Does the iPad have GPS / Location Services?
Only the Wi-Fi + 3G models have assisted GPS (Global Positioning System) to facilitate Location Services. Assisted GPS works by using location information from the AT&T data network to speed up the acquisition of GPS satellites. Many apps use a GPS receiver to determine where the iPad is located.
So far, 40 applications have been certified by Apple as iPad 3G-only compatible.
Wi-Fi only models include a digital compass, but lack the internal hardware to pick up radio signals from GPS satellites and land-based cell towers.
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26 April 2010
1 year 38 weeks
That's really disappointing. If a person travels outside of a major metro area, then a paper map is better than the GPS on the iPad. Thanks for the info.
26 April 2010
1 year 38 weeks
Does the Wi-Fi + 3G models have a GPS chip? Or do they only have the assisted GPS through the 3G network? A GPS chip would be great for those of us who regularly travel outside of the city.
Neither the WiFi or WiFi+3G models have an actual GPS chip. The WiFi model uses a database of public wifi hotspots to generalize the location. I can get it to my neighborhood but that's as close as it gets for me.
The WiFi+3G model uses AT&T cells (or whichever carrier you use) to determine more acurately than wifi hotspots. But there's no real GPS hardware.
I think you need to double check your facts on this one. From what I have read, it has the Broadcom BCM4750UBG Single-Chip AGPS which is real GPS hardware plus it. It only uses the 3G when indoors or not in good "sky view". I have used mine as a GPS and I have not subscribed to 3G yet and in fact, have it turned off in settings. I still get good reliable GPS information.
26 April 2010
1 year 38 weeks
Thanks for the clarification. A real working GPS even without 3G is worth the price of admission (or at least over the Wi-Fi only).