Does Microsoft Surface have GPS?

Anonymous
2012-10-16T16:40:26+00:00

Simple question, cannot find the answer.  A couple of websites states that GPS is there, however I find nothing on www.surface.com.  The website that state that GPS is there have said that since june and I don't know how they would know?

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Anonymous
2012-12-12T16:23:17+00:00

There is no GPS on the Surface. It uses location services based on the internet connection.

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btbt 11,841 Reputation points
2012-10-16T18:47:26+00:00

As it's a WiFi only device, there is no GPS, but it does have location services as part of the operating system.

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Anonymous
2012-12-26T22:54:36+00:00

Hi,

Surface for Windows RT does not support an external GPS device such as the one you refer to.

Surface for Windows RT can look up your location based on WiFi signals in your vicinity, as long as the Surface is also Internet-connected.  Apps such as Maps or Weather, or web sites through Internet Explorer, can use this information.

Hope this helps

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Anonymous
2013-04-02T19:11:00+00:00

Hello Myron,

Surface RT does not have GPS, however it does have Location Services which allows certain programs to know your location based on IP address.

Was there a specific app you needed to use with GPS?

Best regards.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-07T13:00:15+00:00

    Just did a quick search & USB GPS sensors are readily available (eg amazon). In my experience using a gps wired antenna usually gives better reception & reliability (an advantage). Disadvantage obviously is that it has to be plugged in & probably has a long wire to the actual antenna (best mounted). The Surfaces disadvantage of not having built in GPS can therefore be easily overcome. Lets face it, If you're out & about the Surface would be less portable than a smartphone, so it's real application & use is based upon it's suitability, & the Surface Pro should be able to do anything a real computer can but with the advantage of the great touch UI. Hardly a deal breaker anymore than a 'Retina Display' is for example. Turns out the best resolution for Windows is HD. Anything higher gives extremely small icons & doesn't look as good. The positive side is always there & should always be checked. Switch to another OS & what you may find, is an interface trying (desperately) to do what MS has now done (create a mobile and desktop friendly interface) & you might also find an inconsistent interface. You may find software that randomly doesn't work. As well as software that either doesn't exist, or is not compatible. You may even find that software bought for now, may not work in 5 years or so.

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