Which Tablet for best results with EOTopo

G'day Oldfosil (from one to another)
I use an ACER Iconia 501A (I think that's right). It's a few years old but I still find it works very well. I use OziEplorer Android on it with heaps of Hema, Westprint and EOTopo maps.
I remember when I was looking that the ASUS Transformer had a metal case that interfered with the performance of the GPS - this may not be the situation now but worth asking the question if you are looking at different brands.
I have found the Whirlpool forums are good for this sort of this search e.g. if you google something like "whirlpool forum tablet gps" there's some okay reading to be found.
I guess the only other thing is to make sure you get one with a GPS and don't be fooled into getting one that is WiFi only.
cheers
Kevin

There are two things to consider.

The Android Tablet must have a built-in GPS. I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with both GPS and Wi-Fi. (The Wi-Fi is handy if you want to connect to the Internet via a wireless Modem, but has nothing directly to do with functionality of the mapping system)

Secondly, you need to run a mapping system which uses the EOTopo maps as input reference. Just about everyone runs OziExplorer (for Android).

You may also like to consider an 8" tablet which is big enough to view maps, etc. but is a little more compact than the 10" tablets. Samsung also make these.

As a general rule all tablets have WiFi but only the ones with 3G capability (i.e. you can put a SIM card in them) have GPS. Note: this is a general rule only. I have found that Oziexplorer for android is pretty good software for all the maps I use.
cheers

Old fosil,

What RUK42 has said is correct, although this has changed in the last few years (product generations) and tablets with aGPS are quicker to locate with network help, but work fine without network coverage.

I would suggest using a website like GSM Arena to check out if your intended tablet has a GPS. (see thread 108452 as an example).
All 3G tablets in general will have aGPS. But more and more WiFi only units have GPS in them.

It used to be that an aGPS had a poorer GPS and used the mobile network to supplement finding a location.

I personally have the Sony Xperia Z WiFi model which has a GPS and it works perfectly for EOTopo, HEMA maps using Memory Maps and OziExpolrer.
If I am in mobile range and wish to get on the internet, I just tether to my mobile phone.

Good luck finding your tablet

Oldfossil
I use a Samsung Galaxy Tab3, in 7 inch version. I reckon 10 inch would be better though

I have had a lot of trouble,, some of it self inflicted, but have now a fully working system, and can successfully use off road navigation without a stress attack!!
I would recommend the Samsung, but acknowledge that there are many passionate users out there who are very happy with their solutions.
I use Ozi for Android, EOzi, and EOtrackme, all working well. I say this with satisfaction, as I have had a lot of problems getting another product to work on Android. Depending on what you are running, check the sites help for Andriod devices, I can confirm that some are not user friendly.
I purchased the 100 K maps thru Ozi, and the 200/250k maps thru EO, both good
Also OZI and a usb GPS for my laptop

Good luck with your new tablet, they just get better and better. Don't skimp on the model, the biggest memory is best, along with the biggest available sim card (mine was 64gig, it may be bigger by now. Maps take a bit of volume, as does the more involved apps
As far as 3/4G models, I don't see them as necessary, wireless works faster, is free at some places, works at home, and, if you are serious, you can have in your car. I run a modem (4g) that spits out a wireless signal in the truck, perfect for the truck and van. The difference is that everyone in the camp gets wireless!

Jim

Just set up a mate with a Samsung Galaxy tab 10.1 wifi only which has a GPS and everything is working fine. He mounts his on his dash and we travel some bumpy outback roads where there is no phone signal.

Just come from Katherine - Roper Bar - Borroloola - and across the gulf to Normanton and then on to Atherton. Plenty of use and it worked fine.

Alan

It's a bit dated; last year but Choice did a very extensive review last year.

Which resulted in me purchasing the recommended ASUS TF300 which I've been very happy with (this unit has a dockable keyboard so it can function as if it was a laptop).
You may be able to access the mag at a local library?



Cheers,