The Samsung Galaxy Tab (at least none of the models I've seen) doesn't have standalone GPS, almost no tablet does. It isn't the same problem the Transformer Prime has, it's just a normal A-GPS system. It'll eventually catch the GPS signal, but it'll take longer. The ASUS Transformer Prime won't catch GPS signals without wireless unless pointed directly up. A-GPS without data probably wouldn't make a good GPS unit even if you did find a preloaded map. At the least, it certainly wouldn't be able to do turn-by-turn navigation.

The one we have is a 7.0 Plus, which has both assisted and unassisted, the latter of which should work. I've been testing just to see if the unassisted portion will even catch a signal from satellites, so far no, but obviously that isn't the only problem, but the issue of having a preloaded map where it can function similar to a TomTom/Garmin not needing A-GPS.

Where are you getting that from? http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/7.0/spec.html?type=find. It's a pretty big upgrade to include, so I doubt they wouldn't list it if it were true

The satellite GPS option I'm looking at says otherwise.

That one is not ours, ours does not have cell network capability. This is:

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/samsung-samsung-7-16gb-galaxy-tablet-with-wi-fi-white-gtp6210uwr/10195198.aspx

Anyhow, gonna keep checking for apps or settings cuz so far I'm a sceptic it works properly...

I think Futureshop just has incorrect specs, I personally would never believe anything any retailer (e-tailer or otherwise) lists as the specs when they don't match up with the official specs. There's multiple tiers for the 7 Plus, some come with 3G, another is WiFi-only. None come with A-GPS though. Samsung just lists all the options on a single page rather than having multiple pages for the same product for each configuration.


And technically speaking A-GPS units are supposed to work without wireless data assuming the stars are aligned just right and you don't mind waiting a good minute or two for a lock so FutureShop could just be pulling a fast one by abusing that fact.

Edit2: Also, since the 7 plus is aluminum, it actually probably does have the same A-GPS problems as the transformer prime. Didn't realize the back was aluminum until looking at the pictures and double-checking. That would explain your inability to get a lock. Try pointing it directly at the sky on top of your roof. It should be able to get a lock without wireless then. Short of that, though, it probably won't.

No they are not showing the wrong specs, these are two distinct versions of the same tablet. It's simple. It was demonstrated to me in store that they catch a GPS signal as WiFi was not even activated.

I'm staring directly at settings that warn me unassisted gps uses extra battery power plus to effectively use it to be outside and have a view of the sky. Assisted GPS settings would not be saying this because they can catch wireless signals inside a house to somewhat effectively triangulate their global position and don't need to be outside with a skyward view.

Thanks for the aluminum info, I'm hoping it's the other version, gonna take the baby for a walk and have the tablet on hoping the GPS can catch a signal. Does anyone actually know any decent apps that preload maps without needing data?