General Discussion

onehandle

(51,122 posts) Wed Mar 28, 2012, 08:31 AM Mar 2012

FYI: The iPads that were stolen from the Romney campaign can be remotely tracked. (Find My iPad).

So unless they are idiots, or 'lost them on purpose,' they could be easily found. Probably with the laptops 'stolen,' as well.

Police are getting well aware of this free function that's built into all Macs, iPhones, and iPads.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/find-my-ipad.html

8 replies

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FYI: The iPads that were stolen from the Romney campaign can be remotely tracked. (Find My iPad). (Original Post) onehandle Mar 2012 OP

Only if they installed the "Find my iPad" app. (nt) Skinner Mar 2012 #1

Actually it's just a setting. If it was set up in an Apple Store, they often do that for you. onehandle Mar 2012 #2

And only if the iPad is connected to Wi-Fi klook Mar 2012 #3

If it's a cellular model, it can use that as well. And if you have your iPad password protected... onehandle Mar 2012 #5

Correct - my bad. klook Mar 2012 #7

I know somebody that this happened to tularetom Mar 2012 #4

we use it to find them in the house belcffub Mar 2012 #6

Gingrich probably got them and hocked them for Tiffany's money. (n/t) klook Mar 2012 #8

Skinner

(63,645 posts)

1. Only if they installed the "Find my iPad" app. (nt)

Reply to onehandle (Original post)

Wed Mar 28, 2012, 08:35 AM

Mar 2012

onehandle

(51,122 posts)

2. Actually it's just a setting. If it was set up in an Apple Store, they often do that for you.

Reply to Skinner (Reply #1)

Wed Mar 28, 2012, 08:42 AM

Mar 2012

You don't need the app, but you do need to toggle it on along with iCloud. All free.

But this is the Romney campaign. They probably picked up a gold-plated edition from Neiman Marcus.

It's just takes a minute to set this up.

klook

(12,171 posts)

3. And only if the iPad is connected to Wi-Fi

Reply to Skinner (Reply #1)

Wed Mar 28, 2012, 08:43 AM

Mar 2012

From the iPad User Guide, iOS 5.1:
"Find My iPad uses Wi-Fi to locate your iPad. If Wi-Fi is turned off or if your iPad isn’t connected to a Wi-Fi network, Find My iPad can’t find it."

onehandle

(51,122 posts)

5. If it's a cellular model, it can use that as well. And if you have your iPad password protected...

Reply to klook (Reply #3)

Wed Mar 28, 2012, 08:50 AM

Mar 2012

...nobody can change the settings.

Most people just let their iDevices stay on. If it it was shut down, once it's started up it can be tracked.

And you can't switch it off unless you force shut it down, which few people know how to do.

klook

(12,171 posts)

7. Correct - my bad.

Reply to onehandle (Reply #5)

Wed Mar 28, 2012, 10:02 AM

Mar 2012

I don't have an iPad myself, just got that info from the user guide. In a teeny tiny footnote in minuscule light gray type at the very bottom of this page, Apple states "Find My iPad enables you to locate your iPad only when it is on and connected to a registered Wi-Fi network or has an active data plan."

tularetom

(23,664 posts)

4. I know somebody that this happened to

Reply to onehandle (Original post)

Wed Mar 28, 2012, 08:44 AM

Mar 2012

Left his iPad on the dashboard and walked a couple of rows over to talk to a friend without locking the door. Of course somebody picked it up. He was pissed until he remembered he had the find my iPad app. He called the police and told them.

The cops were able to locate the iPad (in somebody's home) and he had the thing back in his possession after 3 or 4 hours and the perp was in custody.

That story amazed me when I heard it and it still does.

belcffub

(595 posts)

6. we use it to find them in the house

Reply to onehandle (Original post)

Wed Mar 28, 2012, 08:53 AM

Mar 2012

the beeping mode that is... my daughter seems to leave it in the weirdest places...

klook

(12,171 posts)

8. Gingrich probably got them and hocked them for Tiffany's money. (n/t)

Reply to onehandle (Original post)

Wed Mar 28, 2012, 11:10 AM

Mar 2012

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