IPAD2 Navigation Apps - What Rocks ?

[Christian Van H]

Originally Posted by Dragon Lady

Maybe you could read my post again and answer it if you know the answer?

I read your post, now reread mine. 3G = cell service = Built-in GPS chip = you don't need any further hardware. I knew the answer before you posted your question. Can we go back to Apps now?

[kbudd]

I have used GPS NavX for several years and I love it. It is easy to use and the US charts are free to download from NOAA.

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks Cotemar and Hoppy,

Just what I was after, an intelegent and informative answer.

Perhaps you can tell CVH where to download an app so they can do this also.

[Christian Van H]

Originally Posted by Dragon Lady

Thanks Cotemar and Hoppy,

Just what I was after, an intelegent and informative answer.

Perhaps you can tell CVH where to download an app so they can do this also.

Listen, my post answered your question before you posted it. The best method is to use a 3G iPad with it's built-in GPS chip. That Is the best way to have GPS on an iPad. I know you don't have one yet because intelligent would have been auto-corrected. I'll try to be even clearer next time. Sorry I let you down...

[Arch Stanton]

Apple nerd here.

Originally Posted by Dragon Lady

So will a 3G unit be able to get a fix out in the middle of the ocean where there are no phone towers or can it read satellite signals?
Looking at the Apple site makes me think not.

The iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G contain a real, independent GPS and can get a fix anywhere in the world regardless of cell or wifi reception.

Originally Posted by GPSNavX

Only iPad 3G and iPhone 4 have an independent GPS receiver. What information on the Apple site makes you think that a cell or WiFi connection is needed in order for the iPad 3G or iPhone 4 GPS receiver to work?

The iPhone 3GS also has a GPS.

Originally Posted by Bill Lee

I downloaded the navionics app and all the charts I need for cruising in the PNW. Its fantastic and I'm happy with it. I have the iPad2 wifi only (no 3G) and so assume that once out of wifi range I will not have gps (or triangulation from cell towers). I thought I read a post by Active Captain that the wifi only version DOES have gps. Does anyone know for sure? Cheers,
Bill

The wifi-only version does NOT have GPS.

[GPSNavX]

My experience is the older iPhone 3G and 3GS GPS is very dependent on a cell connection to get the initial fix where the iPhone 4 or iPad 3G this is not the case.

[Buena Vista]

Wow so much emotion. A guy asks the time (metaphorically) and gets an explanation of how a clock works!!

Now I notice that most, if not all, these posts come from the USA and of course it is possible that we in Australia get a different iPad2 from you guys (said with tongue in cheek), but this is what Apple themselves said today:

* Does iPad2 have a built in GPS chip set? = NO

* What is Assisted GPS? = it is a sort of psuedo GPS that operates over the 3G network or via "known" WiFi hot spots to triangulate a position

* Will Assisted GPS work without 3G? = well sort of if there are "known" WiFi hot spots close by

* Do you need a 3G plan for Assisted GPS to work = YES and you can get No Contract plans specially for iPAD

* Will Assisted GPS work in the middle of nowhere if there are no 3G or WiFi hot spots = NO

And finally here is a quote lifted from the Apple web site today (under iPad>Built-in Apps>Maps)

iPad knows where you are even if you’re not exactly sure yourself. Using GPS over 3G or known Wi-Fi hotspots and a digital compass, iPad puts you on the map. It shows your location and tells you which way you’re going, so you’re less likely to get lost. Unless, of course, you want to.

Now maybe they simply forgot to add the bit about Built-In GPS, or maybe it's not there? You choose.

Oh, one more thing, you should look at the Dual XGPS150 Bluetooth GPS Receiver. It is certified for iPad, iPad2, iPhone & iPod Touch and does not need to be "Jail Broken" like some others on the market.

[loic]

Originally Posted by Buena Vista

* Does iPad2 have a built in GPS chip set? = NO

In fact it's depend which model :
. the "Wi-Fi" versions of the iPad 2 do -not- have built in GPS chips.
. the Wi-Fi + 3G models do have built-in -real- GPS chips.

So the IPad-3G without a data plan or carrier will still function as a GPS. It just takes longer to locate, but it does work.

[goboatingnow]

Actually assisted gps is a general term. The apple assisted gps uses the data network to download ephemeris data to speed up the acquire time. It also uses cell tower triangulation and known wifi hotspot triangulation, in order to overcome multipath problems in built-up areas.

Dave

[GPSNavX]

I have used my iPad 3G on both land and sea where there is no cell or WiFi connection and had no trouble at all getting a fix and hence an accurate position plotted on the chart. I did not have a 3G or any other cell service/subscription. The 3rd party GPS are great if you have an iPad WiFi only. While this article does not mention iPad 3G, it applies..

iPhone and iPod touch: Understanding Location Services

[Christian Van H]

You simply cannot have GPS without a GPS chip (or an add-on GPS in the case of WiFi only iPads). GPS stands for Global Positioning System, which works with a network of satellites in orbit above the Earth. Those of us that have iPads know that you can turn both cellular and WiFi on and off at will. 3G iPads can locate your position anywhere on Earth without either service activated. it has been proven by real men and women right here on the cruisers forum. IPads have been successfully used to navigate FAR from cellular and WiFi service, hundreds of miles offshore. On land, WiFi service is no where near a given, and with 3G and WiFi turned off, my plotting programs work just fine. What more can I say?

This explains it all perfectly: http://gigaom.com/apple/which-model-...s-demystified/

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks Christian and GPSNavX, that's good to know that you have used your Ipads in stand alone GPS territory.
Do you agree that the 32Gb memory is needed too?

[GPSNavX]

Yes I think 32GB is a good capacity. My first iPad I had 64GB, but found I only used about 20GB of that so for the iPad 2 I got 32GB. Now if you have thousands of pictures or videos it might be a different story.

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks again, now I just need to wait until I can buy one from Apple instead of a scalper on eBay.

[Christian Van H]

+1 on the 32 gig model. I too bought the 64 gig version one, and I currently have iNavX with most charts for North and South America, plus Navionics North America installed. Add in over 250 pics and several videos, plus another 50 or so apps, and I am just now approaching 30 gigs of usage. I also have almost every manual for every piece of gear aboard stored as a PDF, 30 or so Kindle books and 30 or so Zinio magazines (Sail, Blue Water Cruising, Cruising World) jammed in there. The IPad has replaced about 90% of my PC usage, including banking, stock trading, email and web surfing. You will love yours too!