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OT - Ipads

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/13/2010 : 19:22:55

Do any of you have an IPad and if so what are your thoughts on buying and using one on a boat? Possibly for navigation.

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GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 08:37:25

I don't have one but am considering something along that line. I've heard that the Apple products don't do some things that a pc laptop does, maybe it's the ability to hook up with a phone via bluetooth for 3G or 4G? Hopefully somebody with experience in this area will chime in.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 10:00:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DaveR
 ...maybe it's the ability to hook up with a phone via bluetooth for 3G or 4G? Hopefully somebody with experience in this area will chime in.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Depends on what you spend... iPad offers 802.11 wifi with Bluetooth, with or without 3G. The folks I know who have looked hard at the tablets (I haven't really) say iPad is in a class by itself, but I haven't heard of experiences with navigation software. Here's one [url="http://www.gpsreview.net/ipad-gps-navigation-preview/"]early review[/url] on that subject... I'm definitely interested but want to learn more. I really like the idea of an "open architecture" for GPS software instead of Garmin's (and others') proprietary systems--especially when I look at the display, storage, basic interface capabilities, and PRICE of the iPad compared to the Garmins. I wonder if there's any possibility of NMEA input/output (for a DSC VHF).

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/14/2010 10:46:06

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 10:11:27

From what I've read you can buy the units setup for Wi-FI only or get it with Wi-Fi and 3G cell coverage.

AT&T offers two 3G plans. 250MB for $14.99/mth or 2GB for $25.00/mth.

Verizon supposedly just released their version but I haven't researched them yet. Wondering if it will be 4G.

If someone comes out with an app that includes coastal navigation with maps and a weather radar overlay I'm going to buy one. I have this setup on my Garmin GPSMAP378 but the display is just too small. I'd like something that I could velcro to the bulkhead and easily read from a distance without spending $2K for one of the larger Garmin units plus having to pay the monthly fee for XM Satellite Weather.

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BenD
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 10:23:05

Waterproofing is the primary issue. They are great little devices...and the screen is surprisingly large. There are several navigation apps available that do just as well as a Garmin. I'm not sure if there is a weather overlay available on any.

There are solutions for the waterproofing. I don't think I would use it if the cockpit was getting splashed on any regular basis. It's an amazing device.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 10:37:18

Here you go! Now if I could only overlay weather radar.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inavx-marine-navigation/id286616280?mt=8

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 10:50:37

Wow!

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">...Now if I could only overlay weather radar.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...or my Furuno radar.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/14/2010 10:59:38

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 12:05:59

An easy and cheap way to waterproof it would be to use a one gallon Ziplock bag. The IPad is listed as 9.56" high X 7.47" wide while a one gallon Ziplock bag is approx. 10.125" tall X 10.5" wide.

I guess I could use Weathertap for the weather radar. I would just have to flip-flop back and forth. It has better weather radar displays than XM anyway.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 12:08:21

What wonder capacity Ipad would be the right size (16, 32, or 64MB)?

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 14:40:10

Earth NC, a beta charting program I'm testing is actively working on an iPad solution. You can all join and add your input to the developers directly. I don't have an iPad yet, but I'm seriously thinking about one. I plan on getting the 64GB size simply because I know how long it took me to use all 32GB on my iPhone. I have been largely ignoring the Earth NC beta recently because my company is trying to get it's V1.0 release candidate out the door, but they do a pretty good job with their updates letting you know what's new & what's next & so on. If you're interested, I can forward along all the updates if you're interested in the previous notes, and they also have a forum set up for it.

I don't know how well the iPad could be configured to interconnect with other NMEA devices, but I'd suspect it just comes down to someone writing the app.

I think for waterproofing, I'd look at vacuum sealing it with our Foodsaver, I'm not sure it'd fit, but you'd be pretty much guaranteed it'd be safe from spray, just not sure thet touch screen would work through the plastic. It probably would though.,

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 15:49:26

MacENC is a spectacular nav program that uses free NOAA ENC charts, and it can also use many commercial packages like Navionics. The computer version can interface with AIS, Radar, and overlay GRIB weather data. I don't know how much crosses over to he Iphone/Ipod touch/Ipad version, but I do know that in addition to its built in functions the "I whatever" app can also act as a repeater display over wifi to MacENC running on you Mac below deck to avoid loading the little processor in the handheld. It does cost more than some of the other nav apps, but it is a well designed and versatile program with free charts.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 19:56:45

I searched Amazon for something like "iPad weatherproof" and found a long list of products. Looking at just a couple of reviews, apparently the interface works through whatever the plastic cover is if you get it to lie flat (no "bubbles"). Visibility in sunlight, especially with polarized sunglasses, is apparently another matter... (with or without the weatherproof cover).

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/14/2010 20:00:21

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 20:42:41

I looked at IPads this afternoon. Pretty neat device but I'm not sure I'm sold yet. It seems very expensive for what you get. Micro Center had refurbished Netbooks/Notebooks for $199.99 and they will do more than the IPad and have a larger screen.

In fact a decent laptop is cheaper than the IPad with more storage and more functions.

Edited by - GaryB on 11/14/2010 20:43:47

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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Response Posted - 11/14/2010 : 22:54:00

The Ipad is definitely not a full computer, not an anemic netbook that tries to be a real computer, nor a big Iphone. It is a different product that does what it is supposed to do extremely well, but it is not for everyone. I think they are really cool for what they do, but my Macbook Pro serves my needs better. I have used inexpensive computers, and I understand why Apple doesn't build them.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3467 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 04:40:14

I think the draw to products like the IPAD has to do with size and portability besides having functions that overlap with a Kindle and web access similar to a laptop. My beef with laptops is that you always wind up having to take it in a separate case oftentimes with it's AC power supply in tow. The IPAD and similar sized devices are generally small enough that they do not necessarily have to be carried in a separate case but can be tucked into your one bag you carry to work, etc. The time they cvan run off of batteries is also a lot longer than laptops run off of batteries and so there is less need to bring an AC cord or charger with it all the time.
The IPAD cost is fairly expensive but as knock-offs, etc come out, perhaps the cost will driop similar to the way Kindle and etc book reading displays had a price drop once the IPAD came out. I may be interested in getting an IPAD...but holding off for now.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 06:01:11

I agree with Larry. My main reason for looking at them is the long battery life and ease of carrying it around but I can't justify the cost at this point in time.

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KD4AO
Navigator

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USA
202 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 07:14:29

From what I have read, there will be a number of iPad like devices showing up over the next few weeks/months. The biggest concern I have is the visibility in direct or bright sunlight. The second thought is only buy one with wifi. There are several 3G/4G solutions available, check 3Gstore.com and EVDOforum.com they have a prepaid/no contract EVDO device with unlimited data for $49/mo., use only in months needed. They also have very small wireless routers (Cradlepoint) that the 3G/4G device plugs into, providing wifi to several users simultaneously. There are also the mifi devices from Verizon and Sprint. I have used a Cradlepoint CTR350 for several years while portable and fixed, it is pretty darn cool.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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3758 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 16:34:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">From what I have read, there will be a number of iPad like devices showing up over the next few weeks/months<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I wouldn't hold my breath - look how long it took for a real competitor to the Iphone to appear (Android). The sages were announcing forth coming competitors for both products within weeks of their releases; they were all vaporware. Competition will come, but it takes time to engineer a product and operating system when the bar has been set very high by a company that values aesthetics in appearance, engineering, function and user experience.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 17:39:25

Brookstone's Christmas log just arrived in my mailbox, with several pages of iPad accessories. (Not "tablet" accessories--iPad accessories.) This market could run away from the wannabes just like iPod did--a whole industry grew up around that product--the car companies included. Microsoft took their shot--a bad joke. They'll probably try again against iPad--a year and a half late. It'll be Apple versus a rotating bunch of cheap attempts.

Even the Android phones are facing a crushing blow when Verizon gets the iPhone next year. Apple's deal with AT&T is the primary reason that Android got a foot-hold. Good luck Google, Motorola, and the rest...

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 20:09:15

Verizon just rolled out the IPAD.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/ipad.jsp

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 20:28:05

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 Verizon just rolled out the IPAD.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...via wifi hot-spots... but I didn't see any mention of 3G. I suspect AT&T still has that exclusive for the moment.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 20:58:47

From the Verizon FAQ's:

5.Is Verizon Wireless only selling the Wi-Fi version of the iPad?

Yes, iPad with Wi-Fi comes in three models:

•16GB iPad with Wi-Fi is $499
•32GB iPad with Wi-Fi is $599
•64GB iPad with Wi-Fi is $699

However, Verizon Wireless will also be offering a promotional bundle which includes an iPad and a MiFi 2200. This will allow customers to quickly and easily connect their iPad using America's largest and most reliable 3G network. The Mifi 2200 also allows users to share their Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

7.How does the MiFi 2200 work with the iPad?

The MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot lets you create a personal, portable Wi-Fi hotspot capable of sharing Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband 3G high-speed Internet connectivity with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as an iPad, notebooks, netbooks, cameras, gaming devices or portable media/MP3 players. Customers activate Verizon's MiFi 2200 and sync it with any PC or Mac. Once activated, it can transmit a Wi-Fi signal to an iPad.

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Tom Gauntt
Navigator

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204 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 21:31:41

I've had the 64Gig 3G iPad now for about 6 months. I can say without reservation that it is a marvelous piece of equipment. I travel a lot and no longer need to bring a laptop with me. I can do everything from my iPad... from internet access, to email, to accessing thousands of pages of flight manuals, to photographs, to music, to real-time weather, to streaming Netflix, to games. I also use Navionics marine navigation software on the boat. This app is as robust (actually more robust) as my Standard Horizon chartplotter and much, much easier to use. I think it cost $9.99. What the iPad is NOT is designed for continuous use in the marine environment. If you get one, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2010 : 21:43:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 From the Verizon FAQ's:...The MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot lets you create a personal, portable Wi-Fi hotspot capable of sharing Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband 3G high-speed Internet connectivity with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as an iPad, notebooks, netbooks, cameras, gaming devices or portable media/MP3 players. Customers activate Verizon's MiFi 2200 and sync it with any PC or Mac. Once activated, it can transmit a Wi-Fi signal to an iPad.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Ooooooooooooo-kaaaaaaaaaaay...

In other words, not quite yet, except for the wire-heads.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2010 : 19:12:36

Tom,

What real-time weather app do you use?

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2010 : 21:26:03

You guys keep this thread up and...we may have to go for a group buy !

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