Tablet EFB

tomkk · #1 06-14-2015, 04:39 PM

I see a lot of folks using iPads for their EFB so I assume the iPad screen brightness is adequate in our bubble canopy environment. Is anyone successfully using an Android tablet for that and, if so, which one? I have an ASUS Android TF300 that I'd hoped to use but it's screen brightness is woefully inadequate and I'm looking for something else. I can go with an iPad if necessary but would prefer Android if possible.

CATPart · #2 06-14-2015, 05:13 PM

The popular choice is the Nexus 7, which I find to be perfectly readable in direct sunlight.

tomkk · #3 06-14-2015, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CATPart

The popular choice is the Nexus 7, which I find to be perfectly readable in direct sunlight.

Thanks. That's a little smaller than I would have thought useful. No problem reading charts or other things with that size?

JohnInReno · #4 06-14-2015, 06:52 PM

+1 for Nexus 7 and Garmin Pilot.

1001001 · #5 06-14-2015, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkk

I see a lot of folks using iPads for their EFB so I assume the iPad screen brightness is adequate in our bubble canopy environment. Is anyone successfully using an Android tablet for that and, if so, which one? I have an ASUS Android TF300 that I'd hoped to use but it's screen brightness is woefully inadequate and I'm looking for something else. I can go with an iPad if necessary but would prefer Android if possible.

I use a Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 and the brightness is perfect in direct sunlight. You have to turn it way down at night, but either way it adjusts well enough to any condition I've encountered so far.

The size of this tablet is pretty much perfect. I use Garmin Pilot for my charts and plates and the Tab Pro 8.4 is fast and responsive. The display is as good or better than the Apple Retina displays (I compared them side by side in the store).

Look for the fastest processor you can get for an Android. Both my tablet and my phone (LG G2) have a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which at the times I bought them, was easily the fastest on the market. I recommend using GeekBench when comparing units. Lots of people post GeekBench stats on line so it's easy to compare units.

CATPart · #6 06-14-2015, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkk

Thanks. That's a little smaller than I would have thought useful. No problem reading charts or other things with that size?

I think the size of the nexus 7 is perfect, but I use it in a small rv-4 so not much space for a larger gadget anyway.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...&postcount=144

It is probably 10-12 inches from my face when I turn to look at it.

flyboy1963 · #7 06-14-2015, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkk

Thanks. That's a little smaller than I would have thought useful. No problem reading charts or other things with that size?

If there's one thing you can count on, it's the size wars in tabletville.

http://www.amazon.com/Google-Nexus-T.../dp/B00M6UC5B4

Snowflake · #8 06-15-2015, 07:47 AM

I have a first-generation Nexus 7 and it works great in the cockpit. It's a little laggy in the display when panning maps around, but I understand that the current-generation Nexus 7 is much faster and this isn't an issue.

I'd like a larger one, but only because I have room for it (side-by-side -6). The 7" screen is completely usable. Internal GPS locks in just fine with the tablet on my kneeboard.

Canadian_JOY · #9 06-15-2015, 09:00 AM

I have a first gen Nexus 7 and have recently acquired a Nexus 6 cell phone. Both are running FltplanGo (love the free Canadian charts!).

The Nexus 7 I have mounted on an "Ottopilot" kneeboard mount which is absolutely fantastic in a tight cockpit. This mount isn't so hot when transitioning to a certificated aircraft with a yoke. The GPS in this device is extremely good. I've had no troubles with the Nexus 7 keeping up with my demands, but I've only been using it as a simple VFR charting device.

The Nexus 6 is a different beast. GPS is just as good as the Nexus 7, display is very sunlight-capable. Lots of processing power so it's very smooth in pan/zoom operations. And the real up-side is that it's small enough that my wife likes holding it in her hand where she can help with the navigation tasks. I didn't think the Nexus 6 would be very useful in the cockpit and would be relegated to backup duties. That original assessment is now proving to be incorrect.

Joe · #10 06-16-2015, 07:39 AM

Another vote for the Nexus 7. Mine's the 2013 model and I like it so well I bought a second one for a backup as I find it's more readable than the Seattle Avionics charts on my Dynon Skyview.

Here's a picture taken in direct sunlight -- so sunny that you can see the glare on my standby instruments.

--
Joe