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
    2012-12-28T21:13:02+00:00

    I got an RT for Christmas.

    I was planning to return it, and get the Pro version when it comes out.

    GPS is absolutely critical for me, so I will not be getting any kind of Surface.

    It sucks, because I like the RT, and had high hopes for the pro.

    I do _not_ want to use my USB port for a GPS dongle - I need it for other devices. I also don't want to screw around with a bluetooth device.

    To anyone who thinks GPS requires cell service - Garmin built a huge business selling hand held GPS receivers that don't have cellular capability - I have about 5 of them.

    To anyone who thinks you need wifi to use the GPS with maps - look at the garmin receivers, most of them have maps that are pre-loaded.

    To anyone who thinks this is not a serious limitation for many tablet users - go look at the apple app store - some of the biggest selling apps use _stored_ maps,, because they are meant to be used where there is no cellular or wifi data service. MotionX is probaly the best well known of these, but there are many.

    All the marine and air navigation apps use stored maps/charts - because pilots and mariners can not usually download maps and charts while they are navigating.

    iPads are replacing expensive chartplotters at boat and ship navigation stations and airplane cockpits all over the world. I have personally used my iphone to navigate at sea many times.

    I am planning to get a Win 8 Pro tablet to run the more sophisticated navigation programs that are not available for iOS.

    Without GPS,the Surface is not an option for me.

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