why I-pad vs android

[Tom L.]

Well here goes, I am going to show my electronic ignorance again. But why does everybody seem to talk I-pad for navigation/gps. Why not android? I think it would be way less expensive. Right now I use a Garmin 78sc with water proof paper chart back back up. The Garmin is used and I got it for $130.00 a year ago. I don't think the owner had a clue how to use it because it showed no wear. The only problem is such a small screen. But it does work really good.

But the question is why I-pad vs android?

This is going to sound really stupid but can the garmin drive another tablet?

Tom L.

[rbh1515]

I think there may be more nav apps for iPad than Android.  You just have to see what is available.
Also, I think you need 3G/4G service for your tablet to be able to use it for nav, or you need wi fi on your boat.
I currently just use a traditional GPS, but a frind uses his iPad mini with 4G and loves it.
Rob

[Tom L.]

I thought as long as you have a built in GPS in your note pad that a wifi connection was not needed. Its likely that I would get out of cell tower range so cell service would not be available.

[crazycarl]

Tom,

That was my thinking also, I installed an app on my Samsung 4 tablet and placed items around the yard.  When I returned for them I was impressed with the accuracy.

However, on a recent road trip, I tried to use it and nada.

Useless on a boat.

CC
lowest of the low tech guys

[Craig]

Wi-fi not needed. IPads and IPhones have gps built in. My IPhone tracked all the pix I took on a Caribbean cruise w/gps......no cell connection. I use my old IPhone on Kailani for navigation with iSailGPS app. It is not activated w/Verizon. Wi-Fi and gps only. Also makes a good backup for emergency since any cell phone can make a 911 call, activated or not.

[rbh1515]

Just talked to a friend that uses his iPad...the answer is that it depends on the iPad.  iPad 1 or 2--no go.  iPad 3 with retina-yes, do not need 3G/4G service.
Rob

[crazycarl]

Bet they wish had GPS in the gold days of sailing...

[Tom L.]

GPS is a really great invention. We sailed to The Bahamas in 02 and 03 and entered the Bahama Bank north of the Abacos. Not a land mark in sight but we went right through the cut in 14 feet of water and navigated down to Great Sail for the first night. We drew about 5'-9" so most of the bank was too shallow. But there are great charts of the area that give safe routs with way points.

Tom L.

[hoddinr]

Ask Simon about this, Tom.  He just bought or was given a little hockey puck sized GPS device that is also used in Airplanes, and it communicates with his iPad 1 via bluetooth.
No GPS or 3/4 G cell service needed.  Each needs it's own battery power but it's very minimal.

Ron

[Tim]

If your iPad is 3/4 G ready it will have a built in gps. If it's not cell network ready it wont know where it is unless it's connected to a wifi network.
The iPad does have more app options. One of my favorite sailing apps is Isailor. I have an older iPad w/o a gps chip but I use the Bad Elf GPS receiver which pairs to the iPad and also my phone (at the same time). It's a great solution for giving old devices a new life!

Tim

[hoddinr]

Bad Elf - that's probably the one that Simon has, Tim.

His old iPad doesn't have 3G or GPS, but it has bluetooth to connect to the GPS unit!

Ron

[Tom L.]

thanks Tim and Ron. I don't know what I am going to do since I really have a very good Garmin 78sc. The only problem is the screen is very Small. Tim How well can you see the I-Pad in the direct sunlight? The 78sc is very good in the sun, it is just small.

Wonder if the 78sc could somehow be linked to an I-pad?

Tom L.

[rbh1515]

Tim,
Great info...I'll buy one!
Rob

[hoddinr]

Tom,

Here's an affordable and easily read GPS from Lowrance: http://www.amazon.com/Lowrance-000-11176-001-Elite-5M-Plotter-Navionics/dp/B00F3RN4G2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1428535259&sr=8-4&keywords=lowrance+Elite+5

This is cheaper than an iPad.

[Tim]

Tom,

I can usually see the iPad fine. I also use my phone quite a bit if I'm driving into a tricky harbor and need to be constantly looking for covered rocks (one hand on the tiller and one holding the phone). Some of the harbors of CT that I anchor in are full of rocks!

I really love the Bad Elf / isailor combo. Plus the isailor is such a deal, I think most major areas are 5 bucks. And having an anchor alarm on the phone/ iPad in bed with you is a major comfort.

Tim