Even though it's been a while since I purchased the iPad, accessories weren't something I really gave much thought to until I was on the vacation I just got back from. Turns out this one is pretty awesome...
Bad Elf GPS Receiver for iPod touch, iPhone, iPad and iPad2 (66-channel, SBAS/WAAS, 10Hz)"Purchased this unit to add GPS to my iPad, and also to be able to use GPS when my iPhone 4 is in airplane mode.
This product works great, exactly as described. You simply plug the unit into the iPad/iPhone/iTouch and it adds native GPS support to every app. I can't emphasize that enough, the apps you already own work great with it, they don't need to be updated at all to work.
The Bad Elf gps collects and keeps an atlas of the GPS satellites on board the unit, so even from a cold start it finds it's position very quickly. This is a high performance GPS too, it works at altitude in a jet aircraft just fine, even at 35,000' at 500 mph, when the native iPhone 4 GPS couldn't even find it's position. (Refer to any airline's policies on portable electronic equipment before operating any iDevice inflight, but I'm sure you knew that.)
I am recommending this product to anyone who wants to add GPS to their apple devices, or those who change devices every year, as this device can transfer as newer iPads & iPod touches enter the market."
Product Description
The Bad Elf GPS receiver plugs into the 30-pin dock connector on the iPod touch, iPhone, iPad and iPad2, providing high performance GPS data to ALL location-based iOS applications in the App Store. This Apple-approved accessory allows owners of iOS devices without an integrated GPS receiver (original iPhone, all iPod touch devices, the iPad Wi-Fi and iPad2 Wi-Fi) to use mapping, navigation, geocaching, golf range-finding, and other location-based apps.
This is one of the only Apple-authorized GPS accessories on the market that works with the iPad Wi-Fi and iPad2 Wi-Fi today!
Unlike most GPS cradles and car kits, this accessory is compatible with the form-factor of all past/current/future iOS devices, and allows you to continue using your favorite case as long as it does not block the 30-pin dock connector.
See the Bad Elf website for a list of apps that have good "offline" support and do not require a continuous Internet connection to work. In fact, users/developers are encouraged to give feedback and submit new apps that work well.
This accessory can use the Assisted GPS data provided by iOS when a network connection is available - but does not require it. The MTK chipset is known for its fast GPS lock times with or without this data.
*Update: also, I did pick up one of these dual car chargers below. Essential.
Scosche reVIVE II Dual USB Car Charger for iPadThe reVIVE II from Scosche can easily charge most USB powered devices including your iPad, iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, Android, cellular phones, MP3 players, PDAs and more. This charger allows for two of your devices to be simultaneously charged while utilizing only one of your cars valuable 12v DC power sockets (my Audi A4 only has one, a cigarette lighter in the dashboard. My old Audi 5000 had two just for the back seats - what's up with that?). The dual port interface uses your existing USB cables to let you plug in and get charged--one is a 2.1 Amp USB port for charging your iPad, and the other a 1 Amp port for charging all those other devices quickly and efficiently.
