But my point is: GPS use is independent from data plans or SIM cards, right? I mean, I can download apps with my WiFi connection at home and then profit from GPS functionality within those apps, correct?
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URGENT: What other possible uses for a GPS-enabled iPad?
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But my point is: GPS use is independent from data plans or SIM cards, right? I mean, I can download apps with my WiFi connection at home and then profit from GPS functionality within those apps, correct?
C'mon, man. It's insultingly presumptuous of you to make that kind of judgement about someone else's relationship. Show some class.
If money is not an issue then why post this thread? I would say get the 4g model instead.
If you don't already have a smartphone then a 4G iPad can be useful in times of emergency or when the power goes out. For example, getting weather radar maps when the power is out. I'm in tornado alley, so this was actually an important factor in my choosing the 4G version.
Yes and no. The GPS capability is free and does not require a data plan. However it does require all data to already be on the iPad which some navigation apps do. Other things like geo-tagging also don't require data. However many things do require data connection to the Internet and that part is not free.
Correct. GPS is seperate from your data plan. So if you use a Navigation app that you preloaded the maps, you can use it with GPS and no Data plan
GPS mapping is great when I'm on a road trip with my lady. She navigates using the iPad. Location aware reminders are cool too, as is Find My iPad, which others have mentioned.
Good to know. Also, which apps would those be? Every app I use wants my current location. Can you preload maps for Yelp, StarWalk, native Maps app, etc? Nope.
So I guess if you can find an app (maybe TomTom, I remember it was a HUGE download) that gives you all the maps, you can use it within that app alone. But that sure limits the point of having the 4G aGPS iPad.
So I guess if you can find an app (maybe TomTom, I remember it was a HUGE download) that gives you all the maps, you can use it within that app alone. But that sure limits the point of having the 4G aGPS iPad.
GPS works even without a SIM card inserted. It might take longer to lock to your position initially, though (not even sure about that).
You'll need data for most of the apps mentioned here, but there are exceptions, for example the Michelin Guide, which does have all the data preloaded (in the latest version).
You'll need data for most of the apps mentioned here, but there are exceptions, for example the Michelin Guide, which does have all the data preloaded (in the latest version).
Thanks; but even with money, I wouldn't pay more if the added functionality is virtually useless to me...so I created the thread in order to understand how GPS can be useful besides traditional turn-by-turn navigation.
If it helps, the 4G iPads should have a higher resale value, recouping a lot of the extra money you spent to get 4G and GPS in the beginning when it comes time to upgrade...
Most any app that involves location services will need a data connection of some type, be it cellular or wifi. A GPS app like Navigon has preloaded maps but if you want traffic notifications or the ability to search for a location by name, you'll need data. Nav apps like Motion X GPS Drive are a huge nuisance without data. You can prepare a route and download the maps but if there is a change of plans in the middle, you're out of luck without data.
The Maps app always needs data. Without it, all you have is a blank grey grid with a dot on it.
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What you really need to ask if what you plan to do with it!
If it stays at home as an e-reader, then NO.
If you, well, wife, plan to take it out all the time, is strong yes!
One big reason is "Find My iPhone".
I also find aGPS useful stargazing (lots of great apps that take advantage of your location for some great OOOOOhhhhs.
Others have put in good points as well (and some who are a bit crass in their comments)
I use mine a backup instrument when I fly as well as moving map. I also have a series of topo maps that are GPS enabled.
If you purchase Navigon or Tomtom, my new preference is Navigon, you can use GPS for driving which is much better than most built-in GPS nav systems out there. This wouldn't require a data connection and you would be able to get turn-by-turn directions whenever you wanted. Other applications that use static data can use the GPS chipset in the iPad. I primarily find it very useful for a nav unit and also if I go into the mountains for a geological survey.
Location services are why I got the 4G iPad. Also, if it's lost and stolen I have a slightly better chance of finding it (or at least remote wipe if it's not in wifi range)
Agreed. If you have to ask total strangers for reasons/justification for something instead of coming up with reasons of your own, chances are you don't really need it.
By the way, is the built-in GPS chipset in the iPad WAAS/EGNOS differential compatible?
I'm pretty sure WAAS and EGNOS are not on the Apple products. Apple products use mobile GPS chipsets which are essentially built by Qualcomm. EGNOS is not really a ground/pedestrian system so of course it wouldn't be used in a consumer device. WAAS on the other hand is kinda like the AGPS but it's not the same thing. AGPS is done to improve TTFF just like WAAS but the main difference is that it uses servers to get the position of the satellites via internet connection and the server calculates your approximate position from the GPS hardware in the phone/tablet. WAAS on the other hand is used in airlines for a triangulation in 3D space of the commercial airliner. IMO WAAS and EGNOS are not really designed for consumer systems and wouldn't really give you better positioning tech. TTFF would probably be much slower on WAAS and EGNOS in comparison to AGPS but at least they would be more accurate.
Geocaching is another good thing that you can use with a GPS. It's kinda like a scavenger hunt. And with the screen so big, the whole family can help you locate a cache.
Wirelessly posted
Another thing I think that you are missing is that having the option of using 3G or 4G when you can't get a wifi hotspot (please don't try to tell me ther are everywhere because I know from my own use they are not!). Your data plan is a month by month plan which can be stopped and started anytime. So it gives you the ability to get an Internet connection when a wifi connection can't be found. And if you happen to fire it up in a major metro area you'll see speeds MUCH faster on LTE than a wifi will ever get you once you have the wep key from Starbucks- and you won't have to buy a fancy coffee to get it!
Another thing I think that you are missing is that having the option of using 3G or 4G when you can't get a wifi hotspot (please don't try to tell me ther are everywhere because I know from my own use they are not!). Your data plan is a month by month plan which can be stopped and started anytime. So it gives you the ability to get an Internet connection when a wifi connection can't be found. And if you happen to fire it up in a major metro area you'll see speeds MUCH faster on LTE than a wifi will ever get you once you have the wep key from Starbucks- and you won't have to buy a fancy coffee to get it!
Actually the WAAS differential is calculated using ground-based reference points and the signal is embedded in the satellite signal. It's not just for aircraft, it improves positional accuracy by more than 60%.
EPE with simple GPS without SA == 15 meters.
EPE with GPS + WAAS == less than 3 meters.
WAAS is found in plenty of consumer devices. My Garmin GPSMap 60CSx, 62s, Nuvi 750, 760, and 3490 all are WAAS compatible.
Granted, aGPS is helpful but it's nothing like WAAS. And when you're doing something like geocaching that improved accuracy really helps.
I have the wifi version and it has GPS. I tried it with my phone in the park Tethered. Cellalar Triangularation for 4G doesn't isn't this accurate. There is a chip in there.
I got the 4g just for the gps. I don't know if I will even activate the data ever. I mostly needed the gps for foreflight. I can preload all of the charts and documents with wifi and if I need weather most FBOs have wifi.