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

My iPad has one of these glued to the back

Also acts as a shock absorber when I drop it.

Just realized this myself. Now I can get rid of my car GPS. I thought. Returning my Mini Wifi now. For me a mystery GPS is not on the WIFI model. I need the exact realtime positioning in my kayak, bycycle, car etc, also working in airplane mode to save battery and roaming costs. I first download the map in the hotel lobby, then switch off cellular data and ready to go. For some reason wifi still needs to be activeted but positioning works even though there is no wifi connection. Cellular data off works fine always.

Please note that real GPS is based on satellites and should not require any data connections at all, more than to download the map. The position on cellular model will still be updated with cellular data off = real GPS. Apple have choosen to call the feature "location services" covering cellular, wifi and GPS positioning. WIFI/cellular location is not GPS. GPS comes from the satellites.

So I would guess 80% would go for the cellular version. Big wind to the telco providers!

I will go for the cellular version, but SKIP THE SIM CARD, the GPS will do the work anyway as long as you download the map from wifi or iphone personal hotspot before you go.

You're correct. GPS does not require a data connection. However, you still have to buy the iPad + Cellular because the GPS and the cellular are on the same chip, the one the WiFI only iPad doesn't have.

Elenex:

Gps does not use telephone or wifi signals to determine your location.  If you are depending on a telephone or wifi signal, you are using some other type of "navigation" system unrelated to true GPS.

A repeat of an earlier post...

A mini-education:

GPS signals are separate from and completely unrelated to both the Internet and the cellular telephone network.  GPS signals come directly from the GPS satellites.  They provide signals that allow GPS receivers to calculate latitude and longitude information.  Navigation software then takes that latitude/longitude info and converts it to land mass, roads, bridges, highways, buildings, etc.

Most navigation software stores the maps right in the iPad/iPod/iPhone but a disadvantage is that the maps must be periodically updated (perhaps once/year).  The Internet is not required to use the system but it is required to update the maps.

Some navigation software gets the maps from the Internet and requires an Internet connection to function but an advantage is that the maps are always up-to-date.

The WiFi+3G/4G iPad and the iPhone both have a GPS receiver.  The WiFi-only iPad and the iPod do not and these devices require an accessory.

Philly:

Thanks for the reminder about the maps.  It is not really necessary to update your GPS maps.  Not updating might cause you a problem if you're looking for an address in a very newly developed area.  Otherwise your navigation will be on well established roadways to long established locations.

Note: If you are using your GPS for aerial navigation, ignore everything that I just said.

I understand now that I can connect any GPS device to my iPad2. The bad thing is: it doesn't work via bluetooth (iPhone 3S / iPad2). Is there a cable available?

I wouldn't say you can connect any GPS to your iPad2.  There are a fe GPS units on the market that will connect to your iPad 2.  The BadElf unit connects to the 30 pin connector on your iPad.  The Duo GPS unit connects using Bluetooth.  I have the Dual unit and it works very well.

clam45 wrote:

 

I understand now that I can connect any GPS device to my iPad2.

Why do you understand this? (because you cannot).

clam45 wrote:

 

I understand now that I can connect any GPS device to my iPad2. The bad thing is: it doesn't work via bluetooth (iPhone 3S / iPad2). Is there a cable available?

The Bad Elf Bluetooth GPS Pro unit will connect to an iOS (or multiple ones simultaneously) over bluetooth.  But you cannot connect just any GPS receiver - it has to be made to be compatible with iOS.

thank you, I will try to get it and connect it in the shop.   My iPhone 3GS has all the flight apps, spec. Foreflight, only the screen is very small, why can't I use my iPhone as a GPS device, and why does it not connect to the iPad2 ?

clam45 wrote:

 

thank you, I will try to get it and connect it in the shop.   My iPhone 3GS has all the flight apps, spec. Foreflight, only the screen is very small, why can't I use my iPhone as a GPS device

Dunno. Why not?

why does it not connect to the iPad2 ?

Do you have tethering enabled?

tethering meaning what? Bluetooth is enabled at both devices, they seem not to find each other, but are both searching since 2 hours

Bluetooth is enabled at both devices, they seem not to find each other

They are not supposed to find each other (unless you have tethering enabled).

If you don't know what it is, you do not have it, as it usually costs extra.

See this -> http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4517

to connect via bluetooth the devices must come up on each others settings / bluetooth: the iPad comes up on my Mac Book Air, and the iPhone comes up on it too. But neither Mac Book nor iPhone comes up on the iPad and neither iPad nor Mac Bok comes up on the iPhone. lol. could this be an IP- problem?