digital compass, what is it for? Is the GPS any good and worth the extra money?

[ant2009]

Hello,

I am planning to buy an iPad2. However, I would prefer to spend the extra money and get one iPad2-3G.

However, what is the digital compass and what can it be used for?

Does the iPad-3G come with a proper GPS antenna so you can navigate without a 3G signal?

The reason I want to buy the 3G model is because it comes with the GPS, which can be a very useful to me.

Does anyone have any good experience with the GPS that comes with the iPad2?

Many thanks for any suggestions,

 

[scwatkins77]

what is the digital compass and what can it be used for?

the digital compass is a sensor that can orient an app such as a map to the direction you are facing.

Does the iPad-3G come with a proper GPS antenna so you can navigate without a 3G signal?

Yes, The 3G version includes an independent GPS chip and antenna, enabling navigation from the iPad2 independently of 3G service or coverage. There are some navigation apps which include maps on the device so at you can navigate without the 3G connection, and others which stream the maps (so you dont have to take space storing them on the device). The later require cellular data connection to stream the maps (though not to determine GPS location).