IPad used as a GPS
 

I currently have a Garmin 276C as my primary GPS to navigate trails, and serves its purpose very well. I would also like to use my IPad 2 using Google Earth to have a satellite view of the roads as well. What I've found is that the GPS part of the IPad is slow at best and non-functional in remote areas.
Has anyone tested the Dual Electronics XGPS150 Bluetooth GPS Reciever, and if so how well does it work in remote locations.

Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for Today

A lot of the overlanding guys use this setup along with a Ram mount. There are several map options to choose from. I'm about to start testing my iPad with the Scenic Maps app. Check out the ExPo pages for a lot experienced users and reviews.

Check out MotionX's GPS and MotionX GPS Drive as well.

Some of JVC's aftermarket head units also have a nice tie-in feature with MotionX GSP Drive also.

I used mine on a overland trip this summer, Motion X has a map set that downloads to the iPad, you will need to be sure that the maps download to the iPad because you may not have service the entire time. It worked pretty good, but we also had a Garmin as our primary gps, mostly used the iPad to find ways around blocked trails as it was easier to zoom out and get the big picture than on the Garmin.

I'm not much of a computer guy, so forgive me if I'm not making sense with my original question. What I'm looking for as a device (not an app) that allows my Ipad to have full GPS signal no matter where I am......just as my Garmen does. From what research I've done there are several devices that allow Ipads and smartphones to do just that. One is the product I listed in my Post, the other is a device that is recognizes by Apple called " Bad Elf". I believe either of these devices transmits the GPS signal via Bluetooth to the Ipad or Phone.

Thanks in advance for everyones help

From reading what you posted on your initial post. I believe that Dual will work just fine for what you want to do. I am assuming that you iPad has cell service or you have a hot spot?
Do you even need cell service if you will be using GPS??

The dual is very reliable; I use one in the cockpit of a Cessna all the time. Professional pilots use them too. Good product. The bad elf is supposed to be good but I didn't like how it has to be plugged into the iPad. Supposedly the delorme in reach is a good product but I have no first hand experience with them.

Good to know I am going to look into this instead of a nav radio.

After doing some additional research, I found out that Garmin also makes a version of a GPS device that picks up satellites, then transmits the information to your Ipad via Bluetooth. No cell service is necessary, just a Smartphone or tablet that is Bluetooth enabled and you have a complete GPS.

Garmin announces GLO, Bluetooth GPS for your iPhone or iPad

Seems to me that this would be the way to go when out on trails. Especially when it allows satellite imagery to see exactly where you are in any given area.
Does anyone have any thoughts or comments?
The next thing I need to figure out is the best way to mount my Ipad on my dash.

Universal Dash iPad and Tablet mounts - iPad Tablet Mounts

The question of the OP was answered, but I want to sing the praises of the Gaia GPS app for iPad.

I have long used a Garmin GPS tethered to my MacBook, with National Geographic State Series topos for my off-roading adventures.
But on a recent trip in the Arizona desert, I was with a guy who had an iPad with the GPS chip (meaning the iPad received LTE cell signal) with the Gaia app.

If you're within cell signal range, you have complete access to USGS 15' maps. If you know that you won't be in cell signal range, you can easily choose exactly the area of coverage you need and download the grids to the iPad, saved with whatever name has meaning to you.
With the downloaded grids, we set off and the iPad and Gaia performed flawlessly, and the various iPad features made it much easier to use than my laptop system.
You could drop and name waypoint pins easily, you could pinch or zoom the map as needed to zero in or out to get your bearings, and our current location was always accurate, always centered. It also does routes.


It's got me itching to buy the iPad mini and to set it up on the dash as my primary navigation system.
$20 app, but well worth it; far superior to other GPS apps I've used. It also works with iPhone and a different version works with Android phones.