What new modes do you need an external gps, not with the P3A. I use an ipad mini2 wifi and I have used all the new modes with no issues. We talking apples and apples here?To take full advantage of the new modes you will need a ipad with cellular or the wifi with an add-on external gps unit.....so better if going cellular, or grab an android tablet like many other satisfied pilots....choice is gonna really boil down to preferred platform.....as there are many ipad users currently suffering lag and heat issues, not all but a number of them. Read around the forum and you'll discover it boils down platform preference as to which to use.