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StylinLP38
01-04-2013, 12:12
Anyone have any experience in taking a tablet on the trail? Which takes up the least amount of space and weight vs what you can use it for.

iPad2:
Weight: 1.33 pounds (601 g)
is thinner and lighter than the iPad3 which is great.

iPad Mini:
Weight: 0.68 pound (308 g)
other choice is the new iPad4 which has the 7" screen that is considerably lighter and smaller than the full sized iPad2.

I can use a tablet to edit and upload my video's and photo's to Facebook and YouTube at each resupply stop. While in town I can check my email, facebook, youtube, watch netflix. In a tent I can use it to edit and store video's and photo's, listen to music or video's. Battery life is 10hours or a week not turned on. I think these choices are better than bringing a laptop. Problem I see is that there is no ethernet port or microSD card slots...I could get the AT&T or Verizon 3G models if that would work.

Starchild
01-04-2013, 12:27
Consider protecting the tablet from water,impact/pressure damage in that weight equation, along with a possible external battery. I would think smaller is better not just for weight reasons but also for packing to protect it.

I am planning to bring a iPhone, with everything needed (including the external battery pack), the weight of this 5 oz item has tripled to nearly a lb. And I don't feel the need to overprotect it much against 'bending/flexing' forces due to it's small size, but a full sized tablet I would be much more concerned with that level of protection.

Peace

Hikes in Rain
01-04-2013, 12:52
Someone said it here before, so I'm paraphrasing: remember you're hiking with a big sheet of glass! Do you really want to do that?

StylinLP38
01-04-2013, 13:13
with the understanding what we are doing of this momumental adventure, I still have a need for some sort of technology to do the things I mentioned. Sure, I can do without for a weekend trip, but we talking about over 5 months. I think it would be difficult to edit photo's and video while on the trail or even at a hostel with just an iphone or my Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone.

Also, it would be nice to once in awhile use a tablet for entertainment reasons on down days. Surf the web, watch something, surf trailgirl porn etc etc :)

About what I was wondering earlier....internet connection at motels and hostels...iPod tablets can only connect with wifi...is that an issue? Also, what ever nice waterproof camera I choose to buy (havnt figured which yet) there must be an easy way to transfer the files to the tablet. I would expect both devices to connect via USB connection?

Hikes in Rain
01-04-2013, 16:33
Trailgirl porn?? Hmmm......

Most motels these days have wi-fi; can't speak to hostels, just 'cause I've never stayed at one. Most have internet connection of some sort, though.

All my digital cameras can connect via USB; with most of them, however, it's easier for me to just take the chip or card out and download them that way.

All that said, I've never used a tablet; in fact, I just got my first iPhone that I really didn't want (long story), but my wife is very fond of hers (the reason I now have that iPhone. I certainly agree about editing pictures and videos on it!). Watching her and messing briefly with it, it's not something I'd take with me, but then, I wouldn't take my phone if it weren't a requirement that I check in with her periodically to prove I'm still alive. (I usually hike solo) Certainly your choice to do so, if you'd prefer.

I'd try it out on shorter hikes, two or three days or even more, just to see if you can protect it and it's worth the effort to you. Let us know what you decide!

Turning the conversation over to more informed helpers now.

Slo-go'en
01-04-2013, 17:13
The iPad mini - or similer - would not be unreasonable to carry. A padded case, a ziplock bag, a little care and it should be fine. Not much more fragile than a smart phone, just a little bigger.

Battery life could be an issue, the 10 hour rating is likely pretty optimistic and depends on what your doing. Video is one of the more power intensive functions. If you have a tablet, you really don't need a smart phone, so you can sub a cheap prepaid phone if you need it. The savings of not having a cell plan to pay could be worth it.

I used to carry a PDA (remember those?) Although limited in functions, it was useful. Most hostels have wi-fi you can tap into. Not having to wait in line for the public PC is nice.

TRU
01-04-2013, 19:45
I'm planning on doing a month long section hike this summer and am hoping to use and iPad min for the reasons you stated. I currently have an iPad2 and an iPhone. While I do edit some pix and some videos, it is much easier on a slightly larger screen.

I use my iPad2 for about 75% of my computing. More and more places have wifi available. If you have AT&T, it looks like they are making it available to add and iPad (not e wifi only) to your account for $10/month. I currently just activate my iPad a month at a time when needed. I only need to 3G service on mine about 2-3 months a year when I go to conferences or travel. It's nice to only pay for the months I need.

I haven't tried to transfer pix or vids from my camera to my new iPhone - it has the same connector and the iPad mini (lightning). I have done it regularly on my iPad 2 without any difficulty using their adapters. I'm planning to make sure that I have a working solution before I embark on my journey. A potential solution might be to use an Eye-fi SD card. I'm not sure about this though.

There are many varieties of covers and cases (some are waterproof). I have a mophie external battery (powerstation pro) for my devices. It's impact and splash resistant.

Hope my limited experience can help.

TRU ...

Biggie Master
01-04-2013, 21:16
I'm posting this from an iPad Mini (unfortunately not on the trail). I love mine! The advertised battery life is not an exaggeration. I can get 10 hours of constant use easily on a full charge. So, figuring that you'll likely be at a power source every 4-5 days, and keeping daily usage to 2 hours - you can probably get by with just the standard charging cable alone. It does take longer to fully charge, but once you're fully juiced - you're good for a while. Not sure I would take it on the trail, but that's just me. If you do, why not pay a little extra for the insurance (still protect it) and rest a little easier?

bigcranky
01-04-2013, 23:08
I was thinking that the 7-inch iPad would make a decent trail device, most likely in place of a cell phone and a journal. I have the original iPad, and it's nice for writing and journaling, checking email, etc., plus it can be used as a phone with either wi-fi or cell service if you get the 3g version. (Skype, Google Voice, etc.) Since I'd be using at most an hour a day, the battery life isn't bad. I'd probably not use it as a camera, since I prefer a stand alone device.

cliffordbarnabus
01-04-2013, 23:37
I carried iPad for 1000 miles no problem. it's heavier, but I felt like getting stronger. where I got a signal never made any sense but I usually checked at lunch and at night

l84toff
01-04-2013, 23:37
Have to admit I've thought about this also. Currently while hiking closer to home I use my iPhone for taking pictures, video, phone, texting, music, GPS, alarm clock, checking the weather, game player when I'm laying there and can't fall asleep, and probably more. With that said, I typically leave it in airplane mode to not only conserve battery but also because I prefer be disconnected from all that while hiking. In terms of weight, most cameras weigh more than a smart phone these days, not to mention some of the other items I don't bring because of my phone. Overall it's a decent trade off for me at least.

Would I bring an iPad on a Thru? Hmmmm. If I did, it would be the mini. But I have another 2 years to figure that out for myself. I imagine they will be even lighter by then to make that decision even more complicated. Right now I think its functions are duplicated if I also bring an iPhone, I don't see me using an IPM to take picture or video for example, so I would have to bring a camera anyway. I just think anything I do on my iPhone, I can do on an IPM or vice versa, only advantage I can see is a bigger screen. If I were going this year, I'd bring an iPhone5 and my ZAGG Sparq, that's it.

Bucho
01-05-2013, 00:12
Have you considered an android tablet? They're more friendly in terms of moving data onto and off of.

StylinLP38
01-05-2013, 03:54
Have you considered an android tablet? They're more friendly in terms of moving data onto and off of.

Yes. I currently own a Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone and a 10" Asus Transformer Prime tablet. I would never want to bring that large tablet with me because of its size and power consumption.

After reading everyones responses it seems the best option currently is the iPad Mini with its 7.9" screen. That's larger than all the Droid 7" tablets including the Kindle Fire HD".

Also, it is better built plus thinner and lighter. The advice on getting a water resistant case is a good one. I wouldn't want to use it as my main camera. Main reason being, I used to be a professional photographer and videographer for a tv station back in the 90's. My work would be a little more than just point and click photography. I would want a really nice water proof camera with a fast and wide lense. One that I can mount on a mini tripod to place anywhere and also to clamp on the end of my Black Diamond Alpine carbon fiber walking sticks for action shots. Kinda like an impromtu steady cam. You really can't do that with a tablet.

Today I googled iPad Mini video editing and read an article written by an editor for a Apple commercial magazine. How he prefers and uses consistantly the iPad Mini when on the go for video and photo editing successfully. He prefers the larger iPad at home, of course, but he says the iPad mini was just as useful and productive but much more convenient using it remotely. He even compared an Apple laptop on a Starbucks table with a coffee and a bagel versus the smaller iPad Mini. Also, he was able to type over 55 words per min with no errors using the onscreen keyboard. This all confirms my assumption that this is ideal for tent use and in town at hostels.

I am liking what was said about the $10 a month for 3G access. I may not be in coverage sometimes. But when I am, I will be digging it. Also, 3G will be nice to have if a hostel or motel does not have wifi.

It looks like I may need more than just 16GB if I will be doing video and photo editing for upload to You Tube. I guess im looking at the iPad Mini 32GB 3G device. $560 retail !! Ouch.

rickb
01-05-2013, 08:53
Not sure the mini has a true GPS if you are not connected to the net by wifi or 3G.

Not that would be critical.

The Sibley Bird app ($10) and Sky Week star gazing app (free) would be terrific on the trail and don require a connection.

rickb
01-05-2013, 08:54
Have you considered an android tablet? They're more friendly in terms of moving data onto and off of.

Two words: Drop Box

Bucho
01-05-2013, 10:37
Yes. I currently own a Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone and a 10" Asus Transformer Prime tablet. I would never want to bring that large tablet with me because of its size and power consumption.
:confused: Huh? Now I'm just confused. A post ago you were talking about the ipad2 which is heavier with a shorter battery life...

Don't get me wrong I'm not suggesting that something that size is a great idea, if people decide to bring anything something the size of your phone was probably the most common.

Oslohiker
01-05-2013, 12:08
My current AT setup includes a Samsung tab 2 7.0 (3 G) (The earliest start I can have on the AT is 2015, but I have a gear list that I constantly update). This will be an European version, which you can use as phone (with an American gsm-card). I therefor see this tablet as a weight saver, although I will carry a separate camera.

For me the tablet gives me:
-A phone
-a gps (with a large map surface)
-my guide book
-other books
-trail journal
-surfing in towns, updating blog.
-a reserve camera

For 344 grams this is a good deal.

I will bring an extra battery anyway, for my Garmin fenix, camera and headlamp (and maybe an iPod nano for FM-radio). That battery includes all cables I need for charging all the electronic devices (except for the fenix). The glass screen is a concern, but I guess that is something I just have to deal with.

StylinLP38
01-05-2013, 13:14
Question of the day. Does the iPad Mini have GPS and how useful is Drop Box. As you can see in the quote below it only has GPS while within Cellphone towers and wifi range?

Quoted from CNET.com

Mini has something unique going for it in the world of Apple devices: it's the smallest contract-free iOS LTE gadget short of getting an unlocked iPhone. he Wi-Fi + Cellular version of the iPad Mini has A-GPS and GLONASS, while the Wi-Fi version doesn't have GPS at all (it finds your location by triangulating local data like Wi-Fi hotspots). In essence, the iPad Mini with LTE is as close to an LTE-equipped iPod Touch "phoneless iPhone" as you can get.


Thoughts: 2015? Thats 21 years in techonology years! lol. Who knows what will be available then.

Wise Old Owl
01-05-2013, 13:20
Someone said it here before, so I'm paraphrasing: remember you're hiking with a big sheet of glass! Do you really want to do that?

Yea but its Gorilla glass, I dropped mine a couple of times - don't need a protector it survived.

StylinLP38
01-05-2013, 13:26
Question of the day. Does the iPad Mini have GPS and how useful is Drop Box. As you can see in the quote below it only has GPS while within Cellphone towers and wifi range?

Quoted from CNET.com
.

Drop Box: Looking up the Drop Box website I see you only get 2gb free. Plans start at $10 a month for 100gb 200gb and 500gb plans. Well....2gb is definately not enough for video.

l84toff
01-05-2013, 14:04
Drop Box: Looking up the Drop Box website I see you only get 2gb free. Plans start at $10 a month for 100gb 200gb and 500gb plans. Well....2gb is definately not enough for video.

I'm using a 64gb iPhone for this reason. If you're spending the cash, an extra $100 to double your memory (from 32 to 64gb) seems like a decent investment. I had a 32gb phone and was running out of room, granted once I saved all my camera roll pics on the computer, I freed up quite a bit of space.

For the AT, you can look at getting an online photo service (e.g. photobucket, Flickr - both of these have apps) and upload your pics when in town (I would do this in wifi and not 3G though). If you start running out of room on the mini, you can just delete them since you will already have them online. I would use a service I can upload and download full size pics preferably. Most of these also allow you to upload video, but Vimeo and Youtube both have their own apps that allow for direct uploading to their sites (if you are using either one). Again you can delete the videos off your device to save memory (even with a 64gb size, I suspect this will be required). Doing it this way allows you to buy a 32gb iPad for instance and in theory you could put that extra $ towards a storage plan with one of these photo services (e.g. photobucket offers 2gb free and extra storage starts at $30/yr for 20gb).

Waterproofing - you can look at getting something like a Lifeproof case, they don't seem to have an IPM yet but I'm sure it won't be long. You can also buy/make a waterproof cuben fiber sack and use that as far as storage. I would probably go the CF route myself if not using the device while hiking (for photo and video taking). It's significantly lighter than a real case. Personally I wouldn't worry about the glass, other than the weight itself. As always HYOH.

Dropbox is great but the downside is that the dropbox folder on my 1 computer is 1.5gb, and on my other computer that same dropbox folder is also 1.5gb, on a 3rd computer, that folder is also 1.5gb. So now I have 1.5gb, taking up 4.5gb of space across all my computers. As far as the app on an iDevice goes, it physically contains only your dropbox favourites on the device itself, you can see all of your files of course. Of course you're free to download everything if you'd like, but the limitations is still the free account storage limit or you pay. There are ways to get more free storage, I'm up to 6.2gb free so far (one way was to upload I think it was 2gb of photos and you got to keep that 2gb, I deleted the photos a day later to free up the space).

dornstar
01-06-2013, 15:08
Get a Samsung Note 2.

Light (180g), blazing fast, good size screen (5.5"), amazing battery life (1 1/2 days with heavy use) and swappable battery. It's the best of both world (phone + tablet). Couldn't be happier on and off the trail.

StylinLP38
01-07-2013, 11:14
Well, I did it. Last night I purchased a new iPad Mini 32GB with 4G AT&T tablet. Got all the basics installed so far and find seeing facebook and Netflix to work flawelessly. Next step if it install either my Andriod App Backcountry Navagator or have to buy the Apply equilivent of that. I paid $50 for that app with the pruchase only map and hope they have an iPad version. Caltopo US 24k topo map which cost $30. Then I can confirm that GPS does work.

Bucho
01-08-2013, 13:12
Congrats on your new toy, just so you know AT&T doesn't have service on much of the trail.

StylinLP38
01-08-2013, 13:23
Congrats on your new toy, just so you know AT&T doesn't have service on much of the trail.

Man, I knew it. I bought this 1month used on Craigslist with 2 year extended warranty for $500. Saved myself $200. I really wanted White with Verizon but wanted to save money. My Samsung Galaxy S3 is on T-Mobile. So either way im screwed lol

Last night I installed more apps. Go HBO, Cox Cable TV, Ebay, Amazon, used iCloud to get my bookmarks over from main PC. Trip to Starbucks we used that Apple Map navigation program which I could see the speed of my car even in parkinglots. that was really cool. Even in 3D mode. 4G is FAST. Impressive.
I started watching Lost Girl series. HBO Go has all the seasons and episodes unlike Cox Ondemand. That right there is worth hundred's of dollars in DVD purchases.
It was very convenient being able to surf the web for hiking gear at Starbucks with friends and being able to show the ads and photo's to each other on the big screen. Until now its been the Samsung Galaxy S3 3.8" screen. we were comparing Six Moon Design tents and Gossomer Gear backbacks :)

TRU
01-18-2013, 09:19
For those using Dropbox, there is a similar service called box.com. It's pretty much the same thing. If you sign up using a mobile device, I'm pretty sure you start out at 5GB free.

I use both and both work well. I use Dropbox more frequently when sharing files with others (they are more familiar with this service) and Box for my own use.


TRU ...

StylinLP38
01-22-2013, 16:19
Got Drop Box installed. Nice. Now I need a really good GPS Hiking Map app. On my andriod Samsung Galaxy S3 phone I used BackCountry Navigator but they don't make that as an ipad app. Any recommendations that will allow me to inport GPS format from Appalachian Trails Conservatory maps?

bigcranky
01-22-2013, 22:42
I use Gaia, which seems pretty cool, though I have no idea if it will import GPS files.

juma
01-23-2013, 22:54
this will be handy.

rickb
01-24-2013, 08:33
I never much appreciated Stars and the night sky, but my Mini has opened up a whole new world. Or should I say worlds.

The "Pocket Universe" app is very cool. The free version is good and the $2.99 version is even better.

88BlueGT
01-28-2013, 11:57
Since when is there an iPad 4?

TRU
01-28-2013, 13:33
88blue,

The "quietly" released the iPad 4 at the same time as the iPad mini. It didn't get a whole lot of fanfare. Very similar to the iPad 3, but with a faster processor.


TRU ...

StylinLP38
01-31-2013, 19:17
They just announced the new iPad 128gb version. Going to be $1000 with 4G. crazy.

Well, I downloaded and installed Giai. Looks great and very easy to use. BIG differance over Backcountry Navigator for the andriod. Yes, it does use GPS files, so that means I can go get the big AT file over at the AT website. Also, on the itunes store there is about 8 apps at $2 each for differant sections of the AT.

david_1
01-31-2013, 19:29
how many Ipads do you see on the trail ?

Hikes in Rain
01-31-2013, 19:59
Let's see, 8, carry the two, square root of ummm, integrate over the variable.......

None.

Yukon
02-01-2013, 08:00
Get a Samsung Note 2.

Light (180g), blazing fast, good size screen (5.5"), amazing battery life (1 1/2 days with heavy use) and swappable battery. It's the best of both world (phone + tablet). Couldn't be happier on and off the trail.

This would have been the nest option for sure...

hauptman
02-02-2013, 12:48
I would break mine day one. Big $$$$ ouch. Just take your favorite book and a flashlight.

aaronthebugbuffet
02-02-2013, 22:10
This is definitely one of those HYOH topics.
I dig the tech gadgets and use my iPad like crazy. I wouldn't even think of bothering with such a thing on a thru hike though.
Load it with a bunch of stuff you can use without internet access because service along the trail especially AT&T is going to be bad.

Coosa
02-16-2013, 21:44
I was about to post a forum question about which service and whether Samsung Galaxy sIII or Note 2

So I did a search and came up with the answers in this forum post.

Thank you ... Verizon [switching from AT&T] and the Note 2. Now ... to hope it's on sale next Month ... PM me if you know of a coupon or where I can locate the best deal ...

Coosa

Bucho
02-17-2013, 12:05
Let's see, 8, carry the two, square root of ummm, integrate over the variable.......
None.

I saw 1. He was hold up in town trying to get it recharged though.

Panini
02-18-2013, 12:35
Is anybody using the paper topo maps anymore? I'm considering a smart phone for the ability to look at the digital version of AT maps (in addition to everything else you can do with a smart phone). But, can you see enough on those little screens? Would old-fashioned paper really be better? Or can you get by without ANY maps for the AT - just the data book? Seems risky to take this kind of pricey tech on such a wet trail.

Hikes in Rain
02-18-2013, 16:39
You can get by without the maps. Lots of folks do. I know that because when I hike with my paper maps, they're always wanting to look at them!

broken arrow
02-18-2013, 16:43
an ipad on the trail..? its. just. wrong.

Bucho
02-18-2013, 18:56
Is anybody using the paper topo maps anymore? I'm considering a smart phone for the ability to look at the digital version of AT maps (in addition to everything else you can do with a smart phone). But, can you see enough on those little screens? Would old-fashioned paper really be better? Or can you get by without ANY maps for the AT - just the data book? Seems risky to take this kind of pricey tech on such a wet trail.

I only met a handfull of thru hikers with topo maps. The Awol guide gives elevation charts which most people find easier to read anyway.

Panini
02-19-2013, 11:38
You can get by without the maps. Lots of folks do. I know that because when I hike with my paper maps, they're always wanting to look at them!

You should charge a fee then LOL! Or trade for some pudding mix, etc.

Hikes in Rain
02-19-2013, 11:45
Now that's a thought! I do admit to having a lot of fun in that I know how to read and interpret a map, measure distances and so forth, but most of the folks who want to borrow mine don't. That both astonishes me and gives me a slightly evil sense of superiority. :cool:

Feral Bill
02-19-2013, 12:33
Now that's a thought! I do admit to having a lot of fun in that I know how to read and interpret a map, measure distances and so forth, but most of the folks who want to borrow mine don't. That both astonishes me and gives me a slightly evil sense of superiority. :cool: Not evil, and altogether justified.

10-K
02-19-2013, 12:39
I know how to read and interpret a map very well myself - but a map combined with a GPS is superior to either alone.

10-K
02-19-2013, 12:40
The iPad mini with cellular capability has a GPS. The wi-fi only version does not.

Question: Will the GPS work in the iPad mini w/ cellular capability if cellular capability has not been activated?

That is to say is the GPS dependent on having a cell signal?

Hikes in Rain
02-19-2013, 12:40
No argument on that!

10-K
02-19-2013, 12:51
I have taken over our guest room and it there are 1:24000 topo maps spread out all over the place in it. It looks like I'm planning D-Day... :)