iPad GPS and Compass

[sajjadbuet]

From the specs, it looks like iPad 3G version has a GPS chip. But when I asked apple representatives on two occasions (using chat), they said, there is no dedicated gps chip, but it can use an external gps chip. Very confused. Anybody has any idea?

Also, do they have digital compass like iPhone 3gs?

Thanks.

 

[sparkstsa]

Both wifi and 3g have the digital compass. The 3g has Assisted GPS. I am not going to explain Assisted GPS here... you can search the forum as it has been discussed at length. Bottom line.... the 3G has GPS.

 

[sajjadbuet]

May be I should ask one other representative
Did anybody speak to Apple about this? Please, share your experiences.

 

[sparkstsa]

Check the tech specs page for the iPad on apple.com
It shows that the 3G has Assisted GPS.

Location
Wi-Fi
Digital compass
Assisted GPS (Wi-Fi + 3G model)
Cellular (Wi-Fi + 3G model)

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

 

[sajjadbuet]

One other interesting thing I noticed that the maps application doesn't have any "my location" like icon. May be I missed something or possibly all the images circulating are "iPad wifi only" specific.

Thanks all for your replies. It's a great forum.

 

[melman101]

One other interesting thing I noticed that the maps application doesn't have any "my location" like icon. May be I missed something or possibly all the images circulating are "iPad wifi only" specific.

Thanks all for your replies. It's a great forum.

Top right next to the bookmark option.

 

[MythicFrost]

So the GPS for the iPhone 3GS isn't the same as the iPad 3G?

 

[JonHimself]

So the GPS for the iPhone 3GS isn't the same as the iPad 3G?

What makes you think that?

 

[wackymacky]

So the GPS for the iPhone 3GS isn't the same as the iPad 3G?

From all the evidence so far it is one and the same (perhaps a slightly updated chip)

 

[MythicFrost]

Ah wait, I misread someones post in this thread. Ok good, I'm glad it does.

 

[sajjadbuet]

Lets hope apple sheds some light on this by posting some guided tours or pictures.

 

[kdarling]

From all the evidence so far it is one and the same (perhaps a slightly updated chip)

What evidence is that? Got any links or manufacturing rumors? Thanks.

Otherwise, I don't think anyone knows what GPS chip they're using, or if it can act in standalone mode. Hopefully it can, but as usual Apple ads are vague.

 

[boss1]

Have you tried emailing Steve? not kidding. a lot of folks are wondering, and every once in while he responds. This seems like something he would respond to clarify.

 

[MisterMe]

What evidence is that? Got any links or manufacturing rumors? Thanks.

Otherwise, I don't think anyone knows what GPS chip they're using, or if it can act in standalone mode. Hopefully it can, but as usual Apple ads are vague.

This has been explained at length. The iPhone/iPad's Assisted GPS can operate in unassisted mode. There is nothing vague about it. The only problem is that some people don't understand Assisted GPS.