Guys and gals, my better half wants to get me a tablet as a Valentine's Day present, to which I am not going to object. LOL Our dilemma is... Which tablet to buy?

 

I know this thread will turn into the usual iOS vs Android flame fest, to which I don't mind as long as there are valid arguments behind your choice of OS.

 

Obviously, the tablet is geared toward someone hooked on Aviation and flight simulations, who is also looking at getting his PPL in the near future. He might even be able to work as a pilot for his Department in the near future as well. With this being said, I think I have it narrowed down to the following 2 choices:

 

Apple iPad 3 with Retina Display (2048 x 1536)

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (1280 x 800) with S-Pen capability

 

What you think? Any other choices? Like I said, let's keep in mind it's oriented for someone involved with Aviation...

 

I think the determining factor, that one that swings the scale one way or the other, is the one with the best aviation related apps available.

 

Thanks and let the flame fest (in a civil matter) begin!

Personal choice would be the Galaxy Note 10.1(I have nothing against iOS, just I prefer Android), but all the airlines seem to be using iPads, so that's saying something. I would also look into whether you could hook up an external keyboard to the device.

 

Since you might be uisng it for PPL etc, and RW operators are using the iPad, I would get it in your case.

IPad, but look at the mini, its size and weight are pretty much perfect.

 

I have too many aviation apps to mention, eg Plane Finder, Airtrack, Pilotwiz.

 

Amazing new Ipad Aerofly app, incredible graphics for a portable.

 

Many airlines starting to use iPads as EFBs. What does that tell you?

 

I'm not biased, I had an Android phone a year ago, it was pretty good. But android software is definitely clunkier compared to Apple stuff. Apple can be boring- coz it just works and is so intuitive.

 

New iPads due in around March, maybe wait till then

IPad, but look at the mini, its size and weight are pretty much perfect.

 

I have too many aviation apps to mention, eg Plane Finder, Airtrack, Pilotwiz.

 

Amazing new Ipad Aerofly app, incredible graphics for a portable.

 

Many airlines starting to use iPads as EFBs. What does that tell you?

 

I'm not biased, I had an Android phone a year ago, it was pretty good. But android software is definitely clunkier compared to Apple stuff. Apple can be boring- coz it just works and is so intuitive.

 

New iPads due in around March, maybe wait till then

 

Yea, I've seen that airlines are starting to use the iPads for EFBs... The Mini? Never thought of that one. Let me look it up.

 

As for the Android vs iOS comment, I am also an avid Android user after having the first 2 generations of the iPhone, but I keep an open mind, not a a really excited user at all.

 

What iPads are expected next month? Specs?

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

 

My wife has the mini, it doesn't feel THAT much smaller. But its weight is incredibly light, you'd carry it so much more due to that fact. Heck, if it had phone functionality I'd get a ManBag and thow my phone out.

 

Don't know the specs of any new iPads. The mini might go Retina? New iPads might adopt the minis materials

My wife has the mini, it doesn't feel THAT much smaller. But its weight is incredibly light, you'd carry it so much more due to that fact. Heck, if it had phone functionality I'd get a ManBag and thow my phone out.

 

Don't know the specs of any new iPads. The mini might go Retina? New iPads might adopt the minis materials

 

Hmmm apparently, a retina display version of the Mini will probably be released in March. That only would definitely warrant waiting another month for that.

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

 

Greater choice of APPS in general for ipad was the reason I went for it, as apposed to cheaper variants.

We've got an Ipod Mini. I agree it is good size and weight. I rarely use it as my GF always has it with her.

If you decide to go with the ipad,I highly recommend you look at "Garmin Pilot" for your GPS navigation program...I have been using "Garminn Pilot","Foreflight" and "My Wingman" by Bendixking...."Garmin Pilot" is also available for Android tablets but not with all the same funtions as the ipad ios just yet....Plus it,s only 49,95 versus Foreflight at 74.95 and My Wingman at 99.95..

Whats "garmin pilot"

Whats "garmin pilot"

Aircraft GPS navigation program...Google is your friend....

 

here...https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=115856

I see, its navigation. Too bad many features are not available out of US and Canada. However, I already have separate garmin device for my flights.

I myself am tied to the IOS system but this Christmas, all the kids got various Android tablets (which I of course was required to set up)

 

Honestly, beyond just the unfamiliarity with the platform generally, I found the Androids...... disappointing.

 

Again and again I looked up apps readily available on the IOS market only to find that they were not (or not yet) available for Android. I found the Android and Google stores clunky, and the occasional "This application will not function on your device" was borderline teeth grinding.

 

I did like the customization, but that was more on a theoretical basis than because it was something that was actually useful for my purposes. The kids wanted games and apps, and the Android market was awash with supposedly "free" games that swam with in-game purchases. (IOS has that, but not to the same extent, and there are many more alternatives)

 

Application speed on all devices was disappointing across the board, though these were all much cheaper devices than an iPad (though not by that much and you get what you pay for. Two devices had to be returned and replaced due to inherent technical problems, and if you are used to IOS device screens, the android tablets had much (much) cheaper screens with severely limited viewing angles and overall less attractive graphics. Charging was also inferior.

 

I suspect to get something equivalent to an Apple tablet in quality (though the Androids have more features) you will have to pay Apple prices. Overall I find that the kids drop their Androids and ask for a go on my Ipad when I go to visit. (which is mildly exasperating) My little niece (4 years old) shakes her head vehemently, and wont touch her tablet when mine is available)

 

Their mother, who has watched them for the last two months now wants a tablet of her own. And she wants it to be an iPad. It really does just work. :unsure:

You guys convinced me... I'm getting an iPad.

 

Now, it's either wait for the Mini with Retina which is "supposed" to be released next month or get the iPad 3 with Retina display next week. Honestly, I think I'll have myself an iPad 3 next week.

 

What tipped the scale in Apple's favor? The quality of app available, especially when it comes to aviation. I haven't checked, but I think XP even has built-in capabilities for the iPad. Not sure but I thought seeing something to that effect in the menus.

An iPad? Really? Too bad, you'll be locked into Apple forever.

 

I recently got an ASUS Tablet; wickedly fast, 32GB on the tablet plus takes a 64gb Micro SD chip so total 96gb storage and is android 4.1, so pretty much latest software for android tablets. Eventually, developers will build for android which is totally open source vs. Apple which requires that a vendor be "approved" before it can sell software in its appStore.

 

If you are going to drop $500 on a tablet, really look at ASUS. Anything they build hardware wise is really solid stuff.

 

Dave Lamb