iPad on AT - tablet and accessories choice

[StylinLP38]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Have you considered an android tablet? They're more friendly in terms of moving data onto and off of.

[StylinLP38]

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]

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]

Have you considered an android tablet? They're more friendly in terms of moving data onto and off of.

Two words: Drop Box

[Bucho]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.