Android OS or IPad

[Xplorer4x4]

I would say your first mistake, OP, was your asking in an Android based forum, so logically speaking you will get a biased response for the most part. I am a bit surprised though, this thread hasnt been majorly android fan boy rants.

Personally, I like the Android tablets, namely the Honeycomb tablets. While I havent used any tablet much, the iPad or iPad2 is an over grown iPhone. The interface seems exactly the same. Now with Ice Cream Sandwich on the horizon, that may change for Android, but as it stands, Honeycomb seems alot different then any form on Android currently on a smart phone device. Of course with Android tablets, you have more flexibility/customization then you do on an iPad.

 

[patmw123]

I love my nook color.

 

[alboboy10]

My wife wants to read books and I want a back up GPS system for my boat's navigation system. Do I go with the Apple 3g or an Android capable GPS system? I am aware the prevailing thinking is the Apps for Ipad are many and android apps are playing catch up. Not into games. 78years old. Thanks

I've always looked at the iPad as an oversized iPod touch. The honeycomb OS is built for tablets, it takes full advantage of the screen size.

Also, not sure about Nav programs on the iPad, but Android has a LOT of slick apps where you can download the GPS maps for offline usage, as you would probably need if you were out boating.

I am probably biased a bit as I hate Apple products, but the iPad isn't all that magical in my eyes.

Offline gps maps such as what?

 

[fighterpilota]

ipads and androids

Navionics offers maps/charts for mariners that will work with GPS capable systems.

 

[takeshi]

My wife wants to read books and I want a back up GPS system for my boat's navigation system. Do I go with the Apple 3g or an Android capable GPS system? I am aware the prevailing thinking is the Apps for Ipad are many and android apps are playing catch up. Not into games. 78years old. Thanks

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to your question. I prefer the iPad2. The next person may have entirely different preferences. I don't see anything in your OP that clearly narrows it down to one or the other.

Have you tried out any of the options? Do you have any criteria that may help to narrow things down?

I am probably biased a bit as I hate Apple products, but the iPad isn't all that magical in my eyes.

"Hate" indicates more than a "bit" of bias. It's an either/or thing. You're either exaggerating your hate or downplaying your bias.

Why buy something so big as a tablet with limited software like Android or iOS ? You can get a Win 7 tablet and have endless possibilities , full desktop messaging applications like Skype , Yahoo or Live Messenger , full web browsers of your choice , Chrome , Firefox , Safari , IE etc. not the striped down mobile versions . Play all the media formats imaginable . Hell if you want you can run any other OS on it , Android , OSX , Linux etc. Full office applications and functionality , networking , development , anything you want .

Why assume that any of that matters to the OP? The OP needs to verify what his priorities are. Never assume that your preferences are universal.

hows the GPS on the iPad?

As good as GPS on any other device I've used. Just as with Android, there's not just one GPS app and the specific app used (as well as your preferences and expectations) can impact your experience.

Seeing as how GMaps is full featured and arguably the best available GPS, then things like my tracks by google map out your trip, for GPS I'd say go with Android.

Best is always highly subjective and it's no different with GPS apps. People seem to assume that popular = universally best but that's not the case. Google Maps is not best for people frequently out of coverage or traveling internationally that want to avoid international data roaming fees or even people that simply prefer locally stored maps without precaching for whatever reason(s). I was recently out near West Texas with no data coverage and couldn't use Google Maps. Had to use TomTom on my wife's iPhone since it has locally stored maps. Granted, I now have CoPilot as well so that won't be an issue but that's just one example.

Once again, never assume that your preferences are universal. It might be difficult for you to conceive but the next person may have entirely different priorities and preferences. Don't get caught up in your tunnel vision.

 

[fighterpilota]

Probably won't use it for much more than book reading and GPS. At 78 years young haven't kept up with the latest technology, although pretty good with a computer, so don't use anything but an old cell phone on verizion which fits neatly in my pocket. Since main boating season coming to an end will probably just try to get some hands on with the various systems at the big box stores and research the progress and reliability of the brand X stuff as compared to the Ipad. Now there are three different OS being used so have to see how they shake out and the apps develop. Would plan on making the leap next spring. Thanks for all the information. Wife will have to read hard back thru the winter, or I might go with a kindle or nook in the interim.

 

[kristoff125]

Seeing as how GMaps is full featured and arguably the best available GPS, then things like my tracks by google map out your trip, for GPS I'd say go with Android.

Best is always highly subjective and it's no different with GPS apps. People seem to assume that popular = universally best but that's not the case. Google Maps is not best for people frequently out of coverage or traveling internationally that want to avoid international data roaming fees or even people that simply prefer locally stored maps without precaching for whatever reason(s). I was recently out near West Texas with no data coverage and couldn't use Google Maps. Had to use TomTom on my wife's iPhone since it has locally stored maps. Granted, I now have CoPilot as well so that won't be an issue but that's just one example.

Once again, never assume that your preferences are universal. It might be difficult for you to conceive but the next person may have entirely different priorities and preferences. Don't get caught up in your tunnel vision.

Since Google did recently allow you to download maps when on wifi and use them offline, I think it works quite well with no data coverage. I've seen tons of apps, and DLed a few for free off amazon app of the day, that offer a lot more offline storage. Honestly, I think the Android tab is probably better as by next spring you can probably get one with everything you need for quite a bit less than the iPad will be going for.

 

[fighterpilota]

By next spring should have an idea how OS other than the honeycomb are progressing. I believe HP has a new system out along with some others. Apps may still be in a catch up mode however.