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No GPS on WiFi only iPad models

M

MartyXB

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 16, 2011
77
2
Someone told me that there is no GPS capability on WiFi only iPads.

Can anyone confirm that? This would be a major reason to get the cellular capable models even if one does not subscribe to the service.
 
It always been that way because they use an aGPS. Which means it is assisted by a cellular connection.
 
Yes true not on the wifi only model. It has no GPS but it can get a rough location using wifi hot spots in the area if your country has that service. I know it's good in the uk
 
You can always get an external GPS module for it. I did for the times I want to use it as a GPS device, there are some nice apps that can use external GPS's ,
It can always use wifi network location data to determine an inferred location
 
The WiFi iPad will still attempt to find your location using the WiFi hotspots that are in range, but it does not have GPS. It's clear on Apple's own tech specs page.
 
TB07-NJ said:
But doesn't REQUIRE the cellular connection. It's just that the GPS is built into the cellular chip.
Click to expand...

It helps a lot in getting an accurate location. I am hoping they get rid of the aGPS that they use in phones because it does not perform as well as a quality Garmin, ect.....
 
1080p said:
If you tether your iPhone to your Wi-Fi iPad with Personal Hotspot, your iPad also gets GPS info from the iPhone...
Click to expand...

It may pay to spend the extra 100 bucks to not have to tether or carry (and charge) an extra bluetooth GPS unit. The nice thing about the iPad is having everything in one neat package. If not, why include the camera, my iPhone has one and I can send the pictures to the iPad via the cloud.
 
M87 said:
Confirmed...TWO YEARS AGO!!!
Click to expand...

That was the iPad 1. Is this a given for all iPads, including future versions will never have GPS in their WiFi models? Do android tablets also not have GPS capability if they are WiFi only?
 
1080p said:
If you tether your iPhone to your Wi-Fi iPad with Personal Hotspot, your iPad also gets GPS info from the iPhone...
Click to expand...
That has been disproven and is documented as not working numerous times on various sites as well as youtube.

----------
Buildbright said:
It helps a lot in getting an accurate location. I am hoping they get rid of the aGPS that they use in phones because it does not perform as well as a quality Garmin, ect.....
Click to expand...
Well, I drove around Florida recently for 2 weeks with the iPad with no SIM, BT, wi-fi and cell data disabled and it locked immediately to the sats and worked flawlessly using Navigon.
 
This is pretty much the reason I chose the LTE model - I wanted the GPS capabilities.

Although, with all of this madness I'm hearing about LTE (mind-blowing speeds), I'm really tempted to actually sign up for the service...
 
MartyXB said:
That was the iPad 1. Is this a given for all iPads, including future versions will never have GPS in their WiFi models? Do android tablets also not have GPS capability if they are WiFi only?
Click to expand...
The GPS "hardware" is built into the cellular data chip. Most wi-fi only android tablets do have GPS.
 
Buildbright said:
It helps a lot in getting an accurate location. I am hoping they get rid of the aGPS that they use in phones because it does not perform as well as a quality Garmin, ect.....
Click to expand...

This is some pretty hilarious logic: aGPS helps, but getting rid of it will make it better?

WTF?
 
ivan2002 said:
This is some pretty hilarious logic: aGPS helps, but getting rid of it will make it better?

WTF?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think he doesn't know that an aGPS can function without cellular data, and that the assisted aspect only helps to lock onto the location quicker. For the longest time I thought assisted GPS was worse than normal GPS as well.
 
Never has, never will. You have to have some added perk to spend the extra $130 if your on the fence about wifi or cell/wifi.
 
ivan2002 said:
This is some pretty hilarious logic: aGPS helps, but getting rid of it will make it better?

WTF?
Click to expand...

Digidesign said:
Yeah, I think he doesn't know that an aGPS can function without cellular data, and that the assisted aspect only helps to lock onto the location quicker. For the longest time I thought assisted GPS was worse than normal GPS as well.
Click to expand...

I just don't think you understand the technology. Reading to many blogs.
 
Digidesign said:
For the longest time I thought assisted GPS was worse than normal GPS as well.
Click to expand...

The marketing person who came up with the term "assisted GPS" needs to be fired.

Why not something like "Enhanced GPS" or "Accelerated GPS"?
 
Buildbright said:
It helps a lot in getting an accurate location. I am hoping they get rid of the aGPS that they use in phones because it does not perform as well as a quality Garmin, ect.....
Click to expand...

Why am I not surprised it's you making this statement. You seriously have no idea about this sort of stuff, yet much like the kid on youtube with the lightsaber... get what I am saying.

aGPS is actually faster and does indeed have better accuracy, especially in urban areas. It's basically using extra ground based points in combination with GPS, that some Garmin does not have. What Garmin is good at though is intelligent routing. I've had to wait more than a minute for a lock on Garmin on numerous occasions.

The ipad 3 may also include GlONASS like the 4S and most, which makes it even more accurate because you're using two satellite systems + the network.
 
aka777 said:
Why am I not surprised it's you making this statement. You seriously have no idea about this sort of stuff, yet much like the kid on youtube with the lightsaber... get what I am saying.

aGPS is actually faster and does indeed have better accuracy, especially in urban areas. It's basically using extra ground based points in combination with GPS, that some Garmin does not have. What Garmin is good at though is intelligent routing. I've had to wait more than a minute for a lock on Garmin on numerous occasions.

The ipad 3 may also include GlONASS like the 4S and most, which makes it even more accurate because you're using two satellite systems + the network.
Click to expand...

Not you again you follow me way to much. I can't argue with someone who is uninformed about "Stuff" intelligent wording. Night.
 
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