"JoyceK" <joycekeay@comcast.net> on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 11:22:06 -0000:
>Hi, I'm taking a tour of Norway this summer. I found a neat application for the iPad called City Maps 2Go. The description says it has GPS so you can tell where you are on the map. I do not yet have an iPad but I'm thinking of buying one. I'm assuming I do not need a data plan to access the GPS feature of the maps application. Am I right?
>
>Also if I get an iPad GS (Verizon version) will I be able to use any features available to the GS version overseas (such as accessing my e-mail) when I am not in the range of wifi?
>
>Sorry if I sound confused. I am just not sure what the iPad is capable of doing.
1) I second Robert's suggestion of having a suitable power adapter,
wherever you buy it.
I take Norway to have 230 V AC, 50 Hz, with two round pins.
(No doubt there is a website mentioning such things.)
You may also consider additional stuff, like an adapter to charge from
the 12 V DC of a car and an external battery like HyperJuice,
<http://www.hypershop.com/HyperJuice-Mini-7200mAh-Battery-for-iPhone-iPad-iPod-USB-s/165.htm>.
2) GPS itself is a signal from satellites.
I'm told that 3G (the cell phone network) beacons may be used for
additional location finding. I don't know if this use would be
measured and charged.
I wouldn't expect Norway to be entirely covered by 3G, but even less
by wifi.
3G is just another type of wireless network. You can connect to the
Internet by it, and in my country (Netherlands) mobile Internet use is
taking over from calling and texting.
I'd expect 3G to have far wider coverage than wifi.
I can't compare the prices of some Verizon roaming plan and purchasing
something temporary (a replacement micro-SIM card) from a Norwegian
provider.
3) This "City Maps 2 Go" application does seem appealing. I have just
purchased it (the full one), but not the in-app purchase Wiki Plus.
Don't forget to download the maps you may need as long as you are
connected to the Internet, and do keep the storage requirements in
mind when you buy your iPad (or whatever).
I have downloaded the map of my home town Amsterdam (14.7 MB). It
looks clear, detailed (depending on the zoom level) and recent. That
doesn't say anything about Norway!
You can easily delete maps.
--
Chris Laarman
