Motorola Xoom and Navionics

[corinthmistral]

Am about to purchase a Motorola Xoom (1st edition) specifically to use with Navionics chart app.

Having looked at a number of 10" plotters and listened to all the sales talk I've decided that for my intended use there's actually no advantage to me buying a fixed plotter - it is just for backup nav and will be housed below in any event so waterproofing is not an issue for me, and I get all the other advantages that the tablet PC offers. And I can take it home or use it on the train whilst commuting. And if it should get trashed, I can buy ten Xooms @ GBP 249 with Navionics chart app for the price of one 10" Simrad plotter!

Does anyone have positive / negative experience of using a Xoom and Navionics charts? Also, what is the GPS like - can I reasonably expect it to work down below on a "normal" chart table set up - 36' sailing yacht with "traditional" chart table on stbd side down below, adjacent to companionway.

Feedback / experience greatly appreciated.

 

[markdj]

Im using a galaxy tab 10.1 and find the gps excellent, even inside. Navionics app is great though you need to spend a bit of time selecting areas and downloading the charts first.

 

[KevinT1]

I have a Samsung Gaxay Tab 7" ( the original one ) and Navionics - GPS is stunning, you can walk around the boat, works great tucked up inside the spray hood and yes it does work fine at the chart table.

It's an excellent back up for both paper charts and the C Map charts on my Raymarine plotter

My only concern / issue is battery life as the GPS consumes a lot, the Samsung Tab needs 2.0 amps through it's USB charger - most Car USB chargers only produce 1 amp. Fortunately I can use the original mains charger through the boats inverter

Kevin

 

[JackFrobisher]

Navionics Certification

Make sure that whatever you buy is on the Navionics certified equipment list. If it isn't then the Android Market will not sell it you.

 

[marklucas]

I use it

I have an original Xoom and Navionics works fine.

 

[TopDonkey]

I have a 10" acer iconia A500 android tablet and it runs navionics perfectly, the gps seems to be very powerful with virtually no error everywhere i use it

Android tablets are a very good platform for navigation on boats from my experience

 

[DoubleEnder]

waterproof bag/sleeve

Does anyone use an iPad or tablet in a waterproof or splashproof sleeve, that still allows touchscreen to be used?

Graham

 

[rwakeham]

Xoom seconded

I have one and they work very well. The screen aspect works well for reading, Navionics works well and as you put in Micro SD cards you can bring a load of media (music, video) etc to keep everyone happy.