I saw the discussion below and I'm reposting it under the new title above, because I'm concerned with more than just GPS units. I'm wondering about choosing between an iPad and an Android tablet for use in a plane general. Does anyone know a lot about this?
I have an Android phone just because it does everything I want and is much cheaper than an iPhone, but I have no idea whether this is also true with aviation software. At one point Apple had a huge lead in programs, and the ads I see in Kitplanes magazine, etc., still seem to mention mostly the iPad, so maybe most of what's available is still Apple. Has anyone compared the aviation software available for iPad vs. Android and how do they stack up? So far I haven't tried any of the fancy programs, but for a lark I downloaded an Android VOR app (from Sensorworks at the Android store) onto my phone and I was amazed. If this the future, the cost of getting instruments in a plane is going way down. This VOR app was free [for a non-tech-support version], and it perfectly simulates the function and appearance of a regular panel-mounted VOR. I don't know how reliable this GPS-based aviation software is or whether it's even usable in "hard" IFR. (I tried my fairly old handheld GPS unit in a snowstorm, and it couldn't pick up satellites). But in a plane I'd be flying strictly VFR anyway. Also, if Apple is the best choice, would a mini be better than the full-size iPad in small cockpit like the KR, or is the difference significant? Mike Taglieri On 2/22/2014 9:49 AM, Larry&Sallie Flesner wrote: > With everyone and their brother owning an ipad or tablet now days, I think > the best deal going on aviation data base units is the IFLY deal for ipads. > $69 dollars a year for a VFR subscription with unlimited updates, software > and aviation data base. > I second the recommendation for the iPad. You can find used ones under $200. I like WingX which is only a bit more expensive than IFLY, and there are others such as Foreflight to consider as well. Any of them will give you a lot more functionality than a used GPS. If that is still outside the price range, you can buy a new Android tablet for cheaper. Something like the Asus HD 7 runs about $150, and I've seen it on sale for $129. You can probably find used ones for less. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias% 3Daps&field-keywords=asus%20hd%207&sprefix=asus+hd+% 2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aasus%20hd%207 There are several free moving map aviation apps for Android. Avare looks like a good one. I haven't flown with it, but have tried it on the ground: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ds.avare&hl=en Here are some others to consider: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=free%20moving-map% 20aviation&c=apps&hl=en
