The iPad alongside the fixed chartplotter...

J

JamesTXSD

Active member
Here's a look at the iPad alongside the Raymarine E-80...

iPadChartplotterE.jpg

Similar size screen, the iPad is a bit wider. Of course, the E-80 integrates with the radar, autopilot, depth finder, and VHF; no way to do that with the iPad. The iPad runs off its own battery, so is independent of the boat's 12v system. The E-80 is "marinized", i.e. it is made rugged for the marine environment. If there's any spray, I put the iPad in a plastic bag (the touch screen still works through the bag). The E-80 has satellite image overlay and some aerial photos, lots of marina and nav aid info. The iPad 3G will have the charting info even without an internet connection; with a connection, you can overlay Google Earth or Bing. Unlimited info via the internet when connected. From the Apple specs, the wifi only model iPad doesn't have a GPS chip and requires an internet connection to determine position.

Both devices require 3rd party chart info. Using the Navionics Platinum CF chip in the E-80 will cost you around $300 per area. The Navionics app for the iPad is $20 and covers a larger territory. A significant difference if you accumulate chips/apps for different areas. Of course, the iPad app requires that you push the button to accept the fact that the app is an "aid" and should not be used for navigation. Using them side by side, it is pretty apparent that they are taking the same charting info for each. Accuracy seems to be the same. I haven't figured a way to get the iPad app to run with "track up", my preference on the main chartplotter; it runs with "north up."

One big difference: you can sit in the cockpit and surf the net with the iPad... haven't figured out a way to do that with the E-80. :wink:

Would I replace the fixed chartplotter with the iPad? No. While the chartplotter is a "one trick pony," it is a darn fine pony. But, the iPad makes a great, inexpensive (if you consider that you will have lots of other uses for it on the boat: eReader, internet, e-mail, photo storage, contacts, weather radar, etc, etc) back up for the back up chartplotter. And did I mention: $20 apps for different coverages??

Oh, and for those of you who want a compass for back up, there's an app for that. 8)

My old 176c Garmin has been my back up chartplotter since we got this boat. The connection for the 12v cord died this summer and I was thinking about replacing that with something similar in size. Considering what the 176 cost back when I bought it (about 8 years ago), the iPad is a much better deal. Even if you don't spring for the $20 Navionics apps, the built-in Google Maps app will keep track of your position; of course, that doesn't give you nav aids and all the stuff you get on the Navionics app.

Just putting this out there for discussion sake.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Hello Jim,

Thanks for the informative post on the iPad.

Are you using any kind of 'mount' system for your iPad? LIke a RAM mount or something like that?

Thanks,

/david
 
SGIDave":1df16qh5 said:
Hello Jim,

Thanks for the informative post on the iPad.

Are you using any kind of 'mount' system for your iPad? LIke a RAM mount or something like that?

Thanks,

/david
Click to expand...

Not at this time, but the RAM mount looks like a good solution. The one with the articulating arm and small laptop grip looks like it would give some decent shock protection, too.

We're still using and evaluating, passing it back and forth. I think I'd put the mount on the port side so the co-pilot would have access.

Understand that I am not promoting this as a replacement for the main fixed chartplotter, just tossing out options. For cruising on a local lake, this probably doesn't have much use. For coastal cruising, I see LOTS of potential. Pulling into an unfamiliar marina - pull up Google Earth on the chart and see where the fuel dock is located. Want to know if there's a nearby laundromat? Do a quick search. Like Active Captain? A quick switch from the chartplotter app and it's up. I've not been a big fan of the laptop as plotter while underway, but this has better battery life and more portability. Yep, lots of potential.
 
Jim, I have lusting after an IPAD for some time now. My son-in-law has one, you have one and I have seen a couple of my business associates using them at meetings. I would like to see a pure Android tablet much like our Droid phones, which I love. I think the next year will bring many changes in this area:
Viewsonic announces ViewPad 7 tablet, plus a 10-inch iPad competitor
from Consumer Reports by Jeffrey Fox

Viewsonic announces ViewPad 7 tablet, plus a 10-inch iPad competitor


Viewsonic ViewPad 10
Photo: Viewsonic
With new tablet computers being announced seemingly every few days, ViewSonic just added two interesting new tablets to the mix.

The ViewPad 7 is a 7-inch, Android 2.2 tablet with 3.5G capability. It has an 800-by-480 multi-touch LCD display as well as a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and 0.3-megapixel front-facing one. (Samsung's 7-inch Galaxy Tab has higher display resolution and a 1.3MP camera on the front). The ViewPad 7 should be available before the end of the year; Viewsonic estimates the price at $479.

At 10 inches, the ViewPad 10 is larger than several other tablets recently announced. It's also different in some other ways: It's a dual-boot tablet, which can run either Android 1.6 or Windows 7 Home Premium, a computer operating system. (Note that a tablet running Android 1.6 may not be able to download apps from Google's Android Market app store.) The ViewPad 10 uses an Intel Atom 1.66GHz , the class of processor many netbooks use, and has 16GB of flash storage.

And the ViewPad 10 will be Wi-fi only—that is, it won't use a wireless 3G service. It should be available in the first quarter of 2011; ViewSonic estimates the price at $629, compared with the $499 Apple asks for a 16GB Apple iPad with Wi-fi and the $599 Verizon is charging for a 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet without a 3G plan.

The Galaxy Tab is scheduled to go on sale at T-Mobile the day after tomorrow and at Verizon on Thursday. It also scheduled to go on sale at Sprint on Sunday for $399 with a 3G plan.

Other tablets from major brands aren't far off now, though not all have been officially announced.

It promises to be a fascinating holiday season in computer tablets. Stay tuned: We'll have hands-on assessments and lab tests on all the new tablets as they become available.
Click to expand...

This will make it a different game at the helms of our boats.

My built in gps in our Jeep is outdated. I checked for an update DVD for it and finally found NavTeq's update.....$200 for the DVD that most folks find is too little and outdated also. I checked out two Garmin's to velcro over the Jeep's display and neither comes close to the Droid's GPS, always current in content. The latest Garmin gives you lifetime updates....unheard of for Garmin, they must be feeling the pain of Droid.

My two cents for tonite from Escapees in Livingston, Texas.
 
Sorry, I forget to give credit. The previous quote was from:

Viewsonic announces ViewPad 7 tablet, plus a 10-inch iPad competitor
from Consumer Reports by Jeffrey Fox
 
Did I miss the specs on those other tablets... any mention of a built in GPS chip? I absolutely like my Droid... AND the iPad. Both have a built-in GPS chip. The right tool for the job... in the truck, our Garmin Nuvi is a good size (and we had that before I got the Droid). In the boat, bigger is better, and the E-80 is a nice size for the distance from the helm seat. I'm not crazy about using the iPad as a GPS in the truck, but it's great for surfing - when you're not driving, of course. :wink:

The iPad is a better surfing tool than the Droid, just because of the size. But, there are times when the Droid is more convenient, just because it's right there on my belt. Even though I bought a "murse" for the iPad, I don't carry it everywhere. :roll: If you like the Droid as a GPS on the boat, you'll really like the iPad with 4 times the real estate. 8) Of course, with your new boat coming, that Garmin touch screen is pretty impressive.

Lots of choices.
 
JamesTXSD":32c9lao9 said:
SGIDave":32c9lao9 said:
Hello Jim,

Thanks for the informative post on the iPad.

Are you using any kind of 'mount' system for your iPad? LIke a RAM mount or something like that?

Thanks,

/david
Click to expand...

Understand that I am not promoting this as a replacement for the main fixed chartplotter, just tossing out options. For cruising on a local lake, this probably doesn't have much use. For coastal cruising, I see LOTS of potential. Pulling into an unfamiliar marina - pull up Google Earth on the chart and see where the fuel dock is located. Want to know if there's a nearby laundromat? Do a quick search. Like Active Captain? A quick switch from the chartplotter app and it's up. I've not been a big fan of the laptop as plotter while underway, but this has better battery life and more portability. Yep, lots of potential.
Click to expand...

Yep, I understand...I like the idea of the iPad for all the reasons you state above. Whilst substantially more expensive than my little battery operated hand-held Garmin I currently use for back up, the iPad can be used both ON and OFF the boat. So...I may have to add the iPad to my Wish List.

I'd appreciate any info on the actual RAM mount parts you end up using...if you go that route.

Thanks,

/david
 
Although I have not used the I pad for "navigation" (still banned from boats for another 4 weeks), I find that I use it all of the time. It is basically taking the place of my computer--all of the charts of US/caribbean on it, along with Google Earth overlay--plus maps. Saffari for internet browsing--and it is so much faster than my computer (even with its eithernet connectin). So basically the i pad is at my side; a question comes up, and I flip it on, find the answer and then off. Excellent battery life--but screen not quite as bright as some computers and chart plotters.

Lots of very fast weather aps--tide aps, bouy aps etc. Even the boater's reference guide and nav rules.
 
I would add a little to this discussion was posted on an earlier discussion of alternate methods of navigating (other than chartplotter, compass, or loran) - -the iPhone.

We carry Navionics charts for the most of the US in our iPhone. The iPhone has a built-in GPS that locates us on the charts in the iPhone. The four chart apps we have purchased for the phone cost a total of less than $40.00

We cruised with the iPhone charts and GPS this summer along the north shore of Lake Superior and in Voyageurs National Park (as tough an area to navigate as we have yet cruised) - and it worked fine. So both the iPhone and iPad options are now available, both with an independent electrical system (if the primary chartplotter fails).

Of course the iPhone has a smaller screen than the iPad (this has both advantages and disadvantages). We found it to be fine for our use through the Canadian Shield of Voyageurs and No. shore of Lake Superior. Of course, we probably cruise slower than most C-Dory folks so the smaller screen is no problem for us. No, neither the iPhone or iPad cross with the depth sounder or radar - but we don't combine the chartplotter with either the radar or depth sounder now - each is independent - and we prefer it that way (and we wouldn't own an autopilot).

So - we think a prudent boater today would consider either an iPhone or iPad for navigation purposes. It is a great back-up (electronically independent of other instruments if there is a power failure) and has a great advantage over paper charts as a back-up - it puts a GPS location directly on the navigation chart.

And we have even used it in very difficult navigation circumstances as our primary navigation device.

We have even upgraded it to an iPhone 4. Oh, and it has weather radar for the area we are cruising (so we know precisely where the fronts or heavy storms are located, how fast they are moving, and their direction), automatically tells our kids where we are (so we no longer file float plans with them), gives us tide tables for our location, wind speeds now and predicted at our location for the next 24 hours, the location (speed and direction) of any commercial vessel near us (or over the horizon), nearest marine services and even where to go eat dinner. Wow - what a world we live in, compared with cruising 30 years ago.

And - since this nav instrument is also our only phone, we have discontinued our phone and computer connection to satellite and unplugged a home phone - the connection services now cost us less than a year ago.
 
My i Pad has 29.0 Gig of storage: with many hours of music, a number of free books, some photos all of the charts of N. America (Caribbean, but not all Canadian), and 64 "apps" has 17.7 Gig available. I have the 3G version--but so far have not signed up for the phone service. I will when "out and about" more, but with my wi fi at home, and many public places, I have not yet needed the plan (plus I do have a Mi fi router in the boat and RV). The reason to buy the 3 G version was for the GPS (which is much better than my i phone--3 G.)--and use the data down the line.

I doubt if I will need more date room down the line, since I put photos I want to use on the i pad, from the computer, and keep the majority of my files on hard drives.

From the iNavX web site:
"Using the iPhone's, iPod touch's and iPad's WiFi connection, iNavX™ can act as a repeater for popular marine navigation software that supports NMEA data over TCP/IP such as MacENC and Coastal Explorer. This includes GPS, AIS receivers & transponders, and Instruments (Depth, Speed, Wind, etc.)" I have seen screen shots with all types of NMEA data streamed. I don't know about a fish finder, but certainly depth is easily transmitted, and also engine data. The idea is that you have a "repeated" with you where ever you are on the boat. (not a feature on C Dory, but on larger boats a great feature).
 
BrentB":b10s140c said:
What is the storage capacity of your iPad?
Click to expand...

Hi Brent,

Ours is the 32gig wifi/3G iPad. Considering what I've loaded with photos, books, a little bit of music, a couple audio books, and a dozen or so apps, I still have nearly 90% capacity available.

Like Dr. Bob, I find we use the iPad differently from the laptop. Pick it up, turn it on, check what you want to check, then turn it off. It's fast. I like it!

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I've been reading on Panbo about extending the Coastal Explorer display to an Ipad. If I read it correctly, you can be looking at a different screen on the Ipad than the computer such as radar versus charts.
 
on related note, I am looking at Air Display for $10 just to display Flash on iOS device
from
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-disp ... 58927?mt=8
Ever wish you had an extra display for your Mac or Windows computer? There's an app for that! With Air Display, you can use your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch as a wireless display, to extend your computer desktop. Air Display lets you position your iOS device next to your computer, drag windows onto it, and interact with those windows as you would on any other computer display.

Air Display's performance is extremely responsive, employing a unique dynamic compression algorithm. On a typical Wi-Fi network, mouse cursor refreshes are indistinguishable from a wired mouse.

Air Display works in both landscape and portrait configurations. Just rotate your screen, and it automatically reconfigures.

Air Display makes a laptop much more useful. Adding the iPad's 1024x768 display nearly doubles the screen area of a laptop or netbook.

Air Display not only gives you a wireless computer screen extender, but also works as a tablet input device. You can use your finger to draw directly on the screen's surface. Try it with a calculator app, painting tool, or music control surface!

Some great uses for Air Display:

• Fill your Air Display screen with your utility apps, like iChat, Mail, iCal, and Calculator.
• Amaze your friends by playing Flash animations on an iOS device!
• Graphic design: Make Photoshop and Illustrator usable on your laptop by putting your tool palettes on the iOS screen.
• Music: Use your iOS screen as a wireless control surface for Logic or Pro Tools.
• Programming: Use the extra display area for such auxiliary development tools as Console, Terminal, and the Debugger.
• Business: Move all of your iWork and Office palettes and inspector windows onto Air Display, and let your document fill the screen.
•
 
Sears offers the Viewsonic WIFI ViewPad 10 10" Dual Boot Internet Tablet for $379.99 with $6.95 for shipping. (In-store pickup is also available.) Sales tax is added where applicable. This tablet dual boots between Windows 7 Home Premium and Google Android 1.6. It features an Intel Atom 1.66GHz processor, 10.1" 1024x600 touchscreen LCD, 1GB RAM, 16GB solid state hard drive (SSD), microSD card slot, and more.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... 84184433-2
 
Enjoying this. Unless / until there is a Verizon iPhone though, not going to happen. In fact, phone-wise, I have gone backwards, from a creepy BB Storm to Brent's cast off but highly functional LG flip-phone (thanks, Brent). Would like an iPad for sure, but not as high on the priority list as a few other things...enjoying the heck out of the Verizon MiFi (using it right now), would be an awesome companion to a WiFi iPad...
 
BrentB":acflbmsy said:
Sears offers the Viewsonic WIFI ViewPad 10 10" Dual Boot Internet Tablet for $379.99 with $6.95 for shipping.
Click to expand...

That's a mistake - it's really the ViewSonic G:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/31/viewsonic-g-tablet-pops-up-in-sears-weekly-ad-mistakenly-claims/

A couple of "announcements" dated this week peg the retail price at $629 (and $479 for the 7", which appears not be be dual-boot with Windows) compared to the $399 "regular" price on the Sears site. Also, it's unclear to me what GPS functionality these devices have - there are references to "A-GPS" (adaptive-GPS) which may or may not make use of a "real" GPS.
 
Pat, when and if you're able to get a Verizon Smart Phone, if you buy the right one, it has the following feature...

"3G Mobile Hotspot


Mobile Broadband Connect and 3G Mobile Hotspot

With Mobile Broadband Connect, you can use your Verizon Wireless 3G Smartphone or BlackBerry as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable, enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. (it also operates wirelessly, avoiding the cable)

3G Mobile Hotspot will allow select Verizon Wireless 3G Smartphones to act as portable hotspots for up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled notebooks/netbooks, tablet PCs, cameras, media/MP3 players, and PDA,s enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet.

Includes 2GB/month for data access for high-speed wireless Internet access!

The 2 GB monthly allowance is separate from your monthly 3G Smartphone data feature allowance. Additional usage billed at a per-MB rate. When your smartphone is connected using 3G Mobile Hotspot, all data sent or received by your smartphone (including data sent or received by any Wi-Fi devices connected to it, or by your smartphone itself) will be billed according to your 3G Mobile Hotspot feature, and not according to your smartphone data feature.

3G Mobile Hotspot is available on select 3G Smartphones only."

Works great on the boat too!!

Charlie
 
thataway":nepf6x4n said:
(still banned from boats for another 4 weeks)
Click to expand...

Counting down the days with you, Bob, and giving thanks each one of them!

Three sort-of-related Apple items of interest to this discussion. First is that Jobs has said that 10.7 is going to include many of the IOS features now seen on the iPad. We will have to wait to see which features. Second, I have lust in my heart for the 11" MacBook Air after carrying my MacBook to NY, WI and back these past two weeks. I think it will suit my needs better than the iPad, plus the Admiral is eventually getting an iPad anyway! :mrgreen: Third, while in the WI Apple store lusting after the Air, my friend and I experimented with the video chat between iPhone 4s using the forward-facing cameras. Awesome (especially for me) but no less awesome is the software that keeps the camera focused and centered even if your hand is less than steady.

So, I am with Bill on getting the iPhone 4 with the nav apps but it's possible that those apps might run on a 10.7 machine.

Warren
 
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