Difference between the two iPad models?

[biscuits99]

I see there is a Wi-Fi only and Wifi + 3G model.

But besides this, what are the differences?

I'm sure I read somewhere that only the 3G model would allow GPS. Although this seems to say it shouldn't be 3G only: http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=5898

Any other differences?

 

[ct2k7]

Wifi = Wifi only
3G = 3G + A-GPS + WiFi

 

[marksman]

I think the only difference is the 3G. I don't know if the 3G model has an actual GPS in it, or just uses the assisted GPS that they use in devices without one now.

 

[-Ryan-]

No, only 3G will have GPS. But what we don't know is whether there is actually a GPS chip or whether it is simply assisted GPS a la iPhone 2G.

 

[Steve686]

No, only 3G will have GPS. But what we don't know is whether there is actually a GPS chip or whether it is simply assisted GPS a la iPhone 2G.

I would think a dedicated GPS chip would be included with the WiFi model.

To make two different models and only include GPS with the 3G model, seems to point to dependency on 3G towers' assistance.

 

[-Ryan-]

I would think a dedicated GPS chip would be included with the WiFi model.

To make two different models and only include GPS with the 3G model, seems to point to dependency on 3G towers' assistance.

http://www.apple.com/uk/ipad/specs/

There is probably no actual GPS chip. The likelihood of it seems quite slim, because that page specifically says Assisted GPS rather than simply GPS, implying it is only A-GPS to me.

 

[StingerT125]

There is probably no actual GPS chip. The likelihood of it seems quite slim, because that page specifically says Assisted GPS rather than simply GPS, implying it is only A-GPS to me.

The iPhone Tech Specs also only lists Assisted GPS, but we know that has GPS.

 

[Julien]

You can't have Assisted GPS without GPS. The original iPhone had cell phone triangulation (the assisted part) only (no GPS). The 3G and 3GS have Assisted GPS like the iPad will. If it says A-GPS then it has to have a GPS chip/receiver/antenna.

 

[Steve686]

http://www.apple.com/uk/ipad/specs/

There is probably no actual GPS chip. The likelihood of it seems quite slim, because that page specifically says Assisted GPS rather than simply GPS, implying it is only A-GPS to me.

Ya. That's why I said "dependency on 3G towers' assistance".

 

[ukcolinr]

So if for any reason at any one time you don't have a Data subscription, would GPS work without the Assisted part? Or do you need both to bring it together?

 

[NeuralControl]

There hasn't been any word on that, but I'd imagine you need a constant data connection in order for any of the GPS to work.

 

[AngryApple]

I'm confused about the 3G one. So let's say I go out and buy one. Does it come with a sim card to put in it or do I buy that separate? I'm eyeballin' that 3G iPad like crazy, but if there is some secret contract thing..D:<

 

[mtnDewFTW]

Nope. Just that one has 3G and the other doesn't.

Well, that's all we know for now anyway. They might add something before the release, but as of now, nothing.

Oh actually, the 3G model has this black thing on the back of it, so you could get 3G signal I guess. Check it out here. Other than that no difference whatsoever.

 

[lee.anderson]

I'm confused about the 3G one. So let's say I go out and buy one. Does it come with a sim card to put in it or do I buy that separate? I'm eyeballin' that 3G iPad like crazy, but if there is some secret contract thing..D:<

From what I understand; It's contract free. It looks like you buy the iPad, and if you pick the 3G one you can get pre-paid 3G data. It's on a month by month basis, so if you decide you don't want to pay for another month it just stops. I assume you buy the sim separate.