Using the iPad as an EFB

[Greg Arehart]

Jim,

Do you have any specs on the screen brightness (Nits) of the Motion Computing tablet PC? I've looked around and so far haven't found any. I am looking for a PC that I can use for the viewfinder for my in-wing camera setup and need something that is truly bright enough to be sunlight-readable. I've found a few things that should work but they are typically around $5k, which is way too much to pay.

thanks,
greg

[flickroll]

Originally Posted by mtclay

Jim, where did you purchase the antiglare screen protector? Are they available from Apple?

Thanks,

I got it at the University of Virginia bookstore here in town. I'm sure they're available online.

[flickroll]

Originally Posted by Greg Arehart

Jim,

Do you have any specs on the screen brightness (Nits) of the Motion Computing tablet PC? I've looked around and so far haven't found any. I am looking for a PC that I can use for the viewfinder for my in-wing camera setup and need something that is truly bright enough to be sunlight-readable. I've found a few things that should work but they are typically around $5k, which is way too much to pay.

thanks,
greg

Hi Greg

Sorry, can't help with the nits on the Motion Tablet. The best I ever saw was ADR Soft's sunlight viewable screen. It was amazing. The Motion was no better than the iPad with the anti-glare overlay on it.

[logansc]

The standard Motion LS800 is something like 350 nits if memory serves. I never could find a definitive number for their View Anywhere option, but I get the impression that it is in the neighborhood of 800 and is more sunlight readable. Still not the answer though and neither is my Zenarc 702 display which is 1000 nits (backlit) and still washes out badly with sun on it in my Rocket cockpit. Here is a good summary of the current state of affairs from someone who has an interest in watching this issue closely: http://symbolicflight.ning.com/profi...age=1#comments

There are new technologies that have the potential to end the "sunlight readable" debate (Mirasol, PixelQ, OLED, AMOLED, etc). Some are betting that this will be the year that we see a suitable display. Then we'll need someone to put together around an 8" Tablet/all-in-one computer that we can load any of the excellent flight/nav software packages on. I'm sure all of them are looking for the right platform too.

I find that AnywhereMap Pro works very well on the Motion LS800, but it just isn't bright enough for my cockpit. AM has dropped the LS800 from their lineup, I suppose for that reason. Having to use the "pen" is inconvenient, but at least it does allow good input control compared to "fat finger" touchscreen inputs. No perfect answer yet and I watch this stuff on a weekly basis!

Lee...

[rv9av8tr]

Originally Posted by mtclay

where did you purchase the antiglare screen protector?
Thanks,

Available here:
http://www.screenguardz.com/content/...-148--2590.htm

[clucier]

Screen protectors available at box wave.com. Also used the Griffen iPad holder with hand grip that the apple people use in the store, I added a three inch wide elastic band and some Velcro and instant kneeboard.

Using Foreflight and WingX pro both for a total of $175.00. Great for flight planning also have a checklists program that was free. I was using it to do my preflight at the flight school. When I called the tower to request taxi they asked me if I was using an iPad. (they obviously need better binoculars)

evektor Sportstar I fly has a bubble canopy, low wing. I live in AZ and with the screen protector it was fine.

Also did my cross country planning by hand then verified instantly with both foreflight and wing x then checked weather and filed flight plan. Used 2mb of 3G data.

Just plane slick and many more uses than a dedicated EFB I.E. Typing this post.