i-Pad - chart plotter options

[Mythos]

My wife and I have just booked a two week Greek island sailing holiday.

My wife will be taking her i-Pad 3 (3G version) with her. I would like to use the i-Pad as a chart plotter ( Just basic chart info. required).

What are the best (cheapest options)? i.e. it is not worth me spending much for two weeks use!

nb. novice i-Pad user

 

[Cardo]

I am fond of Navionics, but the iPad version isn't amazingly cheap. However, it works very well as a standalone chart plotter.

 

[scottie]

If you can get a GPS add on such as bad elf this will make it worth having and using such as navionics a very usefull tool without GPS you will be relying on phone networks for position information which will be pricey and possiblly not that accurate.

The chart only option will worth having for planing etc .

There are several options as regards charts perhaps if you do go down thiss route then a new post would be worth while such as what is best charts to use on iPad for Greek islands

 

[bozlite]

The 3G version of the iPad has a built-in GPS chip which works (very accurately, in my experience) with no need for any network (3G or wi-fi) connection.

Isailor is quite a good app. As an example of price, the Aegean sea charts cost £17.49.

 

[Pkewish]

It's worth noting that the iPad does NOT roam on 3G i.e. no 3G connection whilst abroad with a UK SIM card. You will have to buy a local pay-as-you-go SIM. But it DOES work on WiFi and has build in GPS. Google maps (that come with it) rely on some sort of signal to download the map.

That said, I have been using my iPad with Imray charts with great success. The App was free from itunes but I think it was about £33.99 for West Med. This (and most others) download the whole chart to the iPad and don't require a signal to operate (other than GPS). I can run 'live' without screen saver and autolock for approx 5 hours. With autolock etc, about 3 days.

I also use a 'life edge' waterproof case mounted to the bulkhead (approx £99). There is some reduction in sensitivity of the screen and you have to take it out to charge it (gets easier the more you do it) but otherwise the cheapest chart plotter on the market (if you already have the iPad).

Hope this helps.

 

[scottie]

Sorry did not read properly of course 3G version has GPS I am posting on one

I have navionics and imray and I sailor all have updated over the summer and from choice I think with the latest upgrade I sailor is maybe best but all would depend on actual charts.

 

[vyv_cox]

This year I took my iPad 2 to the Aegean, with the Navionics app for the whole Med bought for £37 at the time. I found it to be superb, very detailed, especially by comparison with my Garmin plotter, whose cartography for Greek islands is pathetic. I used the iPad frequently and particularly liked the facility to take photos that are linked to location.

 

[yesod]

It's worth noting that the iPad does NOT roam on 3G i.e. no 3G connection whilst abroad with a UK SIM card.

not true. depends entirely on your sim. i've happily roamed and used data abroad on a uk t-mobile sim.

 

[wotayottie]

I have navionics and imray and I sailor all have updated over the summer and from choice I think with the latest upgrade I sailor is maybe best but all would depend on actual charts.

Interesting comment. Can you expand a bit on the relative merits of the three

 

[ditchcrawler]

You can buy the Navionics Europe App for the I Phone for £17.49.It works fine on the I Pad and you just press the X2 button.It covers the same area as the HD version for the I Pad.The screen is marginally smaller.I looked at the HD version on a friends I Pad and yes it is clearer but not that much clearer for more than twice the price.I use the UK and Holland Navionics I Phone version.I would advise a matt screen film cover which will reduce glare and reflection.

 

[Pkewish]

not true. depends entirely on your sim. i've happily roamed and used data abroad on a uk t-mobile sim.

I stand corrected. It seems that I'm on the wrong network then! I've just spoken to Orange, who will not open their Ipads to international roaming on grounds of potential high costs to their customers (and them). Seems a little odd as they are more than happy to sting me with iPhone roaming.

My advice to Mythos is to check with your network provider before leaving!