Tablets for cruising

[klmmicro]

I have an older Asus TF101 that has true GPS. There are quite a few tablets that have GPS.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by klmmicro

I have an older Asus TF101 that has true GPS. There are quite a few tablets that have GPS.

Is that so? Only very few with true GPS I hear...

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by gcaskew

Moist tablets don't have true GPS, only the ones that have 3/4G ability with a wireless carrier.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 Wifi only has a real and good GPS.

Ive got Navionics and Plan2Nav on mine.

Also run a number of other marine related aps like GRIB viewers, SSB propogation prediction...

On my phone, Samsung Pocket w real GPS, I run GPS Essentials (good collection of GPS utlities...turns my phone into a full function hand held GPS). And, Augmented Reality Compass...virtual floating compass card display w view thru camera so you can shoot bearings w it.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

The iPads will have the lowest power consumption for the CPU muscle provided, but even then, with the GPS active, it really eats power. For replacing a chart plotter you need a power cord connected.

Is there no app for Android that uses Navionics or Garmin charts?

Yes for Navionics. Same good charts but very limited functionality.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

Yep, that's what I meant...

Although I'm told some smartphones can do approximate geolocation using cell towers proximity only...

In any case, I meant Android tablets usually all have GPS. Not a recommendation, just an observation. (Even if my wording was a bit wonky.)

-Chris

My Samsung Pocket (phone) has real GPS and has the option of using cell for location service too.

[klmmicro]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Is that so? Only very few with true GPS I hear...

Guess I am just super lucky to pick the right models then. Oh well, hope others can be as lucky as well.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Opie91

I bow to your obvious superior knowledge in this area.

I read an article a while back (of course I could not find it again) about why tablets/phones have an issue with long first fix without a cell signal. On further thought it might have been that phones/tablets with low storage capacity do not store the almanac to save memory space and download it every time they are turned on. I could be mistaken as earlier....

nick knows his onions here. So just bow...

Dave

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

I suspect that's cause 99% of Android tablets have GPS. FWIW, I'm not aware of any that don't.

Ours are Nexus (and Google is Android), and Samsung Galaxy Tab; both have GPS.

-Chris

Yes of course they do. eric Schmidt needs to know where you are at all times....., Tim cook couldn't care less.

Dave

[TheNomadTrip]

Part of the Apple cult here.

I want an iPad to play with while I cruise, and to serve as a backup to my chartplotter/GPS.

I'm not going to be in the US much, if ever. Plan to circumnavigate.

My question is: what iPad will allow me to connect to local 3G and 4G networks overseas? Does 3G/4G capability and a specific carrier (ATT, T-Mobile, etc) get me there? Or do I need to get one "unlocked"? Or do I need to buy one overseas?

What I'm trying to avoid is buying one here, only to find out when I get to Panama in two months - I can't use it the way I want.

Thanks in advance!

[gabilo]

Originally Posted by TheNomadTrip

Part of the Apple cult here.

I want an iPad to play with while I cruise, and to serve as a backup to my chartplotter/GPS.

I'm not going to be in the US much, if ever. Plan to circumnavigate.

My question is: what iPad will allow me to connect to local 3G and 4G networks overseas? Does 3G/4G capability and a specific carrier (ATT, T-Mobile, etc) get me there? Or do I need to get one "unlocked"? Or do I need to buy one overseas?

What I'm trying to avoid is buying one here, only to find out when I get to Panama in two months - I can't use it the way I want.

Thanks in advance!

There are 2 different systems used worldwide, one in the Americas, the other for the rest of the world. For a graphical overview of the 2 different systems used see http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html

[TheNomadTrip]

Originally Posted by gabilo

There are 2 different systems used worldwide, one in the Americas, the other for the rest of the world. For a graphical overview of the 2 different systems used see GSM World Coverage Map- GSM Country List by frequency bands

Right, thanks.

The question remains:

What iPad will allow me to connect to local 3G and 4G networks overseas? Does 3G/4G capability and a specific carrier (ATT, T-Mobile, etc) get me there? Or do I need to get one "unlocked"? Or do I need to buy one overseas?

[gabilo]

I would think You need to buy 2 iPads, one for each system. This has nothing to do with your carrier you choose and "unlocked" will only mean you can switch between carriers.
Anything you buy must be "unlocked" otherwise you will not be able to use local SIM cards.

[TheNomadTrip]

Originally Posted by gabilo

I would think You need to buy 2 iPads, one for each system. This has nothing to do with your carrier you choose and "unlocked" will only mean you can switch between carriers.
Anything you buy must be "unlocked" otherwise you will not be able to use local SIM cards.

Wow. I really hope you're not right, but thanks for the response.

[s/v Jedi]

If you buy in the USA, buy the AT&T version, which is GSM and works around the world.

It is the Verizon and Sprint versions that are not GSM. T-Mobile is also GSM.

[TheNomadTrip]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

If you buy in the USA, buy the AT&T version, which is GSM and works around the world.

It is the Verizon and Sprint versions that are not GSM. T-Mobile is also GSM.

This is what my "research" has led me to. I read too much fine print, but eventually found this:

Are iPad Models Unlocked? Carrier Support & More @ EveryiPad.com

According to that, the iPad Air is the way to go if you're worried about worldwide compatibility. So I was forced to get an iPad Air AT&T was the carrier I chose. Guess we'll see.