iPad Pro

mscard88

mscard88

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Mark
What model is good for say Fore Flight and programs like that? Would a Pro 10.5" w/ 64GB & WiFi be enough?
 
The old man is finally getting with the 21st century;). 64GB should be plenty
 
More than enough
 
I can't answer that question but I just realized that 'ipad pro' backwards is orp dapi. so now you know that.
 
mscard88 said:
Yeah we even have a 172 w/ a 430! Trying to learn that lol. Similar to FMS though.
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if you aren't aware, there is a demo version you can install on your 'puter so you can get used to how it works, the buttons, yadda yadda. I can dig up the link if your google-fu skillz aren't sharp. heeheee, I said 'fu'.....
 
I have an iPad Mini 4, WiFi only, 64GB. I also have an iPad Pro 10.5", WiFi only, 256GB. The Mini is what I use for flying. It runs ForeFlight just fine. I don't know how full it is but I have numerous states' worth of IFR and VFR charts loaded on it at all times.

The Pro would be even better if I had a place to mount it in my cockpit that doesn't cover up critical instruments. When I finish building my RV-14 and thus don't have a yoke to mount anything on anymore, I'll probably have to get used to kneeboard-type usage of the iPad and then I can switch to the Pro.

Of course, now I envy my coworkers with the Microsoft Surface tablet, because of the docking port feature. I can be a little bit productive on my iPad Pro, but I could be a lot more productive on a Surface that can plug into a dual monitor setup with a real mouse and keyboard. So there's a chance I'll have to switch to an EFB that works on Windows at some point and break my Apple iAddiction.
 
mscard88 said:
What model is good for say Fore Flight and programs like that? Would a Pro 10.5" w/ 64GB & WiFi be enough?
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Look at what size works best for you. Some like the size of the mini in the plane. I have an iPad Pro 9.7". I like more screen space, but not as big as the larger iPad Pro. The 9.7" works great for me in the plane. I would have bought a 64 GB model, but they didn't offer it at the time; it was 32/128/256 GB at the time. I have 128 GB and have only used 36.3 GB using WingX, photos and other apps.
 
Personally, I think an iPad Pro is excessive for ForeFlight. It’s quite large and takes up a good bit of space, especially in small cockpits. The current generation iPad- 32gb model would work just fine, unless you prefer a larger screen as Wayne said.

My 2c
 
mscard88 said:
What model is good for say Fore Flight and programs like that? Would a Pro 10.5" w/ 64GB & WiFi be enough?
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Yes. However, I purchased the 128GB version because I know I'll fill it up with entertainment files (music and movies) to have locally when an internet feed isn't available.

And while the larger screen is bulkier for flight than the Mini's, it makes the charts and plates extremely easy to view/read.
 
I went with the iPad Pro 10.5 256 with Cellular and activated it on a cheap plan for $10/month just to have it if I need it. It's also my primary travel tablet so it has my music and movies on it as well.

Personally I find it a bit too large to mount anywhere in the Mooney cockpit, but it does make reading things easy.
 
I have iPad mini. Regular size iPad far too large for my RV-4 cockpit. My new 12.9" is definitely too big, but great for flight planning at home. I have a Stratus 2 which works great with the Mini for a quasi-glass panel and synthetic vision.
 
Ryanb said:
Personally, I think an iPad Pro is excessive for ForeFlight. It’s quite large and takes up a good bit of space, especially in small cockpits. The current generation iPad- 32gb model would work just fine, unless you prefer a larger screen as Wayne said.

My 2c
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Ah, so they make the smaller iPad Pro bigger than the standard iPad now. When I got mine they were the same size.

To me the challenge is going to be, "will everything fit in 32 GB?" Otherwise you have to go up to the 128 GB on the standard like I did on the iPad Pro 9.7". If Apple offered the standard iPad in 64 GB I'd say that's a great route. Unless you use it for nothing else you'll start running out of space. I don't have that much on my iPad Pro and I'm over 32 GB.
 
wayne said:
Ah, so they make the smaller iPad Pro bigger than the standard iPad now. When I got mine they were the same size.

To me the challenge is going to be, "will everything fit in 32 GB?" Otherwise you have to go up to the 128 GB on the standard like I did on the iPad Pro 9.7". If Apple offered the standard iPad in 64 GB I'd say that's a great route. Unless you use it for nothing else you'll start running out of space. I don't have that much on my iPad Pro and I'm over 32 GB.
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Yeah, they offer the standard iPad in 32gb or 128gb models, so it’s basically their way of knowing that 32gb isn’t enough for the average user and 128gb is too much, so they offer the Pro series with 64gb of storage for a higher premium..always a catch-22.

The 10.5 inch 64gb Pro is a close compromise between the two, but I would agree, 32gb fills up quickly if you’re planning to use it for more than just an EFB.
 
OK, WiFi and cellular? What's the difference, and are both or either needed?
 
mscard88 said:
OK, WiFi and cellular? What's the difference, and are both or either needed?
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With the "cellular" you not only get the ability to suck data down the cell phone network, but you also get the built in GPS chip.

WiFi only does not include the GPS chip.

With the GPS chip, the iPad supplies the GPS data to the moving map. Without the chip, you will need an external GPS source.


If you get a cell data iPad, you do not need to "activate" the cell data service until wanted or needed. Save the $10-20 per month by not activating.

For me, 97% of the time I am using my iPad and I need access to interwebs, I am near a WiFi access point. The 3% that I am roaming, I just "hotspot tether" to my iPhone.
 
Most of the ADS-B receivers have a GPS in them. Just pick one that does and you can save by getting a wifi only iPad. Unless you need to use your iPad for non-aviation apps with GPS location accuracy. If you are using wifi the location service typically knows where you are, at least close enough for driving directions. Take it out in the car and then it won't know where it is though.

I have the cellular version, but I think I'll skip that on my next iPad.
 
wayne said:
I have the cellular version, but I think I'll skip that on my next iPad.
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The difference between the two "flavors" is.... $100?

For me, that's small taters for the added utility of GPS chip and cell data capability.

But I also agree with those who say it's personal preference between the towmayters and towmahtoes
 
I already had a Bad Elf GPS, so I bought the iPad mini 16 Gb WiFi a number of years ago. All it does now is Foreflight, and still does it well (enough).
 
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I have the cellular version of the iPad. Like Aggie Mike said, it really is not that much of a price difference between the two. I do not have the cellular activated and just "hotspot" my phone to my iPad when I need internet connectivity. I have a Stratux feeding my iPad, but if I forget to bring the battery to the airport or if the battery were to die, the GPS in the iPad would keep me going. I have gone to the airport straight from work and not have a battery for the Stratux with me and the GPS in my iPad works great. To me the extra $100 is worth having the GPS backup capability.
 
I have a ipad pro 10.5, huge memory, verizon cell simcard installed - I rarely use it and NEVER use it in the airplane. Its too big.

I tried. I wanted to - its just too darn big hanging off the yoke. Blocks too much - even sideways.

I bought a used iPad Mini 4 - I had a 3 but the wife wanted it when I got the big iPad. . .

I also have an iPhone 7 plus - its too small.

So - if FF is listening - they're gonna lose ALOT of guys once the Mini 4 processor is too slow - I know I'll prob find a dedicated Android mid size unit - switch to WingX - and find a non-proprietary ADS-B in unit . . .

My iPad mini 4 has cellular but does not have a working sim card installed right now - so if I forget to update I can use phone as a hotspot when I get to the airport. . . .
 
mscard88 said:
What model is good for say Fore Flight and programs like that? Would a Pro 10.5" w/ 64GB & WiFi be enough?
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Add cellular service, Fore Flight recommends Verizon. Then not only do you have the internal GPS but when you are weathered in at that distant airport you can continue to keep us entertained on POA with all those insightful and humorous contributions enjoyed by all!
 
I’m holding on to my Mini (cue jokes!) as long as I can. It’s the correct sized tablet for many cockpits. But they’re essentially just limping (more jokes!) the Mini 4 along and Cook wants to kill it. So... up to you.
 
I have an IPAD Pro 10.5 bought it last September, I love it. I bought a 64 gb with cellular service. The model with cellular service comes with a gps chip while the wifi only doesn't. I bought the IPad from Verizon, it was $100 or $150 less than the Apple store if you signed for 2 years, I added it to my mobile plan for $10 per month plus Verizon's one time plan change fee which was like $49.

I just looked, I have been using it since September and have used 28Gb of memory used out of 64Gb, so 64 Gb is more than I will ever need. I have FF pro loaded with all the US charts loaded. I'm a formerly rusty pilot, now just a little tarnished, and I tell you, I love this thing for situational awareness. I bought the Crew dog ADSB receiver, which gives me traffic and weather in flight. The cellular service also works intermittently in flight for weather. The crewdog AHRS does not work well through FF but you can open it in a separate browser and it seems to work well.

I took the IPad on a 3.2 hour cross country a few weeks ago. I used it before the flight to recheck weather, it was on during the whole flight, I used it at lunch to recheck weather and surf also. I still had about 30% left on the battery when I was done. I just added a 30,000 mAh backup battery to my flight bag for back up. I have it in a Targus case that has a faux leather surface that does not slide around in my lap, which is where it rests when it is not in the seat next to me. I have had no issues in light turbulence and chop with it flopping around, it's yet to be tested in moderate turbulence. I love the size and it seems to work well for me. I've used it in a 172 and an SR 20. I wouldn't mount it to a yoke, but I don't think I would do that even if I had a smaller one. I think you will love it.
 
jordane93 said:
The GNS series buttonology is weird. Once you learn it, it becomes second nature.
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Once you master it you are Garminized for life. You will be forever afterwards incapable of operating any other MMI, including a four function calculator. Resistance is futile...
 
mscard88 said:
OK, WiFi and cellular? What's the difference, and are both or either needed?
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Agree with AggieMike post 18.

I had FF on a non-cell standard sized (9.7) iPad and used Garmin GLO for the GPS signal. Pain in the ass. Two batteries to keep charged, sometimes lost the wireless at the most inconvenient time, last straw was when the GLO battery stopped holding a charge about 18 months after buying it.

Retired that iPad to mundane chores and replaced it with a 128 cellular/GPS model for the cockpit (or whatever the official gender sensitive name for it is these days). Kept the 9.7 inch formfactor. Anything bigger in the Pro series too cumbersome, even in the generous sized Aztec cockpit (there's that word again). Did not spring for the expensive Pro screen, no regrets.

Use the tiny Scout ADS-B in receiver with it. Works like a charm.
 
To the OP, I have an iPad mini and now a Pro. The mini’s size suits me better in an airplane but in truth my iPhone 7 Plus works plenty well for most days. As for performance? The Pro is faster at everything, no question. Is that important to me for a navigation platform? No, but I do like it in other roles that I use my iPads for. I bailed on Foreflight last year and kept Garmin Pilot but recall them taking up about the same memory capacity. For what it’s worth, Garmin Pilot with Safe Taxi, worrld maps, high def terrain and obstacles, blah, blah, blah, and with most of Alaska charts loaded? 2-1/2 gigs. I like lots of memory because I keep lots of pictures and music and video entertainment loaded up but for piloting apps? The smallest memory iPad is more than adequate.
 
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