Has anyone tried this? My understanding that Bluetooth on the iPad only supports limited profiles (not serial as use by most BT GPS devices for example) so I wonder how this works.

Originally Posted by RAC

Has anyone tried this? My understanding that Bluetooth on the iPad only supports limited profiles (not serial as use by most BT GPS devices for example) so I wonder how this works.

Well the GNS website talks about automatic sensing of NMEA (as used by everyone else) and Apple GPS protocols so it sounds like Apple has gone their own way with GPS.

I assume also that Apple has also decided to implement it's own BlueTooth profile rather than using the BT serial profile used by all other BT GPS receivers.

GNS does say that their device is Apple certified (what ever that means), links into location services (perhaps that's what they mean) and works with WiFi iPads.

I know that I sound like a whinger, but this could be the second device that I may have to purchase for the iPad despite already possessing a perfectly good BT GPS. The other device was an AirPrint compatible printer, which I must admit works quite well.

Without Jailbreaking, you can only pair and use BT headphones and keyboards with the iPad

Originally Posted by deckyon

Without Jailbreaking, you can only pair and use BT headphones and keyboards with the iPad

They state that this works on WiFi only iPads without jailbreaking.

I can only assume that there is an undocumented "Apple GPS" BT profile on recent iDevices. As this GPS is probably the only device in existence that uses it, not many users would be aware of it yet.

Without a no restocking fee, guaranteed refund in writing there would be no way I would try it.

Besides, at 89 euros, getting the 3G model with GPS built-in would have cost about the same...

I've been using one for 3 weeks now and it works flawlessly. I bought mine directly from the manufacturer for $99 on Amazon, but it cost me $60 in shipping!

I understand someone is selling them on eBay now and supposedly a local vendor (US) is going to be selling on Amazon this week. Sounds like they'll be at least a couple US companies to buy from and hopefully be cheaper now.

Craig, are you using a jailbroken iPad, or a stock 4.2.1?

No, it's stock out of the box.
The GNS 5870 is the only one that Apple actually certifies for the iPad and iPhone.
I get 3m accuracy with mine when I'm in the car or plane (I'm a pilot). Plus I consistently get 10m accuracy inside my house, not near any windows. It's that strong.

Nice. I have the 3G model so I am not really worried about a puck. I havent use the iPad for much GPS wise beyond playing around and doing some geocaching. I am gonna see how well it keeps up this summer on my boat however. I have an in-car GPS so I have not needed the iPad there for directions.

I bet the screen is great in an airplane. Nice size to just glance at and get the info quickly - no squinting.

One of the Amazon reviews of the GNS 5870 says the seller is falsely claiming the gps is certified by Apple. I don't know either way. The reviews are not that great either.

There is a much cheaper Bluetooth GPS on Amazon. [ame="http://www.amazon.com/iBlue737A-i-Blue-737A-Bluetooth-Receiver/dp/B000KH7MZ4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top"]Amazon.com: iBlue737A+: i-Blue 737A+ Bluetooth GPS Receiver (66 ch, AGPS, Auto On/Off, WAAS): Electronics[/ame] $62, sold by Amazon and eligible for Prime/free shipping. Since it's sold direct by Amazon you have the excellent Amazon return policy to protect you if you're not happy with it for any reason. The GNS is 3rd party, so you're dependent on their return policy - which is unlikely to be as generous as Amazon's.

I haven't used the 737a, so I have no idea how well it plays with GPS apps. Again, the Amazon return policy would protect you if there are any problems. The reviews for it on Amazon are excellent.