Marine apps; Apple vs. Android

Champagne Murphy

Champagne Murphy

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Further to the best Apps thread; browsing through them I looked up several and a lot of them only seem to be available on iPad and not on Android. I have no problem with iPad except for its cost, so as a comparison which is going to work out best, iPad or Hudl?
 
I have a Hudl2 which cost peanuts compared to Apple products on which I am running Navionics HD which is excellent, plus Sailgrib which is also excellent and Boat Watch which is as you might guess....excellent.
 
Yes there are definitely some which are only available on iOS - Navionics is normally available on both but Navionics are appallingly incompetent when it comes to Android - I don't know what they are like on iOS but they seem determined to misunderstand and misuse the Android model although, once you've actually managed to buy the app from them, it does seem to be reasonably reliable and will continue to work long after they have stopped selling it.

It's not so much a question of are there more on one OS than the other as "are there apps on iOS that you want and that you cannot get on Android or vice-versa?". I use MX Mariner and Saildroid plus a few weather apps. I think they are all available on iOS as well. I do have Navionics on my phone and tablet as well but I prefer MX Mariner. Outside boaty apps, one app I use extensively which is Android only is Airdroid and another is SwiFTP (basically just an FTP server). Another must have for me is Pushbullet (iOS as well). There may well be iOS only apps that I would think are must have that aren't on Android but I haven't found one yet, probably because I don't use many iOS apps.

Why not post a list of the ones you've found that you are interested in so that people who use them can offer some feedback? The App Store/Play Store ratings are usually pretty rubbish.
 
Purchasing on the refurbished section of your country's Apple Store will often ease the cost of iPad.Scroll down to to the very small print at the bottom of the store page to find the link.Had a mk1 Google nexus 7 until recently and was pleased with Jepperson plan to Nav. Downside of iPad 2nd, heavy weight,one speaker if musical,single user account only.
Fugawi charts with iNavX app seems good so far on iPad.also on iPhone 4s currently.
Hoping to go further this year with a DMK box to stream all data from Raymarine.lots to do.
A Hudl to leave aboard might be a good idea.
 
I have tried both. Started with android tablets, got disillusioned and then got an ipad. I am an Apple convert, why? - they just work, do what say on the tin. I tried several of the generic tablets and on every one got frustrated because they do not perform to expectations. The ipad does and is robust and reliable. All only in my experience of course and IMHO!
 
I have the Navionics HD app on an Android tablet, which initially was a bit disappointing. However the updates to the app have improved it considerably.
Routing has now become possible and fairly easily, and while there are still improvements to be made, it is pretty useable.


The Jeppesen C Map application is quite a long way behind at this stage, although I prefer the chart, as it matches the chart plotter. Routing is possible but VERY slow and clunky.

Ian
 
wonderful app on android is absolute tides - data costs £2 for a year but it works offline and you can add most secondray ports quite easily from the primary ports supplied (you just create them from the menu that loads with each primary port). shows a tidal curve and for anchoring allows you to see how much before the next high and low tides. plus of you do have wifi or data available you can get the inshore weather forecast. friend of mine navigates easily and happily on his tablet with charts available from visit my harbour so you don't need navionics.

won't criticise apple but the hudl is cheap as chips and if you tread on it or drop it overboard its not a major disaster. and the screen is bigger than my chart plotter! as i've posted before, waterproof it by wrapping in clingfilm.
 
I've used Navionics hd on a Samsung tab2 10" android and found it is excellent. Does have gps whereas my wifes mini iPad does not and it was twice the price. Ipad has gps but only if you buy the most expensive versions. I have to admit I don't like apple stuff - I don't like being tied to one manufacturer. The hudle and nexus also seem to be good.
Go for android!
 
You recommend MX mariner. Couple of questions

Do you know if the Uk charts are included in the £4.99 app price or an extra.

I used to have the Navionics app. but need to purchase again for my new android. Thinking about mxmariner as is raster and not vector charts. but i have read it does not have route planner. Do you mind not having route planning?
 
Champagne Murphy said:
Further to the best Apps thread; browsing through them I looked up several and a lot of them only seem to be available on iPad and not on Android. I have no problem with iPad except for its cost, so as a comparison which is going to work out best, iPad or Hudl?
Click to expand...

No axe to grind. I chose a nexus 10 and navionics using android which is about the same sort of cost as the IPad and slightly better screen. Been perfectly happy with it with one proviso. IMO none of the tablets are any real use for navigation as opposed to occasionally looking up where you are. The battery life using gps is limited, the screens arent as daylight visible as a plotter, the tablet isnt waterproof and the nav software doesnt give you half the facilities of a proper plotter. The tablet is handy if I am, for example, steering the boat through the manacles rather than round them, but all serious nav is done either on the plotter or on paper.

As for android vs IOS, I think I would base my decision on what other kit you have. I have an android phone and swmbo has an android tablet - its handy to be able to use the same software on all three without extra cost
 
I have mx mariner on the Hudl2. You have to select a chart region then buy for £4.99 I think. Still Very cheap charts and they are great quality. I also have Navionics HD on my iPad and Hudl2. I. Think the mx mariner charts are better than the Navionics for the Hudl2, but without the bells and whistles of vector charts.
I've just bought memory map and put it on the iPad. I think you can put it on five devices, will load it onto the Hudl2 when I'm next on the boat ( Hudl lives on boat). 850 admiralty charts for £50 !
 
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