Ipad 3

[Phil M]

Bit the bullet and bought the Ipad3. Due to the discussion in this thread, the 4G model with gps. The learning curve is fairly steep. For example, porting over your bookmarks from Firefox Windows to the Safari browser on the IPad. And, getting your Internet carrier to recognize IPad mail as well as Thunderbird on my desktop. Having done that, what a neat device! I have yet to install Navionics. Lots of free and low cost apps to divert my attention.

Phil

[Knot Tied Down]

just watched the trailer for it....Unbelieveable! I really want one...but I dont know about having something that big mounted to the pedestool. then the elements on a VERY expensive electronic device...and in my case..the occasional gybe by the boom putting extreme forces on the pedestool where it would be mounted, and could possibly get knocked off if the main sheet got wrapped around it. Maybe someday for me though Enjoy it!

[DaveB]

I have the Iphone 2 for about a year. First thing I did was download Charts for $12 and has everthing I need to Navigate any ware in country. GPS tracking, all the charts, internet etc. Love it.
I also downloaded a couple other apps that does close to Charts for backup and another source.
Best I like is useing the Satilite feature and it pinpoints you at location /and on Nav. charts and shows you if you can get tru a shallow channel as it also has built in compass.
I am still learning all the features. Wish I had this 30 years ago.

Dave

Bit the bullet and bought the Ipad3. Due to the discussion in this thread, the 4G model with gps. The learning curve is fairly steep. For example, porting over your bookmarks from Firefox Windows to the Safari browser on the IPad. And, getting your Internet carrier to recognize IPad mail as well as Thunderbird on my desktop. Having done that, what a neat device! I have yet to install Navionics. Lots of free and low cost apps to divert my attention.

Phil

[madguy]

Dont forget to download Harbour Master, its very addictive


Madguy

[Tom Root]

SO, we don't use our cell phones as most Power Users out there. We had AT&T for like 12 years,( Only one upgrade phone in that time!) but the charges were too high for our usage. I wanted a Smart Phone, but the Monthly Charges were stupid for us as to low usage. What I found, and have been playing with is Smart Talk, which is Sprint lite, Android Based, Samsung Galaxy Precedent, but it has Unlimited everything Including Internet, for 45 bucks a month. I am Downloading Navionics right now, and it has been like 10 minutes, so it must be a big program? There is some good info in this thread that I was looking for!

The Admiral got a Triple Minutes ( Off the Internet deal ) Cricket, ( Not Walmart which is ONLY double minutes ) which is Voice and Text only, but she's really happy with it!

I couldn't see springing for an iPhone + Monthly Charges.....it leaves me with more Boat Bucks the way I went, I feel?

Hopefully I will not have regrets, and so far have very little....except well, it is Sprint, so the phone is marginal for signal, at times, in my locale!

[Catigale]

If you do the pad, you can buy Internet month to month, instead of a 1 or 2 year long contract like the phone. Great for cruising..

[beene]

I use my Asus epad Transformer.

Much more versitle and comes loaded with everything you would ever need.

In Canada, I use an Android cell with a hotspot app.

My provider does charge extra for using other devices with my cell to get internet.

Sad to read here that some US providers do.

Sounds criminal if you ask me, just another cash grab.

If you already are a customer, and paying for the cell and its use, why should it matter that you tether another device like a tablet from time to time.

Greedy aren't we.

Cheers

G

[Phil M]

I plan to use my new Ipad3 as a backup chart plotter after I install some apps for that. Also, I am hoping to buy a simcard that I can only pay for a month at a time when needed for sailing, because at home the wi-fi works great. I can browse the Mac forum while sitting anywhere.

The Admiral is not so impressed, unfortunately. Less is getting done around the house lately.

Phil

[mastreb]

You don't need a different SIM, as the iPad data plans are month-to-month. With AT&T its $30/mo. for 5GB which is more than I've ever used even in my IT job where I use my iPad daily. You can turn the service on and off each month as you please, and you can do it directly on the iPad without calling anyone. Pretty simple.

[Divecoz]

OK I have been trying to follow this thread / make heads of tails or it.. Its Interesting .. However I am unfamiliar with much of The nomenclature / jargon.. All That said, I have .. VHF mounted and hand held.. Garmin 545s and Lowrance H2O Handheld..( GPS /Chartplotter) Making it simple as you can? What do I look to gain if I purchase one of these items? Anything? When The Wife is aboard she has a cell and she does insist that when we move / relocate, that I really need to have another cell.. I am just not a tech guy.. I ran over the last cell I had, with the mower , almost 4 years ago and I really haven't missed it.. add to that I do have kind of big fingers so texting was slowing than sail mail.. Numerous units mentioned can be bought outright for about $100 or even less so if its beneficial to have one? Its not like it will break the bank..

[DaveB]

Simple is being able to have charts on your phone with all current data including weather stations on and off shore to see current conditions. Also anchor watch that sounds alarm if dragging at night. Instant Radar images and wind conditions along with tide info in your area. GPS, tracking ETC.
I have the Iphone 4 (pervious I said Iphone 2, incorrect).
I have a etec hand held as a backup that cost $100.
Iphone also spots you just like the SPOT system,tracts you and gives your location on Navigation charts as well as Satelite photo .
Has a builtin recover system incase you lost your phone and can also be used by the coast guard as a beacon locator much like the Epirb.
State of the art for coastal cruiseing.
Dave

OK I have been trying to follow this thread / make heads of tails or it.. Its Interesting .. However I am unfamiliar with much of The nomenclature / jargon.. All That said, I have .. VHF mounted and hand held.. Garmin 545s and Lowrance H2O Handheld..( GPS /Chartplotter) Making it simple as you can? What do I look to gain if I purchase one of these items? Anything? When The Wife is aboard she has a cell and she does insist that when we move / relocate, that I really need to have another cell.. I am just not a tech guy.. I ran over the last cell I had, with the mower , almost 4 years ago and I really haven't missed it.. add to that I do have kind of big fingers so texting was slowing than sail mail.. Numerous units mentioned can be bought outright for about $100 or even less so if its beneficial to have one? Its not like it will break the bank..

[mastreb]

Dive I have a Garmin on the helm and a number of iPads. Frankly I personally would not trade the built-in chartplotter for an iPad. It's weatherproof, it's connected to my NMEA instruments and motor, and it's always on, available, and dedicated to the task.

I see the iPad as a backup, primarily in case of dead battery and/or running out of gas. In some cases the interface is simpler (drag/drop, zooming) but in other cases it's simpler to have real buttons.

What my iPad actually gets used for? Trip planning. Much simpler to use the iPad Chartplotter at home before going onto the boat, then bring it with and transfer the waypoints etc. Dave has pointed out the anchor alarm, that too is a life saver. Also its a kids entertainment system that keeps them occupied with movies and games when we're camping aboard.

It's definitely a jack of all trades device, but devices specific to purpose are still superior.

[DaveB]

A Prudent Navigator will use all equipment available, He/she will also be able to do dead reconing in a flash with current charts and nav. non elect. aboard to get them there.This means ploting a course on a chart, doing the current and leeway as well as headway speed. Dead Rec.
Iphone is just a easy way to find yourself and navigate as long as the system works.
Most of the time we just have a great time until the Fog or high winds arrive.Than I want to know were I am and chart a course from last DRP.
Dave

Dive I have a Garmin on the helm and a number of iPads. Frankly I personally would not trade the built-in chartplotter for an iPad. It's weatherproof, it's connected to my NMEA instruments and motor, and it's always on, available, and dedicated to the task.

I see the iPad as a backup, primarily in case of dead battery and/or running out of gas. In some cases the interface is simpler (drag/drop, zooming) but in other cases it's simpler to have real buttons.

What my iPad actually gets used for? Trip planning. Much simpler to use the iPad Chartplotter at home before going onto the boat, then bring it with and transfer the waypoints etc. Dave has pointed out the anchor alarm, that too is a life saver. Also its a kids entertainment system that keeps them occupied with movies and games when we're camping aboard.

It's definitely a jack of all trades device, but devices specific to purpose are still superior.

[innervations]

I have a Raymarine A50D chart plotter and for some reason it often is unable to lock onto enough satellites for GPS. This is a major PITA but I am going to try an external GPS antenna and hopefully this will make it more reliable. Both my iPhone and iPad always have solid GPS location and I have found them an invaluable backup. I would never leave port without them.
Cheers Rob

[Divecoz]

So Far neither the Garmin or the little Lowrance have had issues with finding sat's.. My 545s has anchor alarm.. and I know it works hahaha..
I guess I will be buying a phone so I guess I need to go back and see which does the most with the least effort.. for the best purchase price and monthly cost..
DaveB.. your sailing where I will be sailing in time and I wonder how the phone is with the towers.. I assume its fine as I don't remember losing service with my snickers bar phone on my trip..I loved that phone.... I always had service even when many others werent receiving signals I did and the buttons were usable for me.. I hated my clam shell / flip top..