GPS feature in WiFi iPad (i.e. not 3G) - does it have GPS or not?

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Level 1

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GPS feature in WiFi iPad (i.e. not 3G) - does it have GPS or not?

To be or not to be... (a GPS enabled iPad) that is the question...

Does anyone have the answer. I though my 64GB WiFi iPad (no 3G) had the GPS feature built in, but it is only triangulating and not receiving a GPS signal... I am getting the unpleasant feeling I may have got the wrong version... i.e. that the WiFi iPad does not have a GPS feature built in, and I got my homework wrong when I bought this in the Netherlands last month...

I hope I am wrong and there is simply a technical fault I need to fix... can anyone help me out of my misery please as we wanted to test this feature with a number of GPS Apps during a trip into the Sahara in October, and Jan.

Thanks.

MAC Pro, MACBook, Mac OS X (10.5.7), 8Gb Mac, 4Tb, Aperture, FCE, Apple TV, iPad

Posted on Sep 9, 2010 3:57 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

David M Brewer

Level 6

9,717 points

Sep 9, 2010 4:05 AM in response to van D

The wifi model does not have GPS... It uses other wifi transmissions nearby to to figure out your location. This is not as very accurate compared to the iPad 3G model that has GPS.

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Answer 2

van D Author

Level 1

18 points

Sep 9, 2010 5:06 AM in response to David M Brewer

Thanks David. Punishment for my poor homework but none-the-less very pleased with the iPads other features. So anyone wanting the GPS feature on an iPad... You' need the 3G version!

Final Q on this one the: Is an exchange still possible a month down the line... I suppose not...?

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Answer 3

Mr.C UK

Level 2

410 points

Sep 9, 2010 7:07 AM in response to van D

It depends where you bought it from but it's very unlikely. Apple stores only give you 14 days for example.

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Answer 4

van D Author

Level 1

18 points

Sep 9, 2010 7:31 AM in response to Mr.C UK

Premium Retailer for Apple in the Netherlands. I will call the store and ask them expecting negative... bummer!

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Answer 5

Sep 9, 2010 10:07 AM in response to van D

I have the same issue. There are standalone cradles/external battery packs which add GPS to the iTouch, for example. One can only hope that someone comes out with one for the iPad.

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Answer 6

Mr.C UK

Level 2

410 points

Sep 9, 2010 11:34 AM in response to van D

I guess the other option is to sell it hopefully only for a small loss and put the money towards a Wi-Fi/3G model.

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Answer 7

van D Author

Level 1

18 points

Sep 9, 2010 12:13 PM in response to Mr.C UK

Good idea, but I will just have to live with it I think - as I do not think my wife would be too impressed - until they come out with a new model some time in the future which will make tea for you automatically or so...

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Answer 8

Nov 24, 2011 2:11 PM in response to van D

Looking at buying iPad ... am an old-fart and find all this *most* confusing, so pls forgive me ....

So I'm driving up the Motorway in England (I live in Canada) and I have my iPad 3G (is it?) open on the seat showing me where I am.

As I understand it:

1. The gps function will work so long as the iPad can "see" and "talk-to" the satellites, failing which ...

2. It cranks-up the cellphone function and that gets the info via the cellphone towers AND RUNS ME UP A HUGE ROAMIN BILL FOR STREAMING DATA, right? (pls excuse shouting, but the financial consequences might be in the shouting category!)

CAn anyone pls clarify this point.

Thanx in anticipation ...

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Answer 9

van D Author

Level 1

18 points

Nov 26, 2011 3:47 AM in response to rossfromssi

Hello Ross, I am not an expert, but I did in the end buy the iPad 2 with mini-sim card (mobile comms like celphones have). I find it useful but I usually have the roaming data switched off to avoid huge bills by mistake. You can always switch it on if you really need it (which is the power of the feature). Practically it is too expensive to use on a routine basis when roaming.... Would advise you to buy a GPS based system only like Garmin or TomTom if coverage in your area is good. Should be.

What we have here in the Netherlands is a contract that has unlimted data roaming. the deal is more expensive and I would not recommend it for everyone. That might be available for you too - don;t know.

However, given the distances in canada, I would not want to rely on deluular data networks for navigation. Apart from being more expensive, cellular data network may also have more service disruption than a dedicates GPS system which in the US and Canada can be quite inexpensive (don;t need top of the range and hunt for offers).

If you regularly tavel long distances, I would recommend you consider a SPOT satelite system that allows selected others to track your progress. You can also press a help button and this sends a message via satelite to your chosen firend(s) or family with you exact gps location. It also has an SOS button which would alert the rescue services. The latest systems also allw you to send short text messages to help with comms. It is not as cheap and not a naviation system (its ony for tracking). But we used it in the US for adventure trips and later also in North Africa in the desert.... so just a though.

Back to the iPad, it is a great and extrememly versatile device which I would recommend you would us e to download maps before you leave home and use them to keep an overview of where you are is the dedicated GPS navigation system does not place you in the big picture.

The Ipad can also be used to exchange important information if you are in trouble and you can share you position if cell comms is possible,

Not sure this helps but just in case.

Best of luck, Floor

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Answer 10

Nov 27, 2011 9:44 AM in response to van D

Hi Floor:

TVM for an *excellent* answer! You have given me an overview and insights into the iPad and other systems available which is *most* useful. I did not realize that you can switch the SIM-card function on and off on the iPad.

Yes, we have a Tom-Tom, but the cheapest version with a small memory ..... so, to use it in UK, we have to download N.A. and upload (at cost, of course!) U.K. (and Europe?) and then reversing the procedure (at cost?) on return! However, I'm thinking that yr advice of using Tom-Tom or equivalent is superior ... in our case, we'd likely buy another with just UK (+Europe) loaded on it.

Thnak you again very much for your help. Happy travels!

Ross.

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Answer 11

deggie

Level 10

167,381 points

Nov 27, 2011 10:01 AM in response to rossfromssi

Or you could buy the TomTom Europe app for your iPad and use it. I would check with the TomTom website.

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Answer 12

Dah•veed

Level 9

65,479 points

Nov 27, 2011 10:17 AM in response to van D

A Bad Elf can add GPS to any iOS device that does not have it.

http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Elf-Receiver-iPhone-66-channel/dp/B0035Y7ZJ2

Also, if you have tethering service with your iPhone, the tether will pass the GPS information from the iPhone to the iPad.

http://www.cultofmac.com/86642/wifi-only-ipad-2-gets-gps-when-tethered-to-iphone /

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Answer 13

van D Author

Level 1

18 points

Nov 27, 2011 11:42 AM in response to rossfromssi

Ross,

Glad i could help. Some good alternatives from deggie and DahVeed as well. When we renewed our cel account for the mobile phone here, we received a free TomTom with all of Europe on it. Sometimes there are good offers on new ones which have maps on them and that may be cheaper than buying maps (not sure but worth checking). At least in Europe but I seem to recall in the US as well.

All the best Floor

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