Q: Does iPad 2 WiFi Really Have No GPS???

WiFi only iPads do not have a GPS chip.  They determine its location by using the locations of WiFi Networks.  When you disconnect your iPad from WiFi it probably was listing the last known location.

You are way off base about how the wi-fi only iPad determines location. We have already explained it many times in this very thread, so it's time to do your homework and read the thread if you want to post comments that tell us that you understand what you are speaking about. We shouldn't have to explain it again because you won't read the thread.

Short story, you don't understand how it works.

Chris,

And?

i fail to see why that matters? some forums close olde threads by habit, personally i think that is a mistake (unless its gone nasty).

A thread usually contains many informed resonses, and can be firm now inactive members. but these posts serve as history lessons to many who don't post out of fear of being "trolled" as you seem to be trying doing to me.

making a response ina existing older inactive thread serves to save the effort or re-running the whole thing just for a new user - savvy?

until i got nto this thread it was something i had not appreciated - so old dog new tricks :).

Lately i've been thinking of going for the iPad 3 WiFi only, giving my old WiFi only ipad2 to the wufe.

been chewing over if to go 3g or just WiFi, basing decission as if  need internet or not, but having recently taken up speed boating (well being 5ho reallt slow boating) having. gps based speedo app can save you some  in speeding fines.

Go for the 3G/4G... it's really handy and the device will be worth more when you sell it.

it is not actually tracking via gps, it is tracking via the WAN ip of the network the ipad it is connected to.

alanfromwickford wrote:

 

it is not actually tracking via gps, it is tracking via the WAN ip of the network the ipad it is connected to.

No, it's tracking via all of the routers within WiFi reach, without regard to any connection.

thx Paul,

UK data while in the UK is very cheap, but go abroad the cost is simply frightenning. so i was thinking if getting one of the gprs routers, that could serve my iphone, ipad and laptop, and cost about the same as the 3g upgrade.

as previous podt now i could use the GOS to avigate marine maos and watch my speed.

Using an external 3G router and external GPS units have definite advantages in that the units can be placed in the best position for reception - e.g. on the dash - whilst the display can be in the best position to be seen.

I have an unlocked Huawei E586 which I swap SIMs for where ever I happen to be - e.g. Channel Islands is £1 per day unlimited on Sure. This supports up to 5 clients, currently iPad+Sony Vaio+Blackberry and spoofs when internet is not used.

For GPS I have a GNS 5870 which works just fine on Bluetooth and locks sats well.

All are easily available on the internet. The unlocked E586 I bought through Amazon.

Now as I change gear I still have the same router and GPS units.

I have read through the thread and I may have missed it, but I did not find an anwer to my question of how the Find My iPad service locates the wi-fi only iPad2.  It was politely answered after my post by GZukes and alanfromwickford, who I thank for their response.

I thought your response a little rude.

thanks organum,

good setup,

s'pose best of both worlds is get something like your setup and the G3 version, future value is a busted flush in my case, as to validate buying any new kit the wife gets the pass on's as a sweetener :(

Since I have been a part of this thread since day one, I know for a fact that as early as pages 4 & 5 in this thread folks covered how location services in the wi-fi only iPad 2 function and gave the link to Apple's explanation for location services a number of times, your question was answered. But perhaps what you haven't grasped is that Find My iPad is using the wi-fi iPad's location services to tell you were the iPad is located.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4995

The assisted gps in the iOS devices, by the way, are what make them so much better than the competition too. Always able to pinpoint my location due to it.

Anchann wrote:

 

The assisted gps in the iOS devices, by the way, are what make them so much better than the competition too. Always able to pinpoint my location due to it.

What competition doesn't use AGPS today?

Anchann wrote:

 

The assisted gps in the iOS devices, by the way, are what make them so much better than the competition too. Always able to pinpoint my location due to it.

You don't know the competition's capability. Every 3G/4G GPS capable device I know of uses AGPS.