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Fisho64 · 01-12-2010, 17:10

thanks-doesnt the Ipad have USB ports?

Christian Van H · 01-12-2010, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisho64

thanks-doesnt the Ipad have USB ports?

No. It has a thirty pin port. They make an adaptor called the Camera connection kit, but it really only works (there are exceptions) to import pics and videos and only has a SD card opening. The iPad has a very low amp output, and can't power most USB devices...

Fisho64 · 01-12-2010, 18:01

thanks CVH, I dont know much about the Ipad and was in the process of buying a standalone 5" plotter for my runabout but it seems for much the same price I could get an Ipad, waterproof cover and Navionics and end up with a bigger screen as well.
But here in Aus the 3G connection is pretty dear.
Can the 3G be disabled to only use WiFi as the Bad elf plus Ipad wifi is much the same as 3G.

Sorry for all the questions but its a bit hard getting specific info on whether this setup would work.
The thing Im having trouble getting my head around is why Navionics chart cards (and other brands) are expensive ($3-500) due to royalties etc but for Iphone etc are only $15-$30 odd.

What am I missing here?

Christian Van H · 01-12-2010, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisho64

What am I missing here?

I can't explain it either, but good Lord, don't spread that around!

Fisho64 · 01-12-2010, 19:02

haha-thanks! So it would provide all the functions of a normal plotter, so long as I could keep it waterproof? and DOESNT need any connection to provide a GPS position?

Christian Van H · 01-12-2010, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisho64

haha-thanks! So it would provide all the functions of a normal plotter, so long as I could keep it waterproof? and DOESNT need any connection to provide a GPS position?

All correct. One more thing though... The screen is hard to read in direct sunlight. It prefers shade...

Mainebristol · 01-12-2010, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finistere

You need the 3G version which includes GPS to run navigation programs. USB GPS or any other USB devices do not interface with the iPad.

Not strictly true. You can 'jailbreak' the ipad, and then use an external gps.

**bstreep** · 02-12-2010, 07:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by itchybro

May have missed it but I haven't seen this one mentioned:

www.earthnc.com

I have this running on my Android phone - and it's just OK. I'm about to try the Navionics version.

BTW, for those looking for a good "dinghy" unit, I bought a Motorola Defy (tmobile in the US), and it's water resistant to 1 meter for 30 minutes, scratch resistant screen, etc. It's lived up to it's expectations, and DOES survive dunks into a glass of beer. Daylight viewing is pretty decent.

Christian Van H · 02-12-2010, 08:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstreep

It's lived up to it's expectations, and DOES survive dunks into a glass of beer. .

OK... Three's a story to this... Fess up! :-)

ActiveCaptain · 02-12-2010, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstreep

I have this running on my Android phone - and it's just OK. I'm about to try the Navionics version.

The EarthNC product is a perfect example of how the rating systems can be abused and hacked. After you've been convinced to try the app based on the reviews and see what it's really like, you need to write an honest review of it in the various app stores. The existing reviews are mostly all fake and totally BS based on them giving away a bunch of copies to non-boaters in exchange for a good review.

Yeah, I'm calling them on it because they gave me a free copy in exchange for writing a positive review. I'm a member of a development group that Gaia GPS (the real author of the app) is a part of and they didn't know it was me they were giving the app to - actually done through another friend. If the app were wonderful, I would have written a good review.

You'll find the Navionics app to be at a much higher level of quality and capability.

ActiveCaptain · 02-12-2010, 08:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Van H

OK... Three's a story to this... Fess up! :-)

I want him to admit that he licked off the phone!

lawdawg · 02-12-2010, 08:24

I have been trying to figure out how to get a backup to my Garmin 5208, I was thinking of trying to link my macbook but couldn't figure out how to plot on it and transfer that info to the Garmin and the cost of buying double charts for everything seemed to get pretty pricey. It sounds like it may be cheaper to just buy an ipad and getting navionics and the charts for that are pretty cheap and it may end up cheaper overall even after paying for the ipad.

GPSNavX · 02-12-2010, 08:47

I think the most "interesting" reviews are in the numerous FlyToMap apps. Babel Fish comes to mind.

**bstreep** · 02-12-2010, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Van H

OK... Three's a story to this... Fess up! :-)

OK, without taking this thread too far off track: Yes, I licked the beer off of it. I was showing it off - and my wife made me swear to quit doing that, as she's afraid that it's like tempered glass: you can wack it with a hammer only so many times before it shatters. She got really ticked when I threw it in the roasting pan full of gravy at Thanksgiving. Here's a pic from the first day I had it:

Yes, it IS inside the tank