Tablet as GPS?

[dan88z]

I've been looking into a new GPS. I don't want/need a waterproof unit. If it rains I either bag my current one or put it away.

I'd like one with a larger screen, and saw a couple 6" ones that'd be nice. Then I got to thinking, what about a tablet computer. A lot of them have a built in GPS, and with the offline map programs, you don't need a 3g/4g or wifi connection. For about 50 bucks more than a 6" gps I can get a Samsung 7" tablet, or a Google Nexus 7" tablet that can serve as my link to the outside world when on the road as well as act as my gps. I see Ram makes mounts for them too.

Just wondering if anyone has tried this.

[Croak]

I've got the first generation 7" Samsung Galaxy Tab (with 3G), a Nexus 7, and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9" LTE.   I've messed with all three as a bike GPS.  Biggest problem is that they're all capacitive, which means you can't operate them with gloves on.  I still prefer my Zumo.

That said, they are nice when on the road...a lot less bulky than a laptop or netbook, 2-3x the battery life, they're great for reading, email, music, games, or watching a movie or surfing when at a campsite/hotel.  

I've also owned a 10.1" Galaxy Tab and an iPad, both of which were a bit too bulky to suit me, both on the bike and just for everyday use.

Finally, I'm about to be on my fourth Nexus 7...two bad screens and my current one has a bad USB port.  It's a zippy unit, with good resolution, but there's a reason they're so inexpensive.  And, being WiFi only, they lose a lot of on-the-road utility...and if you tether it to your phone it burns both batteries at a rapid rate.

Might also want to look into the Samsung Galaxy Note.  A 5.3" phone, it's really a small tablet, and makes a nice all-in-one device.  Not quite as good for entertainment as a larger tablet, but it'll fit in your pocket, has swappable batteries, and is 2g/3g/LTE.  It also comes with a Wacom stylus, which allows for use with gloves on (though not really on the move).

[three west]

I've got the first generation 7" Samsung Galaxy Tab (with 3G), a Nexus 7, and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9" LTE.   I've messed with all three as a bike GPS.  Biggest problem is that they're all capacitive, which means you can't operate them with gloves on.  I still prefer my Zumo.

or get some of these:

http://www.aerostich.com/clothing/gloves/elkskin-and-deerskin-gloves/aerostich-touch-screen-elkskin-ropers.html

[dan88z]

I got a Samsung galaxy tab  2 with a 7in screen for 229. Downloaded nav free and most of the east coast maps. Tested it tonight in my van, it worked well but man did it get hot! With the screen brightness turned up it was pretty easy to view except when the sun shined directly on jt. The ram mount I ordered will be here tomorrow so the bike test is coming.

[Mastros2]

I'm guessing it would get too hot in the map pocket of a tank bag?

Having the tablet mounted would be really useful but wondering how the constant jarring and weather conditions will play on its longevity. I'm interested in reading how it works for you.  

[Darkbluexplorer]

most all tablets are all solid state.. only movable parts are batteries, memory card, and cover fittings.. that being said.. using rubber gaskets and what not on the mount could make a big difference if your worried about death of vibration. I have thought of this. I have been using my phone as a gps (without the network connectivity) and have very litte problem using it as such. Have thought about getting an ram mount X mount for my Galaxy Tab 2 7inch and using it as my music/gps player and my phone as well just a phone!

[dan88z]

It'd definitely get too hot in the tank bag pocket. I'm thinking the wind will help cool it down some.

The ram mount I got has rubber tips on it, it's a spring loaded X type mount.  I don't have enough music to give enough variety via mp3s, and I get sick of hearing the same stuff 2-3 times in a week long trip. I mounted my XM radio to my clutch fluid reservoir, with the antenna on the brake fluid reservoir. It worked great on my 2500 mile trip in July and gives me plenty of choices for entertainment. One of my friends said he's gone thru 2 radios this way due to the vibrations and he puts his in his tank bag. I'm thinking about getting a 2nd ball mount and using my old GPS mount to hold the radio, as it does vibrate a lot sitting up high where it is.

[dan88z]

I tested the tablet last night, it works pretty well. I definitely need to manually set the screen brightness up, and get an anti-glare cover for it for daytime use, but at night, it was fantastic. I plugged my ear buds in and dialed in some tunes as well. The tunes I have on there is fine for short rides but for a week long trip they'd get old.

[Darkbluexplorer]

Going to try my SAMSUNG galaxy note 2 as bike gps will report come spring...  Found this.. http://m.gizmodo.com/5966270/secret-elixir-makes-any-glove-touchscreen+friendly something to try!

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[Carbonero]

It'll overheat in the sun in a tank bag pocket, unless it's Winter. In summer, forget it.

[Darkbluexplorer]

No over heating problems on my ram mount.

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[Carbonero]

No over heating problems on my ram mount.

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ram mount != tank bag map envelope, so I shouldn't expect there would be.

How stable is it? Seems like a big hung of wind resistance to hang on a ram arm. Does it do ok?

[dan88z]

my 7" tablet is as stable as my 4" gps was on the ram mount. If it were out in the wind then I could see it having issues, but so did my little satellite radio when it was mounted on my clutch reservoir. Behind the windshield/fairing, between the handlebars, no issues.

[Darkbluexplorer]

ram mount != tank bag map envelope, so I shouldn't expect there would be.

How stable is it? Seems like a big hung of wind resistance to hang on a ram arm. Does it do ok?

nope its behind my wind screen. Just picked up a Samsung galaxy note 2 so have to get a different mount. Will post pictures when I get it set up.

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