tablets for navigation, July 2013

haven

Expedition Leader
Comparing current midsize tablets with GPS navigation

Google Nexus 7 (2)
three models: $230 (16 GB storage), $270 (32 GB) and $349 (32 GB, unlocked LTE cellular modem)

Apple iPad Mini $459 (16 GB), $559 (32 GB), $659 (64 GB)
(must order model with 3G/LTE cellular data modem to get GPS)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (8.0) $300 (16 GB) (GPS but no cellular modem)


Processor
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 1.5 GHz Qualcomm S4 Pro
...quad core processor,28 nm, based on ARM Cortex-A15 architecture
Ipad Mini 1.0 GHz Apple A5
...dual-core, 32 nm, based on ARM Cortex-A9 architecture
Tab 3 (8,0) 1.5 GHz Samsung Exynos
...dual-core, 32 nm, based on ARM Cortex-A9 architecture

Graphics Processor
------------
Nexus 7 (2) Qualcomm Adreno 320
Ipad Mini PowerVR SGX543MP2
Tab 3 (8.0) ARM Mali-400

Screen
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 7 inch, 1920 x 1200 IPS LCD touchscreen (323 ppi)
Ipad Mini 7.9 inch 1024x768 IPS LCD touchscreen (163 ppi)
Tab 3 (8.0) 8 inch 1280 x 800 pixels TFT LCD display (189 ppi)

Operating System
------------
Nexus 7 (2) Android 4.3
Ipad Mini Apple iOS 6.x
Tab 3 (8.0) Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system

RAM
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 2 GB
Ipad Mini 0.5 GB
Tab 3 (8.0) 1.5 GB

Storage
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 16 or 32 GB
Ipad Mini 16, 32 or 64 GB
Tab 3 (8.0) 16 GB
...microSD slot for up to 64 GB additional storage

SD memory card slot
------------
Nexus 7 (2) no
Ipad Mini available with Lightning-SD port adapter, $29 from Apple
Tab 3 (8.0) yes, supports microSD up to 64 GB

Video output
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 1080p via "slim port"
Ipad Mini available with Lightning-Digital AV adapter, $49 from Apple
or via wireless connection to Apple TV, $99
Tab 3 (8.0) no video out ?

Cameras
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 5 MP rear, 1.2 front
Ipad Mini 5 MP rear, 1.2 MP front
Tab 3 (8.0) 5 MP rear, 1.3MP front

Battery
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 3950 mAh
Ipad Mini 4490 mAh
Tab 3 (8.0) 4450mAh

Navigation
------------
all three have A-GPS and GLONASS receivers

Connectivity
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC (Near Field Communications)
Ipad Mini 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0
Tab 3 (8.0) 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0

3G and/or 4G modem
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 32 GB model with LTE $349
Ipad Mini 3G/LTE data modem included in $459 model
Tab 3 (8.0) 3G and 4G models are not yet available in USA

Dimensions
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 7.9" x 4.3" x 0.3"
Ipad Mini 7.9" x 5.3" x 0.28"
Tab 3 (8.0) 8.3″ x 4.9″ x 0.28″

Weight
------------
Nexus 7 (2) 11.2 ounces
Ipad Mini 11 ounces
Tab 3 (8.0) 11 ounces

Application Software
------------
Nexus 7 (2)
Google apps including Google Maps, YouTube, Google Now
access to apps through the Google Play Store

Ipad Mini
iTunes audio, video playback; Safari browser; Apple Mail; Apple Maps; iMessage;
Photos; Camera; Calendar; Contacts; Notes
access to apps through iTunes App Store

Tab 3 (8.0)
Google apps including Google Maps, YouTube, Google Now
access to apps through the Google Play Store

Extra software
------------
Nexus 7 (2)
?

Ipad Mini
SIRI voice-based assistant; Facetime video conferencing;

Tab 3 (8.0)
Samsung Hub music, games, and video apps
S Translator (voice or text translator)
S Travel (smart travel app)
Dual View split screen for multitasking
ChatON chat

Extra hardware features
------------
Nexus 7 (2) Wireless charging


Shortcomings
------------
Nexus 7 (2) smaller screen
Ipad Mini expensive; lower resolution screen
Tab 3 (8.0) smaller battery
 

haven

Expedition Leader
These are "midsize" tablets, with screens that measure 7 to 8 inches. Phones with 4 to 6 inch screens are the small navigation tablet category. Tablets with 9 to 10 inch screens would be the large models.

I chose to emphasize the midsize tablets because they take up less room in the vehicle. You might prefer the small (more portable, probably already own a smart phone, but hard to use while driving) or large screen models (more detailed map, can use the tablet for multiple purposes in addition to navigation, but takes up a lot of room on the vehicle dashboard).
 

1leglance

2007 Expedition Trophy Champion, Overland Certifie
I am looking forward to my Earl getting here as a 7in screen with a ton of featues for a nice low price will be a fun comparison to my Acer netbook.
 
I currently use a galaxy tab 2 and find myself eagerly awaiting the 8" windows tablets so I can use overland navigator, streets and trips etc
 

Forum statistics

Threads
185,534
Messages
2,875,615
Members
224,922
Latest member
Randy Towles
Top