Looking for a bit of advice re setting up a new tablet for navigation

What ever you get, either Windows based or Android, make sure you can load OziExplorer onto it, it is the best outback navigation system you can get.

Using Ozi you can load what ever maps you like and as for GPS, it’s not really a problem, as you can now get good quality Bluetooth GPS transmitters cheap.

Good luck

Hi Wooly,
Good to hear you're thinking of getting ExplorOz Traveller to load EOTopo maps. If buying a new Android tablet - yes other than checking it has a GPS to enable offline location services, the single most important feature you want is good Processer and Memory (ie RAM).

I've recently noticed that some new Android devices are being sold with very low RAM (to attract the low end market) but these devices are not designed for multitasking - ie. using multiple apps at once, or using apps that run in the background, so they will crash instead of hold information in the background. Be aware that mapping and navigation apps are quite demanding on RAM so don't opt for the cheapest device. If you only spend $200 you'll not be getting a quality device.

So how much is enough RAM? 4GB.
Whilst a device with 2GB will run the app, you may find the app appears to be running slow, and perhaps will crash unexpectedly - that is what happens when the device cannot handle the amount of information it is being asked to hold in memory. Go for 4GB RAM and you'll enjoy fast, fluid operation.

There are a few other features you can then look for - but these are not critical - eg. storage - you can go for as little as you like as the internal storage is not that important as you can just use SD card for storage so don't buy based on storage capacity.

You don't have to have a device with a SIM (ie. ability to connect to mobile internet data via 4G) but if you do this is really very handy as it our app has built in features to use the internet for data syncing, downloading updates, and if you wish to use the satellite maps, street maps or online EOTopo maps. And of course you can then get your emails etc.

Android operating system - just check that you are getting what you expect when buying new you might assume you are getting the latest version of the OS but this isn't always so. The latest version of android is 11.0 (but not all devices have this yet as its very new, so 10 is ok). I would not accept buying a new device if it doesn't have at least Android 10 however. The reason for this is that the main purpose of the updates is to provide you with the latest security and privacy enhancements to protect you from digital attacks that are constantly being designed by hackers. However, Google (who own Android) also guarantee support for at least two years for all major Android updates, and three years for monthly security updates. After that however, your device is then subject to problems that neither they, no the app developers have any requirement to support.

Hope that helps.
PS don't forget to take a read through the User Manual - its available to anyone before purchase to view/read/download free from the ExplorOz Traveller webpage (you just need an ExplorOz account - free visitor account is fine, in order to open the file as a standard site security measure).

Been happily using ExplorOz traveller app on an iPad mini for a year or so.
And the recent app update was a big leap forward.
If you already have an iPhone or other Mac devices I’d suggest it makes sense to stick to same system.
You need an iPad that is both wifi and mobile capable as the wifi only models do not have gps. Alternative is a separate gps bug.
If budget is tight there are cheaper alternatives which no doubt work just as well.
You pay a premium price for Apple products and I know not everyone is able to do that. But it works for me.
Good luck with it.
Cheers

Had the Hema a few years ago but it died...not an uncommon problem. I found it clumsy and slow to use. I now have 10 inch and 8 inch Samsung Tab A tablets. I run E.O., Ozxiexplorer and Memory Maps. I have many maps that I use. The ability to have the use of other apps is also a bonus. Maps work extremely well and quick too. Being able to add apps is also great. GPS, WIKICAMPS, IG STREET MAPS, BOATING APPS, ETC.ETC. All handy when away camping...also have 1000,s of songs on the tablets to play via bluetooth for music when needed. Samsung tablets come with built in gps.

Yes, we've had an iPad , with GPS, with a couple of sets of maps including HEMA, ( Traveller and EOTopo the best), and the Apple general navigation for towns works well, as does the Google maps. With a decent memory, the iPad does everything we want, and is easy to use.
Have most of the stuff on an iPhone as well.

Cheers
Jim

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 that I intend to use on any extended touring trip as the head unit in my D-Max has maps from 2014 and I refuse to pay out $150 for updated maps that could still be anything up to 12 months old.

I am waiting on a holder that will clamp into the CD slot as this seems to be the best and easiest method I can find to get a solid mount.

The Tab has all the bells and whistles I would need for a Navigation tool.

Have you considered that your HN7 may just need a new battery?

I replaced the battery in my HN6 (same as HN7) and it’s as good as new.

Check out this Thread: HN6 New battery

I'll make one more comment....if you get a 12" tablet on a floor mount you will be blown away. My mate has the 12" ipad on one and when I saw it I thought how fantastic is that, no more squinting, crystal clear, you can't get better. I already had a 12" Samsung tablet for 3 years and wasn't using it in the car because I thought it wouldn't fit. Well it fits on the floor mount and it's brilliant.