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Can the wifi version ipad used as GPS?

M

montblanc1

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 18, 2009
95
0
Hi, dear:

Recently there's a video on Apple Official Website named"iPad+Velcro".

Notice that in this video, the ipad used for navigation is the wifi version (no black frame founded), and the owner just launched the Maps apple to navigate, which is incredible!

How did he do that?
 
The same way the iPod Touch knows where you are. It looks for local WiFi and ask Apple where these WiFi hotspots are then it get a general picture. Google "skyhook wifi".
 
Intell said:
The same way the iPod Touch knows where you are. It looks for local WiFi and ask Apple where these WiFi hotspots are then it get a general picture. Google "skyhook wifi".
Click to expand...

so all we need is to have a car with wifi, right?
 
montblanc1 said:
so all we need is to have a car with wifi, right?
Click to expand...

In theory, yes. But, if the iPad can only see that one mobile WiFi hotspot you'll get bad results. It needs to see at least two hotspots that are stationary. Also WiFi location isn't as accurate as GPS and should never be used for driving directions.
 
I had a pilot tell me that a pilot friend of his was taking his iPad in a small airplane and navigating with it. I did not have time to ask questions but I assume his iPad was picking up GPS, but maybe it was picking up cell towers. Any thoughts on this?
 
Huntn said:
I had a pilot tell me that a pilot friend of his was taking his iPad in a small airplane and navigating with it. I did not have time to ask questions but I assume his iPad was picking up GPS, but maybe it was picking up cell towers. Any thoughts on this?
Click to expand...

It must be a 3G model - no pilot (not even a half-assed PPL holder) would trust navigation purely to WiFi and cell tower triangulation because of their unreliability. You'd also have to fly pretty low and only over densly poplated areas in order to get any useful signals. In some countries that's liable to get you shot down (e.g. the U.S.). For car navigation this means the instant you enter an area without enough signals (e.g. an industrial estate, farming areas etc.) then you're screwed. The WiFi service is, in my opinion, useful only as a supplement to looking around and reading the road signs (at which point you may as well use standard paper maps).
 
OK, If we buy the 3G version will the GPS operate without a data plan? It would be nice if the GPS is separate from the AT&T modem portion.

Cheers,
 
panzer06 said:
OK, If we buy the 3G version will the GPS operate without a data plan? It would be nice if the GPS is separate from the AT&T modem portion.
Click to expand...

Yes, The GPS can work without a data contract. But you'll need WiFi to load the Google maps for the Maps app.
 
panzer06 said:
OK, If we buy the 3G version will the GPS operate without a data plan? It would be nice if the GPS is separate from the AT&T modem portion.

Cheers,
Click to expand...

According to this link the ipad uses both GPS and cell towers in the 3G version. Therefore I would imagine you'll get navigation without a data plan but I'd still check it out. I don't use navigation on my phone, but what I've been told, it's better to purchase a Tom Tom/Garmin program for better directions while driving. Maps along with driving instructions are built in.

Be wary if you are using a phone for navigation without a data plan. We have Sprint Incognito phones without a data plan. My wife cranked up the GPS feature and got charged an extra $75 for that month when the data download charges capped out.
 
Huntn said:
According to this link the ipad uses both GPS and cell towers in the 3G version. Therefore I would imagine you'll get navigation without a data plan but I'd still check it out. I don't use navigation on my phone, but what I've been told, it's better to purchase a Tom Tom/Garmin program for better directions while driving. Maps along with driving instructions are built in.

Be wary if you are using a phone for navigation without a data plan. We have Sprint Incognito phones without a data plan. My wife cranked up the GPS feature and got charged and extra $75 for that month when the data download charges capped out.
Click to expand...

Since I already own the TomTom App I could transfer it to the iPad and since it provides the maps I wouldn't need the data plan because unlike google it doesn't download maps on the fly.

Is that your understanding?

Cheers,
 
...except the iPad searches the Skyhook network and triangulates you automatically so... what's your point?
 
panzer06 said:
Since I already own the TomTom App I could transfer it to the iPad and since it provides the maps I wouldn't need the data plan because unlike google it doesn't download maps on the fly.

Is that your understanding?

Cheers,
Click to expand...

That would be my unconfirmed understanding. :)

As a side note, I don't see the iPad as a good fit for city pedestrian navigation cause it is to big. Your phone and it's built in navigation would work better. I see the iPad primarily used for driving and hence the paid navigation apps would be a must imo.

So can you or anyone tell me how much it costs to update the maps for the tomtom or garmin apps on the ipad? Or do they update without charges? I'm comparing to a dedicated tom tom which costs about $90 to get a new map for the U.S. Thanks!
 
Huntn said:
That would be my unconfirmed understanding. :)

As a side note, I don't see the iPad as a good fit for city pedestrian navigation cause it is to big. Your phone and it's built in navigation would work better. I see the iPad primarily used for driving and hence the paid navigation apps would be a must imo.

So can you or anyone tell me how much it costs to update the maps for the tomtom or garmin apps on the ipad? Or do they update without charges? I'm comparing to a dedicated tom tom which costs about $90 to get a new map for the U.S. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have the tomtom on my iphone 4 and they just periodically update the maps. Traffic is a annual subscription (never works for me but I do travel in a lot of smaller communities).

Consultant said:
If GPS is important get the 3G iPad.
Click to expand...

considering it but don't want to pay AT&T. Just use the GPS.

Cheers,
 
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