Getting GPS on a Wi-Fi iPad with New Sky

FYI, you can use the iPhone's GPS automatically by connecting to an iPhone's hotspot. I use MyWi, but I'm sure it works with built-in tethering as well.

A couple of answers -

You can't substitute a "cheap GPS" for this unit anymore than you could replace it with a box of twinkies. This is to lend usability to iPad and iPhone apps. It isn't a "Tom-Tom" or whatever cheap thing you are looking at on ebay so you can find your way to Grandma's house..

It is often used in situations where 3G, even if your device has it, is unavailable or unreliable, and in cases where you desire greater accuracy than with a ground-based system, such as in aviation or even hiking.

" At that price ($100), you are pretty close to the cost of a dedicated low-end stand alone GPS unit. "

Actually, you've gone over it. A Tomtom One can be had on Amazon for $85.

This option has always been available to those with a JB ios device. In fact, it was my main motivation to jb my iPod touches n ipad.

By installing a Cydia app called Bluetooth GPS or Roqybt, u can link to any Bluetooth GPS.

I use the Holux M1000B which costs arc $45 n it works great.

The big advantage of going this route instead of getting the 3G very is that u won't deplete the battery of the iPod/ipad. The holux takes a common Nokia cellphone battery n can last for over 20 hrs.

Dedicated GPS devices usually perform better than integrated GPS chips prob because of the larger antenna.

Also, u can separate the placement of the GPS from the ios device within the limits of Bluetooth transmission.

Finally as mentioned, u can use the Bluetooth GPS with other devices like laptops, handphones n yes, Android tablets!

To answer some questions. 1st I currently use the GNS 5870.

@ people commenting on price,

Keep in mind I can use it with ANY Bluetooth capable device (iOS, Andriod, Mac, PC, Linux). This means I'm not paying for duplicate functionality over time. Between by iPad and iPod that effectively splits the cost in half. While they both can't use it at the same time it still means I get the functionality on either device as I wish. I can also link it to a laptop or netbook.

@kevin and others asking about integration,

It is using the iOS built in postion system. Any App that calls on those methods like sky viewing augmented reality or photo geo-tagging will work just fine. I've used SkyViewFree on my iPad to entertain school age children on my WiFi only iPad. Good fun.

It's the Maps app, not Google Maps:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/maps-compass.html

does it geo tag the pictures?

Does this work with programs that just use the GPS to do location/position finding? For instance, would it work with an astronomy program on a wireless only iPad2 to tell the app your current location (and therefore render the appropriate view of the heavens) without the need to manually enter the location.

This might be an option:


http://www.dealextreme.com/p/65-channel-car-navigation-and-tracking-bluetooth-gps-receiver-data-logger-26337

Price: $35.36 (includes shipping)

How did you mount the iPad in your car?

We took a trip to the UK and kept the iPad 3G (using Navigon British Isles) in our lap which was less than optimal.

PS. We used both Navigon and a standalone Garmin Nuvi GPS simultaneously during our travels across Ireland and it was quite helpful to use both.
Sometimes one wasn't working properly and the other one was so we weren't left in the dark (figuratively speaking) too often.

PPS. The newest motorways in Ireland were not on either GPS unit despite Navigon being downloaded just before we traveled.