Apple Tablet: iPad

[haven]

According to Net Applications, a research firm that tracks Internet statistics, the iPad represents 0.17 percent of all web browser searches. That means that roughly one out of every 600 web searches is done on an iPad.

That doesn't sound like much, but it's a greater percentage than searches via an Android device, or via the iPod Touch. Not bad for a device that has only been sold for three months.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...gle_android_in_total_browser_usage_share.html

 

[Scott Brady]

Nice work, Scott!

Where did you find the GPS with SiRFStar IV chip? I read online that some companies are preparing models with the SiRFStar IV, but I didn't see any for sale.

It is a SiRFStar III unit. I was able to see 3' accuracy on tests.

You mentioned using several excellent GPS apps. Are any of these not available to iPad 3G owners who run standard Apple software?

All will work with the 3G. I expect very well too.

"Jailbreaking" the iPad is relatively safe. Most standard iPad apps will run under the modified OS. Remember to make a backup to iTunes of your iPad settings and content before jailbreaking it.

Apple has published a document warning against the perils of jailbreaking. Read it here http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3743

All good points. That is why I waited so long. It has been very stable.

One issue a jailbroken iPad owner faces is that you can't take advantage of Apple's iTunes and OS upgrades right away. You have to wait for the jailbreak software developers to create a new program that works with Apple's upgrade. And then wait some more for the new jailbreak to be thoroughly tested. Usually the waiting is over in a couple of weeks.

I expect the iPad 4 update will be the most desirable, and it is possible that upgrade will solve the functionality that I needed to jailbreak for.

 

[Scott Brady]

"Don't bother with the 3G model...it does not provide a better solution."

Well, as long as you don't put any value on having the 3G data service!

If WiFi is enough, then GPS on the jailbroken iPad is similar to GPS on the standard 3G. For vehicle navigation purposes, the 3G's GPS accuracy to within 15 feet works for me.

Here is my logic. I have a MiFi card from Verizon. That gives me the best network in the US. I have 3G on my iPhone. That gives me connectivity with ATT and internationally. It has been an effective solution so far.

Oh, an in the middle of Mongolia, I can fire up the BGAN

 

[redbeard]

ESRI released an iOS app.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/arcgis/id379687930?mt=8

includes several layers, which you can view at explorer.arcgis.com

 

[Scott Brady]

Nice looking app. Downloading now.

 

[mikelite80]

Scott, how are you going about mounting it? I love my 3g iPad and it's getting better as the mapping apps come along. I've been holding out for the Ram mount. I haven't even looked around for other option. According to the website the release date is today, but it says "part not in stock" when added to the cart.

Mike

 

[targa88]

A list of recommended GPS software would be appreciated.

 

[JKDetonator]

Please Help...

I second Targa's motion...for the less computer literate. I'd like to know how to make my iPad more "expo" friendly. List the apps that are appropriate for us to utilize. I tried loading the recommendation of redbeard and it won't load? I'm not going to jail "breaking" my computer. I just want it to work! In town, in the woods, on the trail! It has the potential to be my new best friend! I just need some help loading it up! And mounting it in the jeep. Any and all replies would be helpful! Thanks in advance.

 

[Scott Brady]

Motion X GPS
Topo Maps (the red icon)
NG World Atlas
CoordTrans- Coordinates translator
Topo Maps (tan and teal icon), which allows off-line map dowloads, like for navigating to the port at Baku on the Caspian Sea

A few favorites:
Knot Guide
Sp. Anywhere- Spanish translator
Photogene
Air Display

 

[evldave]

Glad we have Scott as a guinea pig on this

As for applications, I'm interested too, what's your experience on the 'best' and how do they compare to Windows apps? I'm holding out on getting the ipad just because (1) No clean jailbreak on iOS4 yet, (2) Windows nav/mapping is ahead of the curve for now + I have all the software I need, and (3) I really hate Apple's stuck-up 'we know what's good for you' approach. That said, I'm still gonna keep an eye on the iPad to see how things are going...

For people concerned about jailbreaking their ipad/iphone, my wife, who is a 100% technophobe and knows nothing about computers, was able to jailbreak her iphone 3gs in about an hour of googling. It's super-easy, and there's even a computer place near here that will do it for $25.

...however remember when you jailbreak it and download software, you are stealing from someone...not in the 'microsoft sells office on a $1 DVD for $500 so I'm morally ok with it' stealing, but 'This guy/gal sells his app for $1 but we'll get it for free anyway' stealing...hey I'm a huge torrenter, but if you find something you like, throw some $$ the developers way, just sayin' ya know??

 

[Scott Brady]

...however remember when you jailbreak it and download software, you are stealing from someone...not in the 'microsoft sells office on a $1 DVD for $500 so I'm morally ok with it' stealing, but 'This guy/gal sells his app for $1 but we'll get it for free anyway' stealing...hey I'm a huge torrenter, but if you find something you like, throw some $$ the developers way, just sayin' ya know??

I am not sure I understand this statement. . .

With Jailbreak, I am not familiar with any way of getting free apps (that are not free anyways). I still buy all of my apps through the store.

In my experience so far, Jailbreak only opens the device for more functionality, like full access to the BlueTooth hardware and drivers, etc., like in my case.

 

[haven]

I agree with Scott. Jailbreaking is a legitimate activity that gives access
to features you don't have when running the standard iOS software (e.g.,
bluetooth mouse, multitasking, access to file system, ability to use iPad
as hotspot).

Some people may want a jailbroken device to help them get software
without paying for it. But I think these folks are a small minority.

Software is so inexpensive for the iPhone and iPad platforms that there is
very little incentive not to pay. Here are prices for the apps Scott listed:

Motion X GPS … $3
Topo Maps by Phil Endicott (the red icon) ... $8
NG World Atlas HD ... $2
CoordTrans- Coordinates translator for iPhone ... $3
Offline Topo Maps (tan and teal icon) ... $5
subtotal ... $21

Knot Guide HD ... $3
Spanish Anywhere iPhone app ... $10
Photogene for iPad ... $4
Air Display lets iPad be used as second display for Mac ... $10
subtotal ... $27

total ... $48

While $48 is ten double-doubles at In-N-Out, it's not a big incentive
to engage in illegal activity.

 

[redbeard]

Which recommendation were you not able to load? Just for our info.

After reading some of the other posts, I think I understand the jailbreak thing better. But my question is, does the ipad still sync with the computer like a non jail breaking ipad? (other than not upgrading to itunes 9.2).

Another question for someone - is there an app that can view and display garmins map data? like the img files that you can get from gpsfiledepot.

I second Targa's motion...for the less computer literate. I'd like to know how to make my iPad more "expo" friendly. List the apps that are appropriate for us to utilize. I tried loading the recommendation of redbeard and it won't load? I'm not going to jail "breaking" my computer. I just want it to work! In town, in the woods, on the trail! It has the potential to be my new best friend! I just need some help loading it up! And mounting it in the jeep. Any and all replies would be helpful! Thanks in advance.

 

[cactusjk]

What about iTopo and GAIA GPS?

I agree with Scott. Jailbreaking is a legitimate activity that gives access
to features you don't have when running the standard iOS software (e.g.,
bluetooth mouse, multitasking, access to file system, ability to use iPad
as hotspot).

Some people may want a jailbroken device to help them get software
without paying for it. But I think these folks are a small minority.

Software is so inexpensive for the iPhone and iPad platforms that there is
very little incentive not to pay. Here are prices for the apps Scott listed:

Motion X GPS … $3
Topo Maps by Phil Endicott (the red icon) ... $8
NG World Atlas HD ... $2
CoordTrans- Coordinates translator for iPhone ... $3
Offline Topo Maps (tan and teal icon) ... $5
subtotal ... $21

Knot Guide HD ... $3
Spanish Anywhere iPhone app ... $10
Photogene for iPad ... $4
Air Display lets iPad be used as second display for Mac ... $10
subtotal ... $27

total ... $48

While $48 is ten double-doubles at In-N-Out, it's not a big incentive
to engage in illegal activity.

 

[evldave]

Jailbreaking certainly gives you access to 'hidden' system settings, and is fantastic for that. Custom themes, multitasking (real multitasking), etc.

Jailbreaking also gives you access to 'app stores' where you can get fee-based software for free. Cydia is an example where you can get both paid and free apps...and apps that would cost $$ in the app store and are free on Cydia. It is also a place for developers to go and 'sell' their apps when they've been rejected by Apple.

I know of quite a few people w/jailbroken 3Gs phones, all of which have 'paid' apps they downloaded for free. It's easy, so why not do it?? I have these discussions w/my friends all the time, about the moral issues around jailbroken phones and app stores.

I don't mean to hijack this thread, nor cause a long discussion, I should have phrased my language better... "when you jailbreak it and download software for free that normally costs money in the regular Apple Store, you are stealing from someone...not in the 'microsoft sells office on a $1 DVD for $500 so I'm morally ok with it' stealing, but 'This guy/gal sells his app for $1 but we'll get it for free anyway' stealing...hey I'm a huge torrenter, but if you find something you like, throw some $$ the developers way, just sayin' ya know??"

My point here is not 'jailbreaking is bad' heck I'd do it if I had an iPhone/iPad, and I'm constantly hacking Windows stuff, BB stuff, etc (PC, phone, you name it)...my point being there are lots of small developers out there selling their stuff for a buck in the App Store...if you get it for free via jailbreaking, at least send them some money for their efforts. I have no idea on how much revenue they lose to this, but even a few bucks to a small developer is a lot

Sorry for the hijack, back to your normally scheduled Apple discussions


As for redbeards question, I'm not sure about the iPad jailbreak, but the regular iPhone jailbreak allows you to sync like normal. I think the new iOS4 does not have a full jailbreak yet, so if you buy a new iPad w/iOS4, it is not jailbrbokenable yet (the iPad jailbreak has to have the original OS3.1, which they have broken up to iOS4, but you can't start out w/iOS4, does that make sense?)