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.)
Of course this GPS draws it’s power from the iPad/iPhone/iTouch, so it does drain the battery some. My experience using an iPhone 4, using a program called Skycharts Pro, with a constant screen full bright updates (worse case) was that it drained 15% of the battery life an hour. Since the iPad has a much bigger battery, I expect excellent battery life using this unit with the iPad’s glorious 10″ screen.
If you have access to a power source, you don’t even need to be concerned about battery life, it has a USB type plug and cord included that you can use to power/charge/sync the iDevice while using the GPS. The only small downside is that my car charger uses a docking plug, I have to buy a new car charger that I can plug a USB cable into instead, an input 30 pin connector would have been better in my opinion.
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.
The Bad Elf GPS (BE-GPS-1000), an external GPS receiver, plugs directly into to your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad through the 30-pin dock connector. It then supplies direct satellite GPS data to Core Location Services, which GPS enabled Apps use when they run.
The Bad Elf GPS delivers high performance location awareness through a 66 Channel, 10 Hz capable, WAAS compatible (SBAS/EGNOS/MSAS) GPS receiver. The Bad Elf GPS feeds latitude, longitude, altitude, heading, speed, and universal time into the Core Location Services to be used by any GPS enabled app. By plugging into the Apple 30-pin dock connector, found on the iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad, the Bad Elf GPS quickly extends the usability of GPS enabled apps that need accurate GPS data. The Bad Elf GPS does not rely on cell tower assisted GPS to achieve a lock or determine position; instead it receives data directly from the GPS satellites. Locking on up to 15 satellites, the Bad Elf GPS supplies GPS position updates up to 10 times per second that can be accurate to within 9 feet (2.5 meters). This means users will achieve a GPS lock in urban canyons, in the air up to 60,000 feet, in the mountains, and on the water beyond where cell phone coverage exists.
The Bad Elf GPS accessory includes a micro-USB port and one meter cable for pass through charging and syncing. Power or sync an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad while using the Bad Elf GPS. No need to worry about losing power on long trips, just use the vehicle’s power supply. Download the Bad Elf Utility App from Apple’s app store; it displays and details position, accuracy, and satellite data feeds. Use the Utility App to configure your Bad Elf GPS experience. Change the rate of data refresh, set the unit of measure and personalize your device. The Bad Elf GPS allows people to use GPS enabled apps without the need for expensive monthly data plans, or upgrading to more expensive 3G/4G broadband wireless radio devices just to get GPS functionality.
With the Bad Elf GPS you can use your favorite flying app to track your flight plan and find that small island airport. Employ your favorite marine navigation app to navigate the bay channel or return to that favorite fishing spot. Start up your favorite fitness app to track your route, pace and distance. Mount your device ready with your favorite driving app for turn-by-turn directions or to find that point of interest you always wanted to visit. Try a new golf app, so you never have to look for a 150 marker again. Whatever GPS enabled apps you use to enhance your various lifestyles, the Bad Elf GPS is ready to supply your position quickly and accurately.
Bad Elf 1000 30-Pin iPod/iPhone/iPad GPS Receiver
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