

Even if it had a USB port, you would more than likely have to Jailbreak it.

Originally Posted by RickEvans

I really appreciate all your comments. Having owned a PC forever, I'm new to Apple and find myself wondering why they make it so hard to use accessories on the Ipad. Not having a USB port is a major stumbling block in my view. Wish I had the 3G capability with mine but, alas, it doesn't. Looks like there's no easy way to hook up to an exterior GPS unit without jailbreaking my Ipad which is something I have no idea how to do. thanks anyway for your help.

Craigslist.org

Guys all over Denver here are JB ipads an iPhones for $20. My guy JB my iPhone In less than 10 minutes at local starbucks (go figure)

There is an app you can download for your iPad WiFi but I was told its not so accurate as the 3G Ipad,its called Motion X GPS HD.
I am using it and its very good but I have the 3G.

Al.

It also depends on where you're using it. The WiFi-only iPad, like the original iPhone, does not have GPS (or A-GPS), but rather uses Skyhook, which triangulates from known WiFi base station locations sending out pings to these stations and calculating how long it takes for the signal response to work out your location.

This means it will be very accurate in an urban location with lots of WiFi base stations, and in some instances will be more accurate than satellite GPS because it'll work even when you're surrounded by tall buildings, tree cover or even underground (which degrades satellite GPS navigation.) As you head out into the country where WiFi stations are sparse, its accuracy will decrease or stop altogether.

On the other hand, the iPhone 3 and 4 series, and iPad WiFi+3G all have A-GPS, which is genuine GPS -- plus because it's "assisted", it works even better than regular GPS as it uses other cellular information to obtain your location faster, in addition to regular satellite signals. (By definition, any smartphone with GPS uses A-GPS, for obvious reasons.) Presumably these also have Skyhook, so the GPS on these devices will also work when you're underground, obstructed by tall buildings, etc.

As for loading maps, it is worthwhile to remember that even though the device has a big storage capacity (16, 32, 64 GB), its actual RAM is comparatively smaller, and thus a location-finding app using huge pre-loaded maps can cause memory issues. (The Apple OS will kill any app when memory runs low, making it look like the app has crashed.)

With something like Google Maps, however, the map data has been processed and broken down into smaller "tiles" which are easier to handle, but the tradeoff is that apart from what has been cached, the maps are not preloaded onto the device, so you'll need a good data connection to download new "tiles" as you move around.