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. btbt 11,841 Reputation points
    2012-10-16T19:44:25+00:00

    No, the WiFi iPad does not have a GPS. It has location services, like the Surface, but not GPS hardware.

    In both the WiFi iPad and the Surface's cases, location services still work, but they are only able to extrapolate your position by surrounding WiFi networks.

    Please take a second look at the Tech Specs comparison of the iPad models on Apple's site: http://store.apple.com/ca/buy/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad/new_ipad#tech-specs Notice how GPS is only listed under the WiFi+Cellular model.

    And the Surface tech specs page: http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-CA/surface-with-windows-rt/specifications

    So both the WiFi iPad and Surface use WiFi and a compass for location, but no GPS.

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