Tablet size for offroad nav in 3rd gen: 8" vs. 10"

[sjwelna]

Ok so I'm looking to add a tablet for some offroad nav into my 3rd gen, but I'm looking for some input from people who have ran a ~10" tablet (ipad sized) versus smaller tablets like a 7-8" nexus or galaxy tab s. Currently I have ran a macbook coupled to a roof mount gps antenna, through a Garmin GPS, which is very bulky and cumbersome with a power inverter (all while hunting...). My primary use for it will be to breadcrumb plot hunting trails and make markers for good spots to come back to. I have basically whittled my choice down to a Galaxy Tab S (especially since the price just dropped $100 today on amazon) but don't know if I want the 8.4" or 10.5". I'm leaning towards the 8.4 just because of ease of portability when it's not in use in the truck (going to work on the bus, travel, etc). That being said, the substantial screen size upgrade would be awesome for maps and nav.

Has anyone had regrets about having either of these sizes in their 4runner for nav? (too big/too small?) I will be putting together some kind of Ram mount setup most likely to hold it in front of the heater vents. My plan is to run Backcountry navigator pro and probably do some of the map add-ons with an extra SD card. The free version of BCN has impressed me a LOT, especially compared to the current setup!

I'm going to go hold some in my hands to get a better feel for size as well, just looking for some other experiences.

-Steve

 

[BrianSD_42]

Nexus 7 v2 all the way man!!!!!!

Runs Android 5.0+ Lolipop without issue.

The 32GB version is still for sale and worth it in my opinion. Brand new for:
* $255 at Amazon.com
* $270 at OfficeDepot.

The 16GB version is only $176 sold directly from Amazon.com (not 3rd party)


Ignore the cord pictured. I'm now using the built in BlueTooth and it sounds seriously awesome. Surprisingly near CD quality.

********* Alpine CDE-HD149BT Stereo | Installed Feb. 2014 (3 of 3) *********

This one:
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

* 4V Pre-outs (x6)
* No tilt
* Decent screen
* HD Radio Tuning Built In (sounds great!)
* High Quality (2013 version) BlueTooth Audio
* Nice big clear buttons
* 109db Signal to Noise ratio ~ translation: amazing audio quality
* 3.5mm direct-wire audio input









******** Mounted my Nexus 7 (v2) Tablet *******

I used simple velcro to hold it in place

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Nexus 7 v2 all the way man!!!!!!

Ignore the cord pictured. I'm now using the built in BluTooth and it sounds seriously awesome. Near CD quality.

Thank goodness I'm not the only one rocking the Nexus. I just don't have mine mounted.

 

[nevada]

Ok so I'm looking to add a tablet for some offroad nav into my 3rd gen, but I'm looking for some input from people who have ran a ~10" tablet (ipad sized) versus smaller tablets like a 7-8" nexus or galaxy tab s. Currently I have ran a macbook coupled to a roof mount gps antenna, through a Garmin GPS, which is very bulky and cumbersome with a power inverter (all while hunting...). My primary use for it will be to breadcrumb plot hunting trails and make markers for good spots to come back to. I have basically whittled my choice down to a Galaxy Tab S (especially since the price just dropped $100 today on amazon) but don't know if I want the 8.4" or 10.5". I'm leaning towards the 8.4 just because of ease of portability when it's not in use in the truck (going to work on the bus, travel, etc). That being said, the substantial screen size upgrade would be awesome for maps and nav.

Has anyone had regrets about having either of these sizes in their 4runner for nav? (too big/too small?) I will be putting together some kind of Ram mount setup most likely to hold it in front of the heater vents. My plan is to run Backcountry navigator pro and probably do some of the map add-ons with an extra SD card. The free version of BCN has impressed me a LOT, especially compared to the current setup!

I'm going to go hold some in my hands to get a better feel for size as well, just looking for some other experiences.

-Steve

I use a 7" LG, pretty much the exact dimensions as my nexus7, on a suction cup mount. I wouldn't want it to be any bigger.

Nexus 7 v2 all the way man!!!!!!

Ignore the cord pictured. I'm now using the built in BlueTooth and it sounds seriously awesome. Surprisingly near CD quality.

I don't use it for music, as its in my wheeler, and I enjoy hearing the sound of my exhaust .

mine is used mostly how the OP described. for mapping and such.

 

[sjwelna]

Thanks for the input guys, I kinda figured the bias might be towards the smaller sized tablet. Considering it won't be permanently mounted in the truck I'm still swaying towards the 8.4" tab s versus the 10.5" size. If I really want/need a big screen I feel like I could always bring the laptop back into the truck. Now I just need to figure out a way to mount my CB mike and my police scanner (uniden home patrol 436, the portable version), maybe I can incorporate something into the mount for a tablet.

My dash is getting kinda cluttered....I also just put in a pioneer HU with usb input so I have my ipod connected to that, plus the bearcat 980 CB is underneath as well....

I also plan to use the bluetooth feature on the tablet to connect to my BAFX obd2 dongle so I can keep track of trans temp/etc while out in the woods and all that.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

Just mounted a Samsung Tab 4 7.0 in my 3rd Gen for that. I mounted it right below the stereo and it is in front of the ash tray area. I don't use the ash tray so it is a great out of the way place that doesn't get glare. Seems weird when my 4runner is in Park, but you can see it great when you switch to Drive.

For a mount for any brand of tablet I highly suggest this one Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 Holder with Tilt Swivel*-*ProClip USA

That's for the Samsung but they have them for everything. It is a great mount, holds from all 4 corners so no slipping or movement. I made a simple bracket from some plate and bolted it in, I love it!

As for the Samsung, I am 50/50 on that thing. I have always had iPads and was curious what the android ones would be like. I am not sure if it is the Samsung bloat-ware or just the way Androids run but it does seem very clunky compared to my ipads. It freezes sometimes and just seems to have a harder time with simple tasks. Little things like I can't seem to use the skip forward feature when watching a video on you-tube. I move the bar but the video doesn't advance... I will say I like the OS though and it made me 2nd guess some of my apple stuff. But the clunkiness of the OS is a big set back. Maybe the Nexus is better because it's pure android vs. a carrier version... I am sure others will chime in on that.

 

[sjwelna]

I've heard the bloatware on the samsung's is kinda bad, but I also am not opposed to rooting the device and gaining the ability to turn junk apps off. I've never rooted anything but have friends who are well versed so I'm not afraid of bricking the device. From what I've seen the tab s is able to be rooted so you can turn off/freeze programs. I will probably take this route.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Mine is attached with simple velcro. It actually works great and looks good as well.

The only downside is the clock is blocked but who cares.

Try it!

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

I've heard the bloatware on the samsung's is kinda bad, but I also am not opposed to rooting the device and gaining the ability to turn junk apps off. I've never rooted anything but have friends who are well versed so I'm not afraid of bricking the device. From what I've seen the tab s is able to be rooted so you can turn off/freeze programs. I will probably take this route.

Get a Nexus its refreshing

 

[MasonT4R]

I ran an iPad 2 for awhile for nav but recently got a good deal on a Nexus 7 and had been wanting to run Backcountry Navigator. So I've switched it up.

I like Backcountry Navigator more than MotionX but sometimes miss the larger screen.

iPad

Nexus 7

 

[nevada]

i tried the back country nav for a short time, but I didn't care for it.

I use Trimble pro. its a hunting app, and has lots of features I don't really use. but the mapping/gps is great, and easy to use. I think it was $5, but they do also offer a free version.

 

[masphx]

I have a G5 phone. Anyone use this smaller size of screen or do you guys like the 7" plus size for navigation? Also, is the backcountry navigator the best for overlanding type of trails in remote areas?

 

[IBallEngineer]

I use the Galaxy Tab3, 7". Mine has 4g LTE as well so I can get my email on it, as well as use Tablet Talk to bluetooth my phone for a nice, not perfect, hands free set up. 32G SD card lets me have all my music on it, and I can use Pandora if I choose. I run Car Home Ultra which is very useful for a "home" screen. I don't even have a head unit anymore! Just an amp!

:ranger:

 

[98OzarksRunner]

I use a Tab 2 10.1. It's a little big, but doesn't bother the passenger. If I used it just for this I would go with the 8.4 (only 7" available when I bought this), but I like the bigger screen for internet. The bigger screen is also easier on my old eyes when trying to navigate. Mount is a RAM mount (pricey but stable). I bought the 1 1/2 ball - overkill. The 1" ball would be plenty. I used BCN with US Forest Service 2013 maps (free and good detail).

 

[IBallEngineer]

I use a Tab 2 10.1. It's a little big, but doesn't bother the passenger. If I used it just for this I would go with the 8.4 (only 7" available when I bought this), but I like the bigger screen for internet. The bigger screen is also easier on my old eyes when trying to navigate. Mount is a RAM mount (pricey but stable). I bought the 1 1/2 ball - overkill. The 1" ball would be plenty. I used BCN with US Forest Service 2013 maps (free and good detail).

I use basically that exact setup with a 1" ball, shorter double mount, longer PVC. Mine is not stable, I zip tied it to the AC register for now, but I want to do something better, soon.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

I use basically that exact setup with a 1" ball, shorter double mount, longer PVC. Mine is not stable, I zip tied it to the AC register for now, but I want to do something better, soon.

My pipe is not PVC, it's steel. Maybe that's why yours isn't as stable.

 

[sjwelna]

I picked up a tab s 8.4 tonight, so far I love it. I loaded BCN onto both sizes and the 10.5" just felt too big, plus it seemed like it would be too big on the dash. I think the 8" is a perfect middle size for nav and carrying daily. :rockon:

 

[MTD]

I have a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, I picked it because it was cheap and had a real GPS system unlike a lot of the tablets out there. I really like it because paired with an otterbox it is a beefy thing! I am working on designing a mount to 3d print.

I have run both Trimble pro and Backcountry Navigator and I prefer BCN. It is just more intuitive I think.

 

[IBallEngineer]

My pipe is not PVC, it's steel. Maybe that's why yours isn't as stable.

I think the base is too small, and there are too many ball joints too. I use a double at the bottom and one at the top, too much I think. It's on my list, not the short list though.

 

[Brilliant]

Nexus 7 here