Anyone use android tablets for navigation?

You're gonna get mad at me for replying because I don't use Android for navigation. But it's the reason why I (some of us) don't that may interest you. Android is fairly stable up to and until you really begin to load one down with map data such as in a metro area where massive redraws and data refresh needs will bring it to it's knees and to an eventual crash or lockup, (probably when you need it most). Not having the data on disk means you're reliant on a good, rock solid data connection that you will not have all the time.

I say buy a device whose sole purpose is to display maps and navigate trucks. Always use the right tool for the job. Tablets are nice to have, but they try half-heartedly to do too many things. Mapping is a task that requires a unique chipset to be done flawlessly all day long. (for the most part) Tablets have powerful processors capable of running a variety of apps pretty well but they're not specifically designed to navigate and display map data. Plus, you can put a dedicated GPS device up near the windshield in the heat and not have to worry about it too much. Can't say the same for a tablet.

 

not to start an argument with texan. but yes. i have a 10 inch tablet with no problems so far.

when i first came back out on the road. i used my phone. with google nav. but like texan said. it requires internet. after researching, i found out about copilot. used that for 6 months. but also like texan said. having the screen lit up all the time eventually wore the phone out to overheat. not that phones don't get hot with just a simple phone call.

i have some trim panel up on the front of ceiling. where my tablet is held by wire ties through the trim panel. it doesn't get hot. but only time will tell. only had it 2 weeks. and it weighs less then a pound.

if you want to try one. i have the acer iconia a200. it's been around for almost 2 years now. so it's going to be the cheapest model your going to find. $200. you can't find a truck gps for that cheap. except for pcmiler. and they are who makes the copilot software. same software.

and if and when it does take a dump. your not out a whole lot of money. the copilot software does cost though. $150 for the truck version. but you can buy the car version for $3. you want to be around a wifi when downloading the maps. cuz it's 1.5 gigs.

since i already bought the truck version. 2 1/2 years ago. all i had to buy was the tablet. it's loaded on my tablet. my phone. and i have the handheld unit.

 

forgot to mention. nice thing about copilot on tablet is that you can pick 3 different route options also. like google is now doing on the phones.

can't do that with my pcmiler. but it's the older 4 inch version. don't know if the new 7 inch model has that capability.

 

if your going to be driving a gtruck. you need truck specific navigation. unlike cars. trucks aren't allowed on every road in america.

as for your brightness problem. you've adjusted that????? i use an app called screen brightness. right on the front screen. to adjust my brightness for night and day. lot easier then groing through the settings menu.

do either of your tablets have gps chips????? i've seen a lot of people think they have nagivation tablets. just becuase it comes with google maps. but they can't make the google work. there are a ton of tablets. but not many actually have gps.

 

I don't use a tablet but I have a Samsung rugby that runs android (another 6 months til my warranty is caput and I can get my own ROM in there without voiding it though ). I use it all the time, usually pre-plan my trips using google maps and don't actually need to use it when driving.

If I do need it (as I'm getting close to town or w e) I'll start her up with the directions not too long before I actually need 'em, shut the screen off and leave the phone in the cupholder. Then the lady yells at me when it's time to make a maneuver lol. Haven't had a issue yet.

One benefit of google maps/navigation is that it gives me route options which is awesome and in big cities (Toronto for example) I'll get a drive time based on the amount of traffic. It's actually pretty accurate, 30 miles was estimated at two hours or so drive time the other day. Pretty cool.

 

I am a techno junkie and have tried a lot of different things. I carry an iPad with Internet, galaxy s4 and toshiba thrive tablet (android) and a laptop. After a few costly trial and error runs with my gadgets, I finally bought the new rand McNally 520 and it is by far the best decision I have made. Both previous are correct in my opinion. You can get software that will work on a tablet but I think a truckers GPS is the best route to go. The right tool for the job always works best.

 

for just car nav, android works great. To use your newer tablet, just look for a matte screen protector that will kill the suns glare.

 

Copilot (car version) on a 7" tablet here. Everything works fine, well except the part where I dropped my Acer A100 I now have a Google Nexus (re ASUS)

and before anyone says anything about using a car version.....I ALWAYS run my entire route out first and use my map and the route suggestion from my company. I tell the GPS where I want to go and it is used only to remind me