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Does iPad mini Wifi come with GPS

GPS is very important function of device like iPad but it is not listed on tech-specs of iPad mini wifi version. Is it true that it does not come with GPS?

iPad

Posted on Oct 24, 2012 12:09 PM

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111 replies

Oct 24, 2012 2:21 PM in response to Xy007

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 every two years). 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.

Oct 24, 2012 7:11 PM in response to Philly_Phan

Since the two (GPS and celluler or internet whatever) are separate, then let them not locked to each other. There are lots of navigation Apps with preloaded maps and there are millions of phones that can provide wifi hot spot on the go (including Apple's iphone). Let users think about the relationship between internet and GPS. A mobile device like iPad mini going without GPS? Think about this when you are traveling, most of the time you are checking locations and taking photos, not reading books from ibook. If you put a camera on a big thing like normal iPad, how is it not practical to put a GPS on a smaller device iPad mini Wifi version?



It can also be seen this way, ipad mini celluler is just the wifi version ipad mini plus a mobile wifi that is not usable to other devices and a GPS without preloaded map. It equals to Apple selling a mobile wifi and a GPS without map for US$130.

Oct 24, 2012 7:18 PM in response to Xy007

What?


It is simple. The iPad (mini or otherwise) comes in two versions, wifi-only and wifi+3G/4G. The wifi-only iPad does not have GPS hardware in it. The wifi+3G/4G iPad has GPS hardware.


Sorry but I have no idea what you are trying to say about mobile wifi, maps, GPS, relationship between Internet and GPS, etc. What is this mobile wifi you are talking about?

Oct 24, 2012 7:36 PM in response to Xy007

FWIW, I don't agree with you. Not all mini iPad users need GPS so why would you make them pay for it by including it in all iPads? If you need GPS with your mini-iPad, buy the one that has GPS.


You are just talking with other users here. If you feel that Apple should include GPS with all iPads tell Apple. Use this contact link http://www.apple.com/contact/

Oct 24, 2012 8:06 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

You have a point Fisherman. But then you might get to a time when you want to buy an ipad with GPS but do not want to pay for the Cellular. It is a matter of balancing functions in different models. My opinion is putting GPS on both versions will be more practical and less dissapointing. I am not requesting changes from apple but just discussing the issue.

Oct 24, 2012 8:26 PM in response to Philly_Phan

I don't get it Philly_Phan. The mobile wifi device uses Sim card and it can connect to internet whereever has cellular signals.


My original question was asking whether ipad mini Wifi has GPS. Then somehow you talk about celluler internet and GPS.


My point is then, since they are not related, do not bundle them together. Let the wifi version have GPS. I appreciate the education and hope it makes sense to you.

Oct 24, 2012 8:30 PM in response to Xy007

Xy007 wrote:


I don't get it Philly_Phan. The mobile wifi device uses Sim card and it can connect to internet whereever has cellular signals.

That has absolutely nothing to do with GPS.



Xy007 wrote:


My original question was asking whether ipad mini Wifi has GPS.

No it does not.



Xy007 wrote:


My point is then, since they are not related, do not bundle them together. Let the wifi version have GPS. I appreciate the education and hope it makes sense to you.

If you want GPS, simply purchase the device that has it (3G/4G). Why force the WiFi-only purchasers to pay the cost for GPS?

Does iPad mini Wifi come with GPS

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