Anyone thought about an iPad as best new Nav device?

[sydude]

I've been thinking about what Nav unit I should get for my truck, and it just hit me that an iPad would be a really compelling choice. The 3G model has assisted GPS, an accelerometer, magnetic compass as well as full 3G internet access. It has a huge beautiful screen, will serve as a great movie and music player, etc etc etc. It's got Google Maps with high-res terrain maps, tons of different navigation apps available, plus vehicle performance monitoring apps, like:

http://www.dynolicious.com/
http://www.devtoaster.com/products/rev/ (I think this one needs OBD-II for vehicle monitoring/control)
http://apps.libertyforone.com/g-tac/
http://www.gullicksonlaboratories.com/horsepower/

To mount it, RAM mounts have come out with a bunch of vibration resistant vehicle mounts:

http://www.ram-mount.com/NewProducts/Ap ... fault.aspx

What do you guys think?

[tcm glx]

I want an iPad, but not for Navi purposes...... I would be afraid that with dust and dirt, it would not last very long......

[sydude]

I would think that someone will come out with a rugged splash-resistant cover for it, like they have for iPhones.

[Nick]

The ipad is cool, but like Tony said, dust, dirt, bouncing around, i don't know how well it would stand up. Another very important feature, would it be able to download course maps?

[sydude]

Heavy duty dust proof cover coming:

http://www.otterbox.com/ipad-case-coming-soon

What format do course maps come available in?

[SteveG]

It would probably be durable enough. Software would be the biggest issue. Does the iPad use a hard or Solid State Drive?

I've been trying to find a hand-held GPS that I could connect to my netbook to use as a larger display so I could have the best of both worlds... ultra portable hand-held or large display for the car. No go... can't find one.

[gr8brnc]

That would be cool if it would work. You could mount it in a custom center console like a lowrance unit and use it for a hundred different things!

[sydude]

It would probably be durable enough. Software would be the biggest issue. Does the iPad use a hard or Solid State Drive?

It uses a solid state drive, so that's a good thing.

[Deleted Account]

This does look intresting. If anyone trys one let me know. The solid state drive is a very good thing.

[78Class3]

can't imagine the batteries last any longer than the iphone, and that is one of the bigger drawbacks to the I phone. But I'm sure you could wire up a powere source for it.

[Nick]

Hitler's review of the ipad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQnT0zp8Ya4

[PaulW]

Solid state mem is great. IMO, tread slowley until the GPS engine gets defined and we find out whos background map is compatible and find out what functions are used. Very important. Most likely you will be stuck with Garmin stuff whch we trail makers and desert people hate.
The used military & law enforcement laptops are real cheep but no one I know has figured out how to use the units being sold on ebay. Same questions apply to them.
Yes a laptop RAM mount would be required since they don't come with a dash bracket. Depending on the weight and the size of the Ram mount it might be feasable?? Or roll your own which should be pretty easy.
The 3g feature is not useful in the boonies - its a big city deal.
Paul

[philofab]

My iPhone is normally covered in dust and metal shavings, I've never had a problem. I am really rough with these things. Apple actually builds good quality. I've used the GPS quite a bit on my 3G and 3GS. The 3GS works much better but is not as good as a real GPS. You also have to have internet access to download maps, as it does not keep them in memory. I've heard good things about iPhones with aftermarket GPS software.

[ChaseTruck754]

I guess my uncle uses his toughbook (laptop) as a GPS and likes it. I remember him mentioning it a while back but I never thought anything of it until I saw this thread...