Is the GPS on the LTE enabled iPad mini comparable in Maps performance to the iPhone 5 on the road? Anybody try it? Is the mini lacking any hardware components (vs. the iPhone) that would prevent it from being used as a navigation device on the go?
You will need to have data enabled to use apple maps.
all kinds of car mounts for mini are already on Ebay (and priced lower than I expected).
DelMac, since you're already there (in terms of using it now), can you shed light on the question about offline iOS 6 maps use? Can you get pretty far without using cellular? Or does it need that connection in spite of what is shared in those reviews (links posted in #5 above)?
I'm hoping I'll be able to activate LTE only rarely and instead get by on wifi most of the time. Obviously, I wouldn't have wifi when in motion, which is why I'm hoping it is as described in those reviews: punch in my destination while wifi connected, then take it with me (away from wifi, without activating LTE) and it get me from "here" to "there" much like a dedicated GPS with on-board maps.
the screen is not really readable in direct sunlight
I have a Mini on Verizon. I use it daily as my main GPS to get me from job to job (I repair swimming pools).
I read this thread this morning and thought I'd experiment today navigating to a couple different jobs.
I tried this on 3 different GPS apps...Apple Maps, Waze and MotionXdrive, and they all had the same results. If I am connected to Wi-Fi or Verizons network, input the address, start navigating, then turn off cellular data, it will give me accurate turn by turn directions to my destination.
I tried a couple different times to take another route than recommended though and found that none of the apps were able to re-route me due to a lack of a data connection. With all of them, if I strayed too far from the intended route, I would end up driving through "blank" areas...areas that didnt load when I was connected to Wi-Fi. Once I got back onto the intended route, it would pick right back up though and continue navigation.
Another thing I found was that the GPS was very accurate with no data or wi-fi signal. It always knew EXACTLY where I was, down to a few feet.
Bottom line is, you can load a route at home/with a cell signal, then turn off cellular data, and navigate to your intended destination.
I have a Mini on Verizon. I use it daily as my main GPS to get me from job to job (I repair swimming pools).
I read this thread this morning and thought I'd experiment today navigating to a couple different jobs.
I tried this on 3 different GPS apps...Apple Maps, Waze and MotionXdrive, and they all had the same results. If I am connected to Wi-Fi or Verizons network, input the address, start navigating, then turn off cellular data, it will give me accurate turn by turn directions to my destination.
I tried a couple different times to take another route than recommended though and found that none of the apps were able to re-route me due to a lack of a data connection. With all of them, if I strayed too far from the intended route, I would end up driving through "blank" areas...areas that didnt load when I was connected to Wi-Fi. Once I got back onto the intended route, it would pick right back up though and continue navigation.
Another thing I found was that the GPS was very accurate with no data or wi-fi signal. It always knew EXACTLY where I was, down to a few feet.
Bottom line is, you can load a route at home/with a cell signal, then turn off cellular data, and navigate to your intended destination.
If your gonna go with the LTE version for the GPS function then you are better off spending the extra cash and buy a GPS app like tomtom or navigon that does not require any data/wifi signal to load the maps. That way you can go anywhere and not require any internet signal.
I want to get one of those but it seems the reviews are less than stellar
The both have GPS receivers so yes.Is the GPS on the LTE enabled iPad mini comparable in Maps performance to the iPhone 5 on the road?
Subjective matter. Many are happy with nav apps that require data. I personally prefer locally stored map data but this isn't a universal matter. Each person needs to decide.If your gonna go with the LTE version for the GPS function then you are better off spending the extra cash and buy a GPS app like tomtom or navigon that does not require any data/wifi signal to load the maps. That way you can go anywhere and not require any internet signal.
Should be expected. The GPS receiver doesn't need data or WiFi to determine your location. Otherwise the standalone GPS units would be worthless.Another thing I found was that the GPS was very accurate with no data or wi-fi signal. It always knew EXACTLY where I was, down to a few feet.
Always consider the source. I have both and have no complaints with either app.I want to get one of those but it seems the reviews are less than stellar