ipad mini 2 - do I need cellular?

[Chris Catalano]

Hi All,
First time here. I just received a Phantom 3 Advanced as a birthday gift! Unfortunately none of my idevices are compatible with the DJI GO app. I'm looking to pickup an iPad Mini 2. I can get a new one from the Apple Education store for $280 (wi-fi only) or I can find used wi-fi + cellular ones on ebay for a bit less. I've searched the forum here and from what I understand the only benefit to having the cellular model is that it will enable you to load maps at whatever location you're at, and probably enable 'follow-me' mode when it's released. Are there any other capabilities that you get if you have a cellular model?
Also, I had read here that if you do have the cellular model that you don't need to actually activate a plan with a carrier in order to use the GPS function. Can someone confirm that?
Thanks.
CJ

 

[msinger]

I've searched the forum here and from what I understand the only benefit to having the cellular model is that it will enable you to load maps at whatever location you're at, and probably enable 'follow-me' mode when it's released. Are there any other capabilities that you get if you have a cellular model?

You can also stream live video to YouTube.

I had read here that if you do have the cellular model that you don't need to actually activate a plan with a carrier in order to use the GPS function.

That's correct. I'm doing this with my iPad Mini 2 right now.

 

[Goldni]

I bought a mini 2 just for my controller. I bought wifi only. If you know the area you will be flying ahead of time, just load it up on in the dji app before you go. It'll still be there.

Either that, or I use my phone as a Hotspot for just a minute to load the map on location.

 

[Chris Catalano]

Thanks for the replies. Not sure what to do yet.

 

[Oso]

Hi All,
First time here. I just received a Phantom 3 Advanced as a birthday gift! Unfortunately none of my idevices are compatible with the DJI GO app. I'm looking to pickup an iPad Mini 2. I can get a new one from the Apple Education store for $280 (wi-fi only) or I can find used wi-fi + cellular ones on ebay for a bit less. I've searched the forum here and from what I understand the only benefit to having the cellular model is that it will enable you to load maps at whatever location you're at, and probably enable 'follow-me' mode when it's released. Are there any other capabilities that you get if you have a cellular model?
Also, I had read here that if you do have the cellular model that you don't need to actually activate a plan with a carrier in order to use the GPS function. Can someone confirm that?
Thanks.
CJ

You have a good understanding of the needs and what you get with a GPS enabled device. I do think however that $280 for a wifi only Mini 2 seems kind of high.

 

[atki]

One more advantage of cellular ipads over wifi only is they have the dedicated gps chip and therefore give you an accurate compass bearing no matter where you are. If you buy the wifi only one it is generally accurate in the cities etc but its method of locating itself is via wifi routers/towers in the area. If you're out in the middle of the country it will likely not return an accurate compass bearing. So if you plan on flying out of sight in the country the wifi version will generally not show where exactly the phantom is on the compass whereas the cellular version will.

 

[Joao Carlos]

I have both, but use the wifi only for the Phantom. I do as mentioned (cache maps ahead), but be careful as some times it wont load and you find out when you arrive at the location. Also you could change your mind and go to a different location. So I have my iphone and do a hotspot in this case.

GPS I bought the Dual XGPS 150A (Amazon), but my ipad is wifi only (no gps).

 

[Chris Catalano]

You have a good understanding of the needs and what you get with a GPS enabled device. I do think however that $280 for a wifi only Mini 2 seems kind of high.

That's the price from Apple for a new one. Similar prices on Amazon, etc.

 

[Darmie]

I have an ipad 2 air cellular on order. It was approx. $120 difference. In the scheme of things, it wasn't much to invest. I used mac mall, cheaper than a student discount + using their 6mo free interest. Oh and no tax + free shipping.

 

[atki]

Just to be clear you dont have to have any intention of putting a simcard in the ipad mini 2 cellular.. the fact it has true gps is reason enough to buy it

 

[Joao Carlos]

A month ago I paid $294 on a 64gb mini 2 (retina) wifi+4g, barely used, from Amazon (NYC Sellers). Just for reference.

 

[hudiaratama]

I used ipad air 2 wifi + cellular can use GPS in airplane mode..

I think it would be the same condition with ipad mini 2 or 3

 

[atki]

Aussies get pumped on Apple devices. I paid $570 for ipm2 cellular 32gb new and that's a good price.

 

[atki]

Hud yeh it does use gps still. Ipm3 same as 2,same processor just Touch ID is the only real difference, total rip off

 

[iquadtography]

Hi All,
First time here. I just received a Phantom 3 Advanced as a birthday gift! Unfortunately none of my idevices are compatible with the DJI GO app. I'm looking to pickup an iPad Mini 2. I can get a new one from the Apple Education store for $280 (wi-fi only) or I can find used wi-fi + cellular ones on ebay for a bit less. I've searched the forum here and from what I understand the only benefit to having the cellular model is that it will enable you to load maps at whatever location you're at, and probably enable 'follow-me' mode when it's released. Are there any other capabilities that you get if you have a cellular model?
Also, I had read here that if you do have the cellular model that you don't need to actually activate a plan with a carrier in order to use the GPS function. Can someone confirm that?
Thanks.
CJ

I just got P3S for my bday last week. Been a wild ride since. Like anything in aviation there's ups and downs. ;-) congrats and welcome [emoji106]

 

[Chris Catalano]

A month ago I paid $294 on a 64gb mini 2 (retina) wifi+4g, barely used, from Amazon (NYC Sellers). Just for reference.

Wow, that's a good price. I don't see too many used ones on Amazon right now, unfortunately.

 

[Joao Carlos]

Wow, that's a good price. I don't see too many used ones on Amazon right now, unfortunately.

There`s one refurb for $298 no scratches or dents, different seller, but Amazon you may be able to return it within 30 days if you don`t like it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...tab_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished

 

[Chris Catalano]

There`s one refurb for $298 no scratches or dents, different seller, but Amazon you may be able to return it within 30 days if you don`t like it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...tab_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished

I saw that earlier, but unfortunately its a first generation mini, so its not compatible with the DJI GO app.

 

[Joao Carlos]

I saw that earlier, but unfortunately its a first generation mini, so its not compatible with the DJI GO app.

Ask the seller it seems listed as retina, all retina minis are 2 (or 3). I bought mine from this exact listing, different seller.

 

[mush]

what would be the difference of having a hotspot+ipad(wifi) vs having a ipad(wifi+cellular)??

i have a iphone 6 plus that i can turn into a hotspot and a ipad air 2