Tablet with GPS for maps

[CJ Falls]

Been kicking around the idea that it might be nice to have a tablet to put in my jeep for maps, especially now with Pilgrimage supposedly having real time updates. Seems that the logical choice is an android device as they are more readily available with GPS capabilities. Not looking for anything super high end, but don't want something I regret, or grow out of too quickly. A quick search on Amazon returned this: https://a.co/d/8wLq3hm It caught my eye as it seems to meet the requirements (at least to my limited knowledge) and is water/shock proof. However to receive said real time updates would I need a cellular connection? If so,although at increased cost, maybe this would be better: https://a.co/d/eXJ1s7g Thoughts? I'm looking for, and am open to any ideas, suggestions, or recommendations that any of you may have

Thanks in advance,

-Chris

[kfortin]

If the requirement here is a tablet with a cell connection, both linked products here should work. Just a heads up that whatever you are looking at, you would want to confirm they have actual GPS connectivity (by whatever standard, be it GPS, GLONASS, or Galileo). Again, both linked models should be fine there (I see GLONASS listed on the Android), most modern devices with cell capability should have GPS capability as well.

I have had some professional experience with "rugged" Android tablets of the off-brand variety, my personal opinion would be that they generally suck. I would opt for an on-brand Android or iPad with a ruggedized case over the former. Your mileage may vary. Most of the issues I found with them was a clunky version of Android coupled with a "meh" grade touchscreen, pairing together for just a generally unpleasant interaction with them.

On the Android vs iPad debate, I am on the Android side, but mostly because that it what I've always used. Anecdotally Android may be a little more "open" if you had any intentions of using it for more than maps. But unless you are doing any deep dev work on them, both likely fit your needs.

Happy hunting!

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[bob]

You don't need cell connection for updates, maps, Avenza, etc. All you need is the tablet, as long as it had wifi. Then you can update through wifi, gps is standalone. But that is why Avenza is so good. It uses pdf maps and gps to show you where you are. AFAIK, that (pdf) is still in use by the Pilgrimage folks. Can't see them redoing the whole thing.

[MitchConley]

Check out this thread where there was some brief discussion on this topic recently:

https://forums.exploringnh.com/showt...nd-map-set-ups

Cellular will not be required for real-time updates if you create a WiFi hotspot from your phone. I'm unsure exactly what the real-time updates consist of, and you probably don't want to hotspot for days at a time, so maybe cellular will work better for that specific scenario. However, be aware your cell service in VT may be very limited depending where you are. I get no service from any provider at my house.

I posted a link to the tablet I run in that other thread. Its a cheap Samsung (I think I bought it refurbished for like $100). I pretty much exclusively run Avenza on it. Sometimes Gaia. As an Apple user, my experience with the Samsung has been not great. It works good once its going, but the operating system is slow and prone to crashing. I'm sure your experience would be different with the higher end models.

IMO an iPad would be best. Just sucks that the iPads only have integrated GPS modules on the cellular versions, whereas the Samsung/Androids have GPS on the non-cellular models. The Samsung/Androids also have easy expandable storage via SD cards, which the iPads do not.

I recently installed a RAM Tab-Tite mount to hold it. Wish I could've got the standard X-mount, but my tablet/case falls right between the two sizes and the Tab-Tite is what RAM recommended. The mount is okay. A bit clunky but holds well. The standard RAM ball mounts are awesome. I also recently moved my RAM X-mount phone holder from my bike to the Jeep. Starting to feel like a cockpit lol.

[CJ Falls]

Thanks all for taking the time to reply. You guys have been helpful, chiming in with real world experience, which is what I was hoping for. The off brand android was a concern, as is android in itself, seeing as how I'm an apple user. Very valid point on the cell capability being useless if out where there's no service. I guess I will narrow my search to an apple device with GPS that won't set me back too much $$$ as I don't see myself using it for anything else. Still open to any other options, or suggestions, anyone may have, including what software to run. Pilgrimage is supplying a 2 month trial to ONX so I can try that, but the scuttle seems to be that it's not that great around these parts.

Thanks,

-Chris

[csantarcangelo]

You may be able to find a refurbished iPad with cell capabilities as cheap as a non-cell one. If you tether to your phone when you need internet connectivity you won’t need a separate service for the iPad, but will still have the GPS you want.

I have T-Mobile and they let you add a device line fairly cheap. My Apple Watch has cell capabilities and I pay $5 to have it linked to my phone number. Each provider has similar services for a device and you likely don’t need unlimited data unless you’re going to stream stuff directly on the tablet.


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[CJ Falls]

Any opinions on buying an older ipad? Any suggestions as to which generation, or how old is too old?

[CJ Falls]

Ended up with a refurb ipad from 2021 off amazon. Should fit my needs for some time to come. Thanks to everyone who chimed in

[csantarcangelo]

Good choice


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