How about a mini ipad in your tankbag map pocket?

[Silverbird]

Wondering about doing this, seems like a less expensive alternative with a lot bigger screen.  More apps and probably better traffic jam protection no?

Just a thought.

[loadedmind]

It's real strange you mention this.  I was watching the presentation earlier today at work and had this exact same thought.  Well, not exactly.  I was thinking of using it as a dynamic map, but wasn't sure whether an app existed yet that allowed for offline viewing since I wouldn't really be interested in the added cost for cellular functionality.  Put the Mac iPad Mini in an Otterbox case or something waterproof (Lifeproof doesn't have one yet for this) in the tankbag and you've got 10 hours of moving maps.  I'm sure it won't be long before they're jailbroken which means one could put google maps back on it since I hear iOS 6's map app was a fire-able offense.  And at $329 for the base model, seems like a good deal.  Now if only the folks at Apple would get the message and stop using a music player to sync content between device and computer...  

[dan88z]

I'm doing the same thing with a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7". It has a GPS chip in it (I don't think the ipad does) so you don't need a 3g/4g data plan  to stay connected. NavFree app lets you download maps for every state so you have them offline. I have mine on a ram mount. The tank back map pocket wouldn't work well, the device gets pretty warm.

I got the Galaxy for $230 and an extra 32gb SD card for another 15 bucks.
 

[Mastros2]

There are cheaper 7" tablets that can do the same thing. The Google Nexus has received high marks.  

[Mr.Black]

Check the brightness before you bye for this particular application. I have an Acer Iconia that is useless in any sort of outdoor light.

[HipGnosis]

Wondering about doing this, seems like a less expensive alternative with a lot bigger screen.  More apps and probably better traffic jam protection no?

Just a thought.

Less expensive than what?
And what is 'traffic jam protection'?!?

[Silverbird]

I was talking about a substitute for GPS, that is all. The bigger the screen the less time you could spend staring at the screen and more time paying attention.  Traffic jam protection is (possible ) apps that show if there's a 2 hours delay 10 miles ahead of you so you could take the scenic route.  Unless you get off on stop and go traffic during the summer

[caddydaddy]

What about a large screen GPS, which would do only what you need and be less expensive?  RAM mount it to the bars or dash, and you'll be set!  

[loadedmind]

While the iPad Mini is more expensive than most tablets that are about the same size, it does offer a true 1024X768 resolution which means pages will display as they should instead of staring at a mangled version of the original.  I'm no Apple fan boy, but this alone is worth looking at.  Fit, finish and refinement are what attract me to Apple products over Android, but I do own a Samsung Galaxy SII phone because of how frustrating it is working with iTunes to synchronize data between smartphone and computer.  There are more and more programs being released that allow folks to sync without iTunes, but they seem to be good at one or two things, not all of the content as iTunes can do.  Personally, I'd rather jailbreak the Apple device and use scp to copy the data over to the computer - because I'm geeky like that and because iTunes has this nasty habit of wiping important data if you didn't check the right selection before the sync (which is extremely easy to do, given the confusing terminology they use).

With apps like OwnCloud, Dropbox, Google's storage, etc., it's easier to justify a device with smaller hard drive space.  I'm just getting a little aggravated at how Apple seems to get the better apps first, then they'll eventually trickle down to Android.

I was thinking about getting the iPad Mini and the tankbag that has the velcro flap over the top of the clear plastic holder beneath to keep it out of direct sunlight and perhaps rain.  So far, I'm diggin' it.  It seems devices like the Nexus and Samsung's offerings don't have the full resolution the iPad Mini offers which is a big deal for me, personally.  With the added functionality that comes with a jailbreak, I could stomach the iPad I think.

[HipGnosis]

But... that high resolution is meant for movies and pictures.  On a map, street names, directions, etc. are going to be VERY tiny.

[Croak]

While the iPad Mini is more expensive than most tablets that are about the same size, it does offer a true 1024X768 resolution which means pages will display as they should instead of staring at a mangled version of the original. 

It seems devices like the Nexus and Samsung's offerings don't have the full resolution the iPad Mini offers which is a big deal for me, personally.  With the added functionality that comes with a jailbreak, I could stomach the iPad I think.

Um, you do realize that the Nexus 7 has 1280x800 resolution, right?  25% more resolution than the iPad Mini/iPad/iPad2 have.  And built-in GPS.   Lets not even get into the whole $130 less expensive equation.  And you already touched on the whole "walled garden" thing.  With a Nexus 7 (or other Android tablet), there's no need for syncing software if you don't choose to use it, drag and drop works fine.  And don't hold your breath waiting for a jailbreak either.

Don't let the Apple presentation confuse you..the Mini does have a screen that's .9 inches larger than the Nexus 7, but it is lower resolution.  The 4:3 aspect ratio is more square than the 16:10 on Android tablets, which was what Apple was highlighting.  But that larger screen comes at an ergonomics price, width (not thickness) is the real killer in that size category if you're planning on using it somewhere outside of a tank bag. 

I bought a Black 64Gb Mini Friday morning.  And it's just not that comfortable to cradle one-handed in portrait mode unless you have basketball player hands, and Apple knew it.  Which is why they cut the side bezels down to almost nothing, to keep the width down, which causes its own set of problems as you try to grasp it one-handed, end up putting a thumb on the touchscreen, and things happen that you don't want to happen.  There's a reason why just about every other tablet made (including the Maxi Pads) have large bezels on all four sides, big enough accommodate the average thumb without impinging on the screen.

That said, it's a nicely built piece of kit, much more premium feeling than my Nexus 7.  But it's also kind of like machined billet handgrips on a bike.  Looks good, you appreciate the workmanship, but you damned sure don't want to be hanging on to those for 400 miles.  So it's going back in the box and I'll probably make a few extra bucks selling it on Craigslist tomorrow (they're all sold out up here).  Why?  Because despite the build quality, it's not a better piece of kit than my Nexus.

I should also add that I don't have much in the way of investment in the iOS/iTunes ecosystem, about $20 worth of apps and no music.  Might be singing a different song if I'd been attached to the Apple iPhone teat for the last five years, making the Mini the only viable choice if I didn't want to throw out a large iTunes/App Store investment.

[Mastros2]

Nice review Croak, thanks.  Our family is on skype more now and looking for a tablet with a front facing camera.  The Nexus 10 will be out soon so we may wait for that.  The 7 does look like a great buy.  

[TheRedOnesAreFaster]

One thing to consider if you're going to put anything in your map pocket is heat.  In bright sun, your map pocket is going to be an oven.

My Droid Razor has a tendency to shut down due to excessive heat on warm (not even hot) days if the sun is beating down on the map pocket, which is why I rarely keep it there.

Shouldn't be an issue if you watch you episodes of Glee in the shade.....

[dan88z]

What about a large screen GPS, which would do only what you need and be less expensive?  RAM mount it to the bars or dash, and you'll be set!  

I was looking at the larger screen gps's before I got my tablet. A 6" gps is more expensive than a 7" droid tablet. I figured for less money, I could have a nice big gps for the ride, and then have a tablet for other stuff once I get to my destination.

[Carbonero]

I used to use my iPhone as a gps/music device in my tank bag.. it kept overheating.

I don't do that any more.

[Fastenloose]

I do this with a Morolla Xoom tablet that has a GPS chip. Works OK, but it frequently loses touch with tje satellite and I have to stop for a minute if I really dont know which way to go. GPS reception might be better with a different tablet or an actual GPS device.

[dan88z]

Here's my tablet mounted up:

[bomber]

I keep considering a move like this, from my Garmin, and, then, I realize how much time I spend with no cell coverage, no wifi, and realize that, for my, a dedicated GPS is still the best option.

[JReazor]

I keep conmsidering a move like this, from my Garmin, and, then, I realize how much time I spend with no cell coverage, no wifi, and realize that, for my, a dedicated GPS is still the best option.

There are several GPS apps out there that don't require a data connection. You just download the maps and store them locally.

[bomber]

There are several GPS apps out there that don't require a data connection. You just download the maps and store them locally.

And the tablet knows where you are, and can route how, without a data conenction?

I am but an egg.