Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
tablet vs GPS tablet vs GPS
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
I've got an HTC phone at the moment, and I have to say, the mapping is utter rubbish and it takes far too long to sort itself out, it's a last resort. Also the screen is too small for me. Because of cataract surgery leaving my eyes no ability to accommodate for different distances the map has to be far enough away that I can see it with my distance glasses, over 60cm away, so a phone screen is just too small. A 7 inch screen is really the minimum but with a bit of experimentation I am thinking something larger may be nice to get more area on a page. The apple IPAD mini seems ideal but not keen on going down the apple route due to the lack of third party apps, although some might see that as a bonus!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Sep 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by moggy 1968 View Post
I've got an HTC phone at the moment, and I have to say, the mapping is utter rubbish and it takes far too long to sort itself out, it's a last resort. Also the screen is too small for me. Because of cataract surgery leaving my eyes no ability to accommodate for different distances the map has to be far enough away that I can see it with my distance glasses, over 60cm away, so a phone screen is just too small. A 7 inch screen is really the minimum but with a bit of experimentation I am thinking something larger may be nice to get more area on a page. The apple IPAD mini seems ideal but not keen on going down the apple route due to the lack of third party apps, although some might see that as a bonus!
I'm not clear if you are pinning the issues on the HTC phone, the small screens of mobile phones in general, or the particular mapping software that you are using (which vary in their display).
I agree about small screens which is why I settled on a 7" screen as the minimum size that I am prepared to use - the google nexus has a particularly good pixel quality - it is not quite up to the standard of the latest Apple products, according to online reviews, but it is near enough for me, and I could own 2 or 3 Nexus 7s for the price of one iPad.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 18
Just to add a little info to this...I recently got a samsung tab2 10.1 which a decent size & fits perfectly into my oxford tank bag in the map pocket. With a descreet hole I can plug it into the usb port on the bike as well.

So far I have downloaded a few offline maps from google maps and rode 200 miles today with the map displaying my area and whereabouts I was...this is basic stuff but it is the same as having a paper map in my tank pocket except I have the benefit of a little arrow telling me where I am

I think the possibilities with this are endless with the right software...looking forward to testing it further. ?.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Sep 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Badger74 View Post
So far I have downloaded a few offline maps from google maps and rode 200 miles today with the map displaying my area and whereabouts I was...this is basic stuff but it is the same as having a paper map in my tank pocket except I have the benefit of a little arrow telling me where I am

I think the possibilities with this are endless with the right software...looking forward to testing it further. ?.
Nice! Hopefully it all stays dry in a deluge - my thoughts on that are simple. Pull over and let the downpour pass by; other than that (in normal rain), I would just put the tablet into a plastic bag inside the tank bag on the basis that the inside of any tank bag cannot be expected to remain free of moisture.

Which mapping have you tried so far?
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Nice! Hopefully it all stays dry in a deluge - my thoughts on that are simple. Pull over and let the downpour pass by; other than that (in normal rain), I would just put the tablet into a plastic bag inside the tank bag on the basis that the inside of any tank bag cannot be expected to remain free of moisture.

Which mapping have you tried so far?
I have a waterproof cover for the tank bag with a window, but for light rain I should be ok...I did notice that it does get abit warm though so will have to keep an eye on any moisture build up..

I've downloaded locus. There seems to be a huge wealth of options to go with it! For the trip I downloaded the area of Devon and Cornwall but this produced a file of 795mb (15 zoom)...on Google maps the same area was 160mb (2 seperate files but worked seamlessly crossing between the 2) so until I can get my head around locus I shall continue to use the basic Google maps and navigation app to move around as I'm getting the same level of detail but only using a small amount of memory space.

To be continued....
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Sep 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Quote:
Originally Posted by Badger74 View Post
I have a waterproof cover for the tank bag with a window, but for light rain I should be ok...I did notice that it does get abit warm though so will have to keep an eye on any moisture build up..

I've downloaded locus. There seems to be a huge wealth of options to go with it! For the trip I downloaded the area of Devon and Cornwall but this produced a file of 795mb (15 zoom)...on Google maps the same area was 160mb (2 seperate files but worked seamlessly crossing between the 2) so until I can get my head around locus I shall continue to use the basic Google maps and navigation app to move around as I'm getting the same level of detail but only using a small amount of memory space.

To be continued....
I looked at Locus a bit, the issue for me was having to download maps. Other than that, it seems very well featured.

Have a look at OsmAnd as well, the free version works fine and you get 10 free map downloads with that.

The free download is the OSM vector map, so is much smaller than the figure you quote.

Sent from my A898 Duo using Tapatalk 4
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Sep 2013
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
Water proof tabs and waterproof ideas
https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=wa...g%20a%20tablet


https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=wa...%20smartphones
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Badger74 View Post
I have a waterproof cover for the tank bag with a window, but for light rain I should be ok...I did notice that it does get abit warm though so will have to keep an eye on any moisture build up..
The warmth of the tablet might deal with the other possible water issue I have had with tank bag see-through-plastic-windows, i.e. condensation.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Hybrid Mode Hybrid Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Is my GPS draining my battery? Lonesome George Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 7 24 Aug 2013 00:22
New GPS or New Mount? JesseH Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 2 1 Apr 2012 19:29
Numpty Garmin GPS SD card question Matt Cartney Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 7 19 Feb 2012 15:37
Zimbabwe: Visas, borders and miscellaneous info MovingHouse sub-Saharan Africa 1 26 Jan 2012 15:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:58.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top