iPad - my new boat computer

[SVlagniappe]

Just thought I'd share... For over a month, i've been using an iPad in place of the laptop I used to use on the boat. It's exceeded all of my expectations. I have the 3G version, so I'm connected regardless of whether I'm near wi-fi.

The new navionics HD version is great.. It's more readable outside than my laptop.

[jslade8581]

I wouldn't mind seeing pictures of your setup!

[SVlagniappe]

There's no setup to it. It's just an ipad. Not connected to anything. The battery life is pretty amaing...

[poopdeckpappy]

I looking to do this also, I'm sure Ram mounts will have a mount for it soon if not already

[SVlagniappe]

There were mounts o

n the ram site last time I looked (although no prices), but to be clear, I don't mean to mount my iPad at the helm. I don't mean to expose it to the elements. But for planning, email, surfing, and the like, it is great!

[dreuge]

Originally Posted by SVlagniappe

Just thought I'd share... For over a month, i've been using an iPad in place of the laptop I used to use on the boat. It's exceeded all of my expectations. I have the 3G version, so I'm connected regardless of whether I'm near wi-fi.

The new navionics HD version is great.. It's more readable outside than my laptop.

I have the same set up: iPad 3G w/ navionics HD. I agree that it works great. The iPad 3G come with built in gps whereas the wifi only iPad does not. I use mine without a 3G AT&T data subscription.

One caution, my iPad shut downs with high temperature warnings if out in the sun too long. I have to keep it in the shade or in the cabin. Similar problems have been reported by others on macsailing.net.

That said, I just used the iPad on a 70 NM round trip on the Gulf ICW. It worked wonderfully. But on another note, the tide info from navionics HD does not agree with NOAA tide prediction (or most other tide tools). I reported the bug, and navionics said they are already working on an update.

But I do have to agree, I would drown before giving up my iPad....

[jslade8581]

Resurrection! I'm looking at this application (instead of the Navionics HD that everyone else was talking about): iNavX™ - Marine Navigation App for iPhone and iPad

Is there a specific reason you've selected Navionics HD over iNavX?

[dreuge]

Originally Posted by jslade8581

Resurrection! I'm looking at this application (instead of the Navionics HD that everyone else was talking about): iNavX™ - Marine Navigation App for iPhone and iPad

Is there a specific reason you've selected Navionics HD over iNavX?

The cost for value.

Navionics HD comes with gold enc maps. iNavX come with NOAA raster images and one must pay much more extra for navionics enc maps for iNavX. I think iNavX is a great app, and I may get it down the road, but I will likely get MacENC first. I currently also use GPSNavX on a cheap little laptop in my navstation, and I have been very pleased with it. So for now, the combo is great (though I hardly look at the laptop now).

[beej67]

Bump.

Just got an iPad2, want to rig it as a GPS backup. Running into the same questions.

Explain this please:

Navionics HD comes with gold enc maps. iNavX come with NOAA raster images and one must pay much more extra for navionics enc maps for iNavX.

Neither website was very clear on whether I had to then turn around and pay extra for charts to be able to use the app off the shelf. Having dealt with Garmin (ugh) I know that's where they really get you, money wise.

[brak]

Navionics charts for application cost extra. NOAA charts are free.