The 3G version of the iPad2 includes an aGPS. Evidently, some aGPS devices do not have the option of falling back to standalone or autonomous GPS when no cell signal is available.
Does anyone know if the iPad2's aGPS will work satisfactorily in the ocean where no cell signal is available?
What do think the best navigation and charting apps are for Eastern USA / Canada and the Caribbean?
It seems to me that an iPad could be a much better replacement for a laptop or chart-plotter used down below at the nav table and protected from the sun and sea. The lower cost, much lower power draw and better touch-screen seem like key advantages.
iPad 3G and iPhone 4 have stand alone GPS receivers. I expect iPad 2 3G will be the same. Numerous marine nav apps out there all for reasonable prices. No need to be locked into one as all can share the iPad 3G GPS.
I presume that the Bad Elf GPS will work with iPad2 and also the Dual XGPS150. Both are working fine with all marine apps I've got, and I'll be writing a review next week.
Apple does not do a good job of making it clear that only the 3G models of iPad/iPad 2 include a built in GPS receiver. Every so often I will get an email from an iNavX customer who has the iPad WiFi only model and wants to know why iNavX can't plot his/her position offshore. In these cases I recommend the add on Bad Elf GPS receiver.