Apple Tablet: iPad

[haven]

The jailbreak software is developed with specific iTunes and iOS versions
in mind. When you use the Apple software that the jailbreak was developed
to work with, you can sync with iTunes just like a standard iPad can. If you
update to a new version of iTunes, then it's likely that you'll lose the
ability to sync.

 

[AKRover]

The jailbreak software is developed with specific iTunes and iOS versions
in mind. When you use the Apple software that the jailbreak was developed
to work with, you can sync with iTunes just like a standard iPad can. If you
update to a new version of iTunes, then it's likely that you'll lose the
ability to sync.

It's not the iTunes version you have to worry about it's the phone/iPad software updates that can ruin your jailbreak. The current ios4 is capable of being jail broken. Do a search for the dev-teams blog for updated information about jailbreaking since most of the software cameos from them.

I jail break both my wife's and my iPhone so that I can use them on a different carrier. This let's us share minutes and have unlimited text and data on both phones for less then the cost of the cheapest AT&T iPhone plan. Other then the carrier unlock I don't really have any need to jailbreak.

 

[targa88]

Speaking with one of the local techs in the Apple store. He said that the Ipad did not have a separate chipset for the GPS function. So for the GPS to work properly you would need to have access to the 3G network (so WIFI is not sufficient - need 3G model).
Is this true - because if that is the case:
1) GPS - data $$$$;
2) remote location with no 3G service = dead GPS?

 

[redbeard]

Speaking with one of the local techs in the Apple store. He said that the Ipad did not have a separate chipset for the GPS function. So for the GPS to work properly you would need to have access to the 3G network (so WIFI is not sufficient - need 3G model).
Is this true - because if that is the case:
1) GPS - data $$$$;
2) remote location with no 3G service = dead GPS?

I'm not sure either those are right. I think you can use the gps without the data plan. Someone else can verify this (someone that owns one).

I think the iPad has AGPS - which you need 3g for, but without 3g you still get GPS (minus the assisted part).

So my understanding was the non-3g has no gps, the 3g has gps that works whether or not you use the data plan, and is slower to lock when out of range with any 3g-able tower.

 

[spressomon]

I have the 3G model/most recent introduction. For GPS functionality with some of the map apps you don't need anything more or additional to have it be fully functional. However some mapping apps need the 3G or wifi to function...

It seems, although I could not find any data on the GPS chipset Apple is using, it is very fast and very accurate based upon my preliminary usage.

 

[haven]

The iPad 3G uses the Broadcom A-GPS BCM4750 chip.
See step 15 in the iFixit teardown of the 3G for confirmation.

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad-3G-Teardown/2374/1

This is the same chip used for GPS in the iPhone 4.

The Broadcom chip is absent in the standard iPad.
(That's the primary reason why Scott B. figured out how to
use an external GPS with his standard iPad.)

The iPad 3G GPS function works without the need to have a
contract with AT&T.

 

[targa88]

The iPad 3G uses the Broadcom A-GPS BCM4750 chip.
See step 15 in the iFixit teardown of the 3G for confirmation.

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad-3G-Teardown/2374/1

This is the same chip used for GPS in the iPhone 4.

The Broadcom chip is absent in the standard iPad.
(That's the primary reason why Scott B. figured out how to
use an external GPS with his standard iPad.)

The iPad 3G GPS function works without the need to have a
contract with AT&T.

Haven,
So if I understand correctly you need to have the WIFI/3G version for GPS?

How and where do you get the topography from?

I also suspect that storage space being at a premium there is limited capacity for full map sets?

 

[redbeard]

Haven,
So if I understand correctly you need to have the WIFI/3G version for GPS?

How and where do you get the topography from?

I also suspect that storage space being at a premium there is limited capacity for full map sets?

I'll try
1) yes
2) you mean maps?
3) probably. depends on the setup.

On related note, the new(ish) geopdfs are getting support.
http://www.avenza.com/news/2010/07/12/avenza-introduces-geospatial-pdf-app-apple-ios

Geopdfs are downloadable from the USGS maplocator. The new USTOPO includes many map features and imagery. They torment me by saying Colorado will be done in 2010 and I've had to wait patiently for 6.5 months so far. Chances are it will be the last state in 2010 and for soem reason the areas I'm interested in wont be done for some reason...

 

[haven]

"you need to have the WIFI/3G version for GPS?"

If the iPad is the WiFi only model, you can add GPS by following these steps
1. Jailbreak the iPad
2. turn off the iPad Bluetooth app
3. add the BTStack GPS app ($5) from the Cydia app store
4. pair the BTStack GPS with an external GPS that supports bluetooth
5. add an iPad GPS app from the iTunes store, such as the Endicott Topo Maps app, $8

Here's an articles about the BTStack approach

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/11/add-gps-to-your-jailbroken-wifi-ipad-with-btstack-gps/

 

[targa88]

"you need to have the WIFI/3G version for GPS?"

If the iPad is the WiFi only model, you can add GPS by following these steps
1. Jailbreak the iPad
2. turn off the iPad Bluetooth app
3. add the BTStack GPS app ($5) from the Cydia app store
4. pair the BTStack GPS with an external GPS that supports bluetooth
5. add an iPad GPS app from the iTunes store, such as the Endicott Topo Maps app, $8

Here's an articles about the BTStack approach

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/11/add-gps-to-your-jailbroken-wifi-ipad-with-btstack-gps/

Maybe to position this from a different angle (bad pun)....

I am currently using Mapsource, with Garmin based topo loaded onto a netbook and an external puck (BU-353 + emulator).

Not clear whether I would have to use a different format (that GPX) or different base software. There were suggestions about Tomtom or Oz Explorer?

The IPAD appeal is the screen size/clarity and the touch screen capacity.
From the posts here and some research on other sites. It would appear that most of the apps are based on having access to WIFI/3G to download as you go.

The apps to download topo - introduce waypoints and/or trails for off roading is the primary application.

Not keen on the idea of requiring a SIM card and data with a carrier in the US (since I would be travelling down from the Great White North) - roaming fees would be brutal...

 

[haven]

"Not keen on the idea of requiring a SIM card and data with a carrier in the US"

The GPS in the iPad 3G works fine without an active SIM card. That's the way I use mine. There are free WiFi access points in just about any town with more than one gas station. Libraries, McDonalds, Starbucks, other sandwich shops and coffee houses, bookstores, and hotel/motel lobbies are likely sources. Some states have free WiFi at Interstate highway rest stops.

A good resource to find WiFi hotspots is http://www.jiwire.com/ Of course, you have to access this web site while you currently have WiFi!

Another good source of information about free WiFi is the Maps app on the iPad (and iPhone). Open Maps, and type in "wifi [zip code]" where you replace [zip code] with the actual zip code near where you want to search. The Maps app will show an image of the area around that zip code, marking the locations of free WiFi hotspots with pushpin icons. This app also requires a WiFi or 3G connection to work, so check before you depart from an area where you do have WiFi.

 

[haven]

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20100713PD207.html

There are rumors that Apple has contracted with LCD manufacturers to purchase three sizes: 5.6 inches, 7 inches and 9.7 inches. This suggests Apple is planning two new iPad or iPod Touch models with screen sizes between the 3.5 inches used in the current iPhone and the 9.7 inches used by today's iPad.

5.6 inches and 7 inches might be used in devices aimed at readers who shop in the iBookstore. The current iPad is a bit bulky compared to other e-readers. The smaller iPads also would be useful in most mobile situations.

There is no information about screen resolution in the Digitimes report, but it seems likely to me that they will all use the 960x640 resolution of the iPhone 4. This will enable all iPad/iPhone/Ipod Touch devices to run the same software, much to the relief of app developers.

The question in my mind is whether Apple will add telephony capability to the 5.6 inch device. This would allow you can send and receive phone calls as well as have a 3G data connection. Call this device an iPhone Ultra, combining the best of iPad and iPhone in a single handheld gadget.

 

[redbeard]

Interesting article about the iPad being used as a navigation tool on Forbes.

http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/14/navigation-gps-apple-technology-ipad.html

 

[haven]

Apple posted its quarterly results today, and it's a humdinger.

Apple sold 3.2 million iPads in April, May and June, almost as many as the number of Mac desktops and laptops combined.

Apple's profit for 92 days of operations is $3.2 billion. Apple's sales are almost equally divided between USA and international customers. Revenues were up 62% compared to this time last year. Apple now has $45.8 billion in cash reserves to fund future operations and make acquisitions. (Maybe it's time for Apple to start paying dividends to its share holders.)

There is no question that the iPad has tremendous appeal. It has legitimized the slate as a category of computing device. All the top laptop manufacturers are working on competitive products, using Google Android or Windows 7 OS. I expect most of these will arrive in December or January, so Apple will have little competition for another 6 months or so. Eventually the new Android and Windows machines will be a viable alternative to the iPad. By then, the iPhone / iPad line of products should have additional models with a range of features that keep the iPad competitive.

 

[gahi]

anyone figured out how to get adobe flash to work on the Ipad?