Apple IPad as GPS

[FMFDOC]

Has anyone been using the IPad as a GPS?
I like the idea of a 9 inch screen. Also what problems if any have been encountered. How about software being used.
Thanks

[OLYLEN]

Here is a cheap enough great app all you need is a gps receiver puck.

CoPilot Live HD North America – iPad GPS App

Price: $29.99 – Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.


Just did a quick google and am familiar with copilot



LEN

[offthewall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FMFDOC Has anyone been using the IPad as a GPS? I like the idea of a 9 inch screen. Also what problems if any have been encountered. How about software being used. Thanks

I use Copilot Live HD North America for the iPad. I have a RAM mount for it. Works great. The large screen is a huge plus. I was using the iPhone and the iPhone version of Copilot previously.

You need the 3G iPad for any gps app. It contains the gps hardware. You don't need to keep an active 3G plan for the gps to function. I don't know what another poster is referring to concerning a "GPS Receiver Puck"; you don't need any other hardware.

[OLYLEN]

Since I don't have a Ipad I didn't know if it had a GPS engine, a GPS puck is a receiver that is the size of hockey puck with USB plug.

LEN

[RVThere]

I downloaded the MotionX-GPS HD app which works in 3G mode or wifi mode. I don't have a 3G ipad so I link the ipad to my verizon phone set up as a wifi modem.

It is pretty complex - much more so than your typical GPS. Great screens, maps showing very clear terrain, but no obvious way to get turn by turn directions. Still figuring it out as it seems better for aviation or boat navigation than driving.

[FMFDOC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FMFDOC Has anyone been using the IPad as a GPS? I like the idea of a 9 inch screen. Also what problems if any have been encountered. How about software being used. Thanks

Is there a RV or Trucker version available?

[Wayne M]

MotionX-GPS HD app is good and accurate. I have checked it agains the TomTom and it is just as adequate. You cannot hook a GPS Antenna to the iPad. There are no provisions for doing so. If you cannot tether to your present cell phone then you really need the 3G version. I am under the old plan of unlimited bandwidth download. Remember that you will be streaming information to the iPad and with the new plans of 5Gb or less you could be paying more. I believe the new plans are $25 for 2Gb. I do not plan on giving up my $30 unlimited plan. Also remember that the 3G system is only as reliable as cell phone service, where as the regular Garmin, TomTom, CoPilot, etc GPS systems are satellite with much more coverage if you travel in rural areas.

Good luck.

p.s., I don't know how you would tether to a cell phone except via WiFi wireless. There presently are not cable other than the usb cable for camera, SD Card, and VGA adapter.

[FlyingDiver]

You can tether to a GPS via Bluetooth, but you will need a GPS with Bluetooth (d'oh). I have one that I use as a data logger for photography, I think it's made by Qstar. It has Bluetooth, and will provide position updates to a computer (or iPad) that way. But check the website for the mapping software to be sure what devices are supported.

Also, Motion-X has two different GPS apps. Only one of them has turn-by-turn directions. I think it's called Motion-X Drive HD, or something like that.

joe

[vermilye]

If you want a built in GPS receiver, you need to get the WiFi + GPS version (the 3G models with built in cell service.) Of course that may change with the new versions expected in March.

[offthewall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M MotionX-GPS HD app is good and accurate. I have checked it agains the TomTom and it is just as adequate. You cannot hook a GPS Antenna to the iPad. There are no provisions for doing so. If you cannot tether to your present cell phone then you really need the 3G version. I am under the old plan of unlimited bandwidth download. Remember that you will be streaming information to the iPad and with the new plans of 5Gb or less you could be paying more. I believe the new plans are $25 for 2Gb. I do not plan on giving up my $30 unlimited plan. Also remember that the 3G system is only as reliable as cell phone service, where as the regular Garmin, TomTom, CoPilot, etc GPS systems are satellite with much more coverage if you travel in rural areas. Good luck. p.s., I don't know how you would tether to a cell phone except via WiFi wireless. There presently are not cable other than the usb cable for camera, SD Card, and VGA adapter.

There is no need for a GPS antenna, or tethering to a cell phone. No need to concern yourself with data usage. There is no streaming involved in using a true iPad GPS app, such as CoPilot Live HD, with an iPad 3G. All of the maps are stored locally on the iPad just like a standalone GPS unit. You need the 3G version because only it has the GPS hardware. The wifi only version does not have a GPS radio and can't function as a GPS device no matter what app you install on it. You don't even have to have a 3G plan or 3G to be turned on to use a GPS app. The iPad uses the same GPS Satellites as any Tom Tom, Garmin etc.

[offthewall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FMFDOC Is there a RV or Trucker version available?

The standard CoPilot Live HD app has an RV mode (in addition to car and walking). In the RV mode you can set the height of your RV and whether or not you want to avoid propane restricted tunnels.

There is a separate Trucker version which costs a lot more that I'm not intimately familiar with. Those type of GPS programs usually aren't geared to RV but rather professional over the road truckers.

[gresults]

Why, other than larger Screen.. I have Two Magellan 1700 on my dash one for plotting out destination and one for monitor current location, and that gives me 14" wide screen and right now you can get used 1700 for littel over 100.00 on ebay if you look hard enough refurbished.

[offthewall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gresults Why, other than larger Screen.. I have Two Magellan 1700 on my dash one for plotting out destination and one for monitor current location, and that gives me 14" wide screen and right now you can get used 1700 for littel over 100.00 on ebay if you look hard enough refurbished.

If you already have an iPad for other uses, the GPS program only costs $29.99. Free updates for new maps every quarter, integrates with your computer/iPad addresss book, makes a heck of an iPod/music player... If you're buying an iPad just to use for a GPS, it makes no sense at all.

[BpK9Miami]

I'm using mine on and off for the GPS function but I have to admit that I haven't quite found the application that's made me happy yet. It might be related to the fact that I've ben trying most of the "free" applications.

Motion X has two products; GPS Drive HD and GPS HD, also Google Earth can work. If you find something special be sure to post it here.

I'm sure there are others who have the same needs...