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Is there a satellite GPS receiver in iPAD 2?

Is there a satellite GPS receiver in iPAD 2?

iPad 2

Posted on Jun 9, 2011 1:08 PM

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20 replies

Jun 9, 2011 2:39 PM in response to ShiranAv

Just back from Europe/Italy, so I can confirm the following:


1) the iPad2 + 3G contains a GPS receiver: it listens to the GPS satellite system. it does not 'ping' off the cellular network.

2) the iPad2 + 3G does not need an *activated* 3G account, in order to show position using the Location service

3) however, the iPad2 + 3G *does* need a micro (not regular, but micro) SIM card (activated or not) in the slot, in order to work. I think: not 100% sure on this point.

4) if you do NOT have an activated micro SIM card, then you need to have maps already resident in memory for the location where you will be, in order to have a true GPS function. you can get these in one of two ways:

a) while on WiFi, use Maps to look at the area where you will be. Be sure to zoom in to the resolution you need; only if you zoom in, will that resolution be resident in memory. NOTE: I have no idea the size of the memory cache allocated to Maps, and therefore no idea how many maps/regions you can have resident before the cache runs out. For us, we were in Tuscany, and had a middle resolution for the entire province, which stayed resident, as well as highest resolution for perhaps 10% of the province.

b) from the App Store, a search will show a number of options. MotionX GPS was shown to me by Apple Store staff, and costs $3. Download as many maps as you need, in whatever resolution you need, and they will stay resident guaranteed. Costs a fair amount more if you want voice-guided GPS. Haven't tried this app; given the low cost, may try it. Turns out, in Europe the cost for 3G data are about one-half what AT&T is charging.

Jun 9, 2011 6:26 PM in response to Apfelwurm

Apfelwurm wrote:


For the GPS only, the cellular network does not need to be active.

For the assisted GPS, the cellular network is required, because it can also use data from the cell towers and is therefore a little faster.

Using this with additional Wi-Fi information (if available) gives you very accurate location service.

Assisted GPS and WI-Fi information do not contribute to the accuracy of GPS. GPS is far more accurate than location provided by Wi-Fi, and A-GPS only provides faster general location in order to locate the GPS satellites faster.

Jun 10, 2011 1:46 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Please re-read my post, I did not write that Wi-Fi contributes to the accuracy of GPS, but that it provides "very accurate location service" together with GPS.


I did the following tests with my iPad 2 and the built-in Maps app here in Brussels, where Wi-Fi is used plentiful:


1) GPS only, i.e. 3G and Wi-Fi off (map was already displayed).

2) assisted GPS, i.e. 3G on and Wi-Fi off

3) 3G and Wi-Fi on


I experienced that 3) yielded the most accurate method to locate my position.

Speed could possibly be a factor, but we are talking about gaining a few seconds here, which does not concern me personally, but might be important in a military operation.


P.S.: GPS may not work very well inside certain buildings.

Aug 7, 2011 9:17 AM in response to ShiranAv

Hi, I know that my wifi only iPad 2 has no gps, but I'd like to politely ask if this External GPS module "GNS 5870 MFI GPS Bt Receiver "WAAS" Enabled" http://www.amazon.com/GNS-5870-Receiver-WAAS-Enabled/dp/B004289ZW0 is really supported and certified with iPad 2? Or if it is fake? I do not want to spent 100$ for something what is not going to work afterwards. Let's say after any iOS update or so. Thanks for answer.

Aug 7, 2011 9:43 AM in response to patrikcze

Doubtful if anyone here can answer this question.


It is up to the hardware manufacturer to apply for and receive the "made for iPad" certification from Apple, and support would be provided entirely by the manufacturer, not by Apple. It is not Apple's responsibility to ensure that a future firmware update for the iPad is compatible with such a device and the same for all 3rd party hardware.

Aug 23, 2011 11:22 AM in response to ShiranAv

The Ipad 2 has an assisted GPS module. It will pull the location via cell towers via triangulation. If you happen to live in an area without cell towers like me it simply will not work. I get poor GPS signal when on offline maps.

I have a true GPS receiver at home and it magically works anywhere including my home. The tech specs also indicate that the Ipad2 has an assisted GPS module NOT true GPS.


I dare you to try to use your Ipad on a boat.

Aug 23, 2011 11:26 AM in response to conorfromvictoria

"

It will pull the location via cell towers via triangulation. If you happen to live in an area without cell towers like me it simply will not work. "


This is simply not true at all. That is not what A GPS means at all. Ipad s with 3G have A TRUE GPS receiver. it uses cell signal to speed up the acquisition of the TRUE GPS receiver.


"The tech specs also indicate that the Ipad2 has an assisted GPS module NOT true GPS."


You are completely wrong again, as you have no concept of AGPS. It DOES HAVE A TRUE GPS RECEIVER.

Is there a satellite GPS receiver in iPAD 2?

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