Tablet

[Forestryguy]

So I am looking at joining the modern era and getting a tablet, if I can find one that will do what I want it to. I am looking for one that can act as a GPS when there is no signal or WiFi. I would down load maps, most likely one of the programs that shows property boundaries, topo and roads.

Is there a tablet out there that can do these things, or one that is better than others? Some kind of shock and water proofing, or recommended cases?

Are there any programs that you can use as a GPS while driving without service, that will show routes and/or give directions?

have tried to look this up in past threads, but I have not had any luck finding answers. Thanks.

 

[SHTF]

I own a iPad Air 2 and love it. Would I take it to the field nope. But you can download offline maps and use it without any signal. Id recommend a phone before Id pack a tablet into the field. I use an iPhone with Gala GPS and it works excellent. No signal needed. GPS still works in Airplane mode also so you can really save a lot of battery life. Whats your desire to use a Tablet over a smartphone?

 

[colonel00]

If I were going to take a table to the woods, I'd look at a 7" type model. Anything bigger is just excess bulk. SHTF is on the right track with a phone. Honestly, I'd look on ebay for an "outdated" phone that has a large screen. For instance, I recently upgrade my phone but I kept my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for adventure time. It would function fine without cell service as just a gps and e-reader or I can transfer my service to it for the trip and have cell coverage too. If you look at a typical GPS, even a small smartphone is going to have a much bigger screen.

Just to add onto that, look for older phones with SD card slots so you can add memory and add maps. You should be able to find a steal on a smart phone that's a couple years old.

 

[Forestryguy]

I own a iPad Air 2 and love it. Would I take it to the field nope. But you can download offline maps and use it without any signal. Id recommend a phone before Id pack a tablet into the field. I use an iPhone with Gala GPS and it works excellent. No signal needed. GPS still works in Airplane mode also so you can really save a lot of battery life. Whats your desire to use a Tablet over a smartphone?

I am looking at going with a tablet for the larger screen, and most of my hunting is here in the Midwest. So most of the time it would be more for use out of the vehicle to find public lands and trip navigation. The only reason I am thinking of going this route is that the gf thought I should get my magazines on one, I am just trying to find a better reason to or not to get one.

If I could use a tablet to find parcels while in the vehicle with the larger screen and then a phone in the field sounds like the way to go.

 

[SHTF]

In that case your thought process is fine. It's going to be a personal preference on if you go android or Apple. Personally I like the Apple better. The technology seems better and is much more responsive. As stated I have an IPad Air 2. With a Zag tough case and keyboard. It's as good as a laptop as far as speed playback of video and anything else I want to do with it. I haven't researched any waterproof cases for it but never had the need to take it out in the weather. My IPhone I do have the waterproof drop proof case because I use it in the field. I have Gaia GPS on it and I can download maps locally to it so I have GPS even when I don't have a signal. It works great. Not sure if that helps you or complicates your decision process =).


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Forestryguy]

Thanks for the help. I am guessing most newer tablets, 3 years and newer, will work.

 

[SHTF]

yep they will. Even an older iPad would do the trick.

 

[martin_shooter]

Ive used some older Ipads and android tablets and the GPS accuracy was much better with the apple products. Most of the android ones didnt have an internal GPS and the ones that did still required a stand alone gps unit connected with bluetooth for accuracy. As far as a case goes I can't recommend the lifeproof case enough.

 

[maverick]

Make sure if it's an older ipad it's not the WiFi only model. Mine has no gps in it. My wifi ony android tablet works great.