I looked at the Inavx app, but Navionics won all these innovation awards. I don't see what the big deal is, unless I'm just not using the app to it's full potential.

I guess I think that using an ipad in its current version or a newer derivative is going to be the way of the future. I dont know enought about them and whats currently available w apps but it sure seems that they can do a lot now and Im sure bigger and better is coming along with the price differential it seems to me this is/ will be a no brainer

Here is blog post about the difference between the INavX and Navionics apps, this might answer some questions....

http://blog.francis-fustier.fr/en/in...e-mise-a-jour/

Explains everything! If I could speak french:lolhit:

Choose the language in the right hand column, under translation...or take French lessons :drink:

:kiss::lolhit:

As I mentioned before, I think the ipad has a very bright future in the marine enviroment as a cheap GPS/chart plotter substitute and also as a systems controller.

What's needed at this point is a waterproof docking station that can be mounted securely to the dash, yet set up so the ipad can easily removed at the end of the day. Once someone comes up with this I expect to see them everywhere and the software to dramatically improve with the demand.

A company like Otter box or Pellican

or.... http://dndistribution2011.com

You rock Speedgirl. I've been looking for a case like that!

This will be interesting to see what they do on Monday.

http://blogs.forbes.com/briancaulfie...rtner=yahootix

Fish finder app?

Depth finder app?

Are there inputs for these type of devices and/or cable converters so they can be a compatable input?

I thinking cheapy GPS out of sight for my Smartcraft GPS speedo, Distance to way point, Time of Day, etc and then an iPad for Chartplotter.

I went from a Garmin 3210 to a 4210 last year, was thinking about trying to fit a 12" screen in the same spot this year but even being smaller, thinking an iPad may be a better option. It sure is the cheaper option by about $4K.

Navionics app is definitely cool. 15 bucks for a chart plotter is hard to beat. Would be nice if it had a speed and direction screen as well, maybe the next version.

Looks like it's $34.99 for the iPad version......

Thats how they get you, they dont include everything on it and Garmin is famous for it as well. They sell you system incomplete, then down the road say heres an update by the way it will cost you 200 bucks. Or its not compatable unless you buy the new device.

Yea, I put it on my droid. $14 and change.

Quote:
"Thats how they get you, they dont include everything on it and Garmin is famous for it as well. They sell you system incomplete, then down the road say heres an update by the way it will cost you 200 bucks. Or its not compatable unless you buy the new device."

I don't see it that way. It's a damn nice tool for fifteen dollars and seems like a course and speed screen would be easy enough to do that it will be included in next upgrade which is usually free. Even if they don't, someone else will put it out.

it might be a free upgrade, technology is constantly out to improve which is great but I beleive they leave things out on purpose to make more money. Look at the 64bit operating system you cant tell me you cant make it work with 32bit, they dont want to, because they want you to buy new stuff. Thats why i never buy the first version of anything, chances are 6 months down the road they will have either improved it and or made it cheaper.

I agree on hardware, especially Apple, but on a $15 app it's a chance I'm willing to take.

The "Very High Quality IPAD 1 case" looks like it would work if it just had a docking port access. Add a lot of velcro and I think we'd have a winner! :D

I pad question. How does the GPS work? Is it from satellites like a regular Garmin GPS? Does it get some of its service from radio towers like a cel phone?

Both. If it has access to the sky it uses the sats. If sats not available it triangulates from the towers. iphone is the same way.

At $400 they're mighty proud of it.

I contacted the company about one for the Ipad2... They responded that they are working on a few different models... - Hopefully one that isn't as much as an Ipad itself! :lolhit:

I used to share the same opinion. Until I tried an 10" android tablet. Since I own/operate an ecommerce website, I have the freedom of boating all week only if I have access to the internet. Carrying around my 19" Laptop did the trick, but was cumbersome at best. However, with the Android Tablet I carry a device that is no bigger than a magazine, yet allows me full remote capability to my office PC. Not to mention all of the other cool apps that are out there. Also wunderground.com has an iphone link that works with the androids as well. It gives me detailed radar, wave heights, marine forecast, etc.

Android Tablets with Modded Operating Systems are much more poweful than iPads. But out of the box are not. So the iPad will continue to dominate because it is a better product out of the box. But with some work the Viewsonic G-Tablet is an absolute MONSTER.

Tablets are the wave of the future!

Oh yeah I posted this reply on my Android Tablet...:lolhit:

I agree. And the upper hand of the Ipad over the laptop is 3G. Anyone that doesn't think tablets are replacing laptops should look at the market sales numbers. They are staggering.

I have agreed for business purposes beyond that its just a toy

Yes, it definatly has a business purpose for me, but it is a pretty cool toy as well. :evilb: I am loving the ESPN App and have become addicted to the game "Angry Birds" it is such a stupid game but I find myself hooked:crazy:

With a decent cover, would the Ipad or other tablet function just as well as something like a garmin 640? Are the Gps function or ability to find a signal as reliable? I was looking at purching a unit but this seems like the way to go.

I don't think you get the detailed marine maps you can get with a garmin. It comes with a standard map software like google maps. More for roads than water. But then again, I've never searched the market place for marine maps either.

I think the biggest issue with Ipads on a boat is going to be them holding up to the shock. Something like a cruiser I don't see any issue with it, but on a boat that is landing hard jumps all the time it may cause a whole lot of issues.

Jon

I agree. I think it is ok to carry them along in a cushioned bag or something, but I wouldn't mount mine anywhere with that constant shock.

Maybe here?

http://www.fugawi.com/web/index-ca.htm

Anybody try these? Didn't appear to me from their website that they carry the waterways info that a gamin marine map does, but not sure.