Ipad Recommendation

CessnaTom

CessnaTom

Pre-Flight
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May 3, 2018
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Thomas_McCray
What do most pilots use? High end and budget?
 
If you want the unit to receive the GPS signal, you will need one with Cell data service installed. You don't have to turn on the cell data service unless you want to get data that way. The GPS chip works either way. But if you don't get one with the GPS chip, then you need an external GPS receiver. Many solutions exist for this that connect to the iPad with a physical connection, a Bluetooth Connection, or a WiFi Connection

You want one with at least 64gb. That will hold your EFB of choice, all the chart downloads you can want, and still have room for music and other digital media downloads.

The older iPads (full and mini) are still working. So as a student pilot, you can get one of those and then upgrade later.
 
I pad 2 full size with 128 gb. With foreflight pro / synthetic vision.
 
I own a iPad 3, Mini iPad 4 and a big iPad Pro 12.9. I use my Mini 4 for flying...others are both too large for RV-4 tiny cockpit. All mine are cellular capable though I don't have cell active on iPad 3 or Pro. I just tether to my iPhone if needed. I have Foreflight on Mini, Pro and iPhone. I use the Pro mostly for planning. It rarely leaves the house.
 
For pilots, Many of us prefer the Mini for it's smaller form factor. There are several mounting solutions that permit it to fit between the "horns" of the yoke.

I however, have the iPad Pro 10.5" and have it in my lap. I like it for the larger form factor and clarity of the display.
 
The iPad mini 4 is the ideal form factor, but there is no way I would buy one now. It is several generations old and is starting to slow down. My opinion is that you would be doing yourself a big disservice to buy a mini 4 now. I would buy a new generation iPad, which is going to be either the iPad or iPad Pro which is a 10" tablet.
 
Still think an older one will serve him for his initial PPL, and only set him back $200-ish or less. Versus a new one at 4x that price.
 
The new ipads are on sale for 299.
As are the mini 4 128Gb.
Only 32Gb on the latest version at that price, but thats quite doable for a dedicated fliPad.

Edit: mini no longer on sale.
 
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AggieMike88 said:
Still think an older one will serve him for his initial PPL, and only set him back $200-ish or less. Versus a new one at 4x that price.
Click to expand...
Yeah. not looking to invest huge numbers on a ipad to start. If a 128 gb model worked 3-4 years ago it should be fine now.
 
I just purchased a new 9.7" ipad tonight. I currently have a mini 1 which is horribly horribly horribly slow which I use for flying. I also have a ipad 3 which is slow but way better than the mini 1. I was up in the air on what to buy as I love the form factor of the mini, BUT since the mini 4 is the end of the line I couldn't buy into it as its already old (though still functional). So I bought the 9.7 ipad 6th generation 128gig wifi only for $399 at best buy. If someone finds it cheaper don't tell me its too late. hahaha Ill use it on my yoke which will be a challenge in the Cherokee but ill figure something out even if it stay on my lap.
 
iPad mini with cell (GPS) and foreflight

Works for a working pilot
 
I could likely get away with spending 300?
 
I use an old one that needs to be replaced - it won't take the current iOS.

My replacement target is the 128GB WiFi model. I also use a Raspberry Pi based Stratux or sometimes a plane based Stratus, depending on which airplane I'm flying. I don't see the need to pay more for the cellular option and then pay monthly for the data.

I suppose the 32GB WiFi ($329) model would work if you don't put any other apps on it and you don't fly between a lot of states. Every time you add another state, ForeFlight wants to download all the information for that state, even if you don't need it. At 32GB, you might run out of space. To me, the $100 savings is not worth it, get the 128GB model.
 
Here are some links.
First one is the buying guide, if you haven't seen it.
Following that, two links with contradicting info.

Agree with @bflynn ... just spend the money. It'll last you for years.
I bought the iPad Mini 4, but wonder how long they will support it with iOS updates. Also wonder if I even want a new iOS lol. Seem to be buggier as they go.
Funny thing, they are pushing the '5th Generation' now with sales on them. But I think I saw somewhere in the details they won't be supported for future iOS releases.
Which I think is kind of crappy to put them on sale, and not be up front about it...but again, it's the same company that ruined your battery and then was nice enough to lower the price of a new one for you.


https://www.foreflight.com/support/buying-guide/

https://support.foreflight.com/hc/e...-will-ForeFlight-Mobile-take-up-on-my-device-

https://ipadpilotnews.com/2014/02/much-space-charts-take-ipad/

 
bflynn said:
My replacement target is the 128GB WiFi model. I also use a Raspberry Pi based Stratux or sometimes a plane based Stratus, depending on which airplane I'm flying. I don't see the need to pay more for the cellular option and then pay monthly for the data.
Click to expand...

There are two different "128GB WiFi models" - iPad and iPad Mini.

The reason to pay for the cellular option is that it includes the internal GPS. You don't have to pay for the monthly data plan to use it, though having the data available is nice for getting weather on the ground away from home. If your Stratux/Stratus is 100% reliable and you don't need the GPS chip at all, that is an option.

I suppose the 32GB WiFi ($329) model would work if you don't put any other apps on it and you don't fly between a lot of states. Every time you add another state, ForeFlight wants to download all the information for that state, even if you don't need it. At 32GB, you might run out of space. To me, the $100 savings is not worth it, get the 128GB model.
Click to expand...

The real issue is that iOS keeps growing. ForeFlight is pretty configurable as to what it downloads - You not only choose states, you choose what categories of information you want: Taxi diagrams and A/FD, approach plates, VFR sectionals, IFR low enroutes, IFR high enroutes, IFR planning/oceanic charts, helicopter charts, and hi-res terrain. If you're strictly VFR, just turn on the Taxi Diagrams and A/FD and the VFR charts and that's all it'll download for the states you choose.

That said, I have made it a practice for over 20 years now to get the most memory and storage available on any device I buy, because it makes them last much longer. I'm typing this on a six-year-old laptop. If I was running into memory issues right now, it wouldn't be worth spending the $$$ to get more at this point, I'd just get a new one. But because I maxed it out at purchase, it's just fine. Most people don't complain about having too much space. ;)
 
iPad mini yoke mount with foreflight and a Stratux. Works great and with in the budget. Also just installed a Garmin 335 for the ADSB.
 
Kneepad...full size iPad
Yoke Mount...Ipad Mini

You can pry my mini away from my cold dead hands...or the next update that bricks it...whichever comes first
 
Well I received my new iPad last night. It is definitely faster at loading all things foreflight..like WAY faster. The form factor is bigger than a mini but actually smaller than my iPad 3rd gen. I ve got a mount coming and believe it will fit fine on the yoke. I will know this weekend.
 
AggieMike88 said:
If you want the unit to receive the GPS signal, you will need one with Cell data service installed. You don't have to turn on the cell data service unless you want to get data that way. The GPS chip works either way. But if you don't get one with the GPS chip, then you need an external GPS receiver.
Click to expand...

flyingcheesehead said:
The reason to pay for the cellular option is that it includes the internal GPS. You don't have to pay for the monthly data plan to use it, though having the data available is nice for getting weather on the ground away from home. If your Stratux/Stratus is 100% reliable and you don't need the GPS chip at all, that is an option.
Click to expand...


I want ADS-B in the cockpit, so my stratus will always be there. For getting data on the ground, I tether to my phone. So no GPS tax on the iPad for me. Also, when I was dependent on the GPS in the iPad I would *very* occasionally have issues with the device not seeing enough of the sky to get a GPS fix. This goes away with the stratus solution.
 
old iPad with WingX is what I use, on a RAM mount stuck to the door window.....it maybe has 16G?? and works ok.
 

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simtech said:
Well I received my new iPad last night. It is definitely faster at loading all things foreflight..like WAY faster. The form factor is bigger than a mini but actually smaller than my iPad 3rd gen. I ve got a mount coming and believe it will fit fine on the yoke. I will know this weekend.
Click to expand...

What specific mount did you buy? I have the 10" and still looking for something.
 
BrianNC said:
What specific mount did you buy? I have the 10" and still looking for something.
Click to expand...

The Ram ez-roll'r. It is what I used with my mini and I had no problems with it so I decided to get the same one but for the 9.7. Then I have a 90 degree yoke clamp and an extension to connect the two. I hope to play with it some this weekend. if I get to actually do it and can make it work to my liking ill snap a pic for ya.
 
simtech said:
The Ram ez-roll'r. It is what I used with my mini and I had no problems with it so I decided to get the same one but for the 9.7. Then I have a 90 degree yoke clamp and an extension to connect the two. I hope to play with it some this weekend. if I get to actually do it and can make it work to my liking ill snap a pic for ya.
Click to expand...

I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
 
ahhh...yes... the old ez-roll'r

More joints to fool around with than a hundred ram mounts. :D
m37TgpeLj2JeNKA5_czvKsA.jpg
 
simtech said:
I just purchased a new 9.7" ipad tonight. I currently have a mini 1 which is horribly horribly horribly slow which I use for flying. I also have a ipad 3 which is slow but way better than the mini 1. I was up in the air on what to buy as I love the form factor of the mini, BUT since the mini 4 is the end of the line I couldn't buy into it as its already old (though still functional). So I bought the 9.7 ipad 6th generation 128gig wifi only for $399 at best buy. If someone finds it cheaper don't tell me its too late. hahaha Ill use it on my yoke which will be a challenge in the Cherokee but ill figure something out even if it stay on my lap.
Click to expand...

Curious to know if the iPad Pro would be worth the extra cash. It would be about $200 more for the specific configuration I am looking at. Downside is it has an even bigger screen at 10.5" instead of 9.7". Although the difference isn't drastic. I'll likely use my iPad Mini 4 for the next few years (I hope I can get that out of it), but no doubt it is not as fast as it once was and is definitely getting a bit bogged down in ForeFlight. I use it purely for flying, so it is kept very clean and does not have bunch of junk on it.
 
CC268 said:
Curious to know if the iPad Pro would be worth the extra cash. It would be about $200 more for the specific configuration I am looking at. Downside is it has an even bigger screen at 10.5" instead of 9.7". Although the difference isn't drastic. I'll likely use my iPad Mini 4 for the next few years (I hope I can get that out of it), but no doubt it is not as fast as it once was and is definitely getting a bit bogged down in ForeFlight. I use it purely for flying, so it is kept very clean and does not have bunch of junk on it.
Click to expand...
I have the 10.5" Pro and really like it. The display is all that it's hyped to be, and app such as ForeFlight load quickly. For flying, I have it in my lap and that has been working so far. I did purchase a MyGoFlight mount for it, but have yet to install as holding in my lap has worked so far.

I also use the Pro as a laptop alternative (for browsing, word processing, and connecting to the office) and am happy with it's performance there.

Like many, I try to purchase computing products so they cover at least a 5 year cycle. And I think for me, the 10.5" Pro is a good choice for that.
 
My usual word of caution.

Loose in one's lap will work most of the time. But a good "air pocket" can send it flying, with the possibility of hitting you in the face, and hitting or even jamming the controls or flipping a switch.

I'd suggest using at least use Velcro or something similar to secure it to a kneeboard or your leg.
 
AggieMike88 said:
I have the 10.5" Pro and really like it. The display is all that it's hyped to be, and app such as ForeFlight load quickly. For flying, I have it in my lap and that has been working so far. I did purchase a MyGoFlight mount for it, but have yet to install as holding in my lap has worked so far.

I also use the Pro as a laptop alternative (for browsing, word processing, and connecting to the office) and am happy with it's performance there.

Like many, I try to purchase computing products so they cover at least a 5 year cycle. And I think for me, the 10.5" Pro is a good choice for that.
Click to expand...

I need to try the iPad on my knee sometime. I'm so used to having it yoke mounted, which is really nice, but maybe having it mounted on the knee isn't a big deal.

I completely agree - I typically try to purchase my electronics (phone might be the one exception) so that they cover a 4-5 year cycle as well.
 
CC268 said:
I'm so used to having it yoke mounted, which is really nice, but maybe having it mounted on the knee isn't a big deal.
Click to expand...
I was the same way at first. So used to yoke or side windscreen mount, I wasn't sure about in my lap.

Now that I'm used to it in my lap, really no big deal. And I found out I'm only referring to it infrequently. So much of the time, I just put the screen the sleep, and then set the iPad aside until I want/need it again.
 
I'll give another vote to iPad Mini 4. That is the only size that will work where I like mine mounted. I just upgraded from a Mini 1 to the 4 and it is a night and day difference. I realize the 4 is getting older but it runs Foreflight like a dream right now. I just hope that in the 3 or 4 years it takes these things to slow to painful level they will have decided to make something this size. If not, I will decide then.
 
CC268 said:
Curious to know if the iPad Pro would be worth the extra cash. It would be about $200 more for the specific configuration I am looking at. Downside is it has an even bigger screen at 10.5" instead of 9.7". Although the difference isn't drastic. I'll likely use my iPad Mini 4 for the next few years (I hope I can get that out of it), but no doubt it is not as fast as it once was and is definitely getting a bit bogged down in ForeFlight. I use it purely for flying, so it is kept very clean and does not have bunch of junk on it.
Click to expand...

Well for me personally I wasn't doing the pro because it was even larger in size. I couldn't bring myself to pay for the mini 4 since they apparently wont make more of them, so next best thing is the 9.7. However I did look hard at the pro but to me it wasn't worth it for what I needed. I too use my 9.7 as a laptop alternative and have it in a case with a keyboard and I love it, looks like a laptop too, it is WAY WAY WAY faster than my mini 1 ever thought of being and runs FF faster than I have ever experienced.

I watched a ton of videos on benchmark speed testing between the pro and non pro version. The speed difference wasn't really all that much at all for common usage apps. Where the pro did shine was in gaming applications which I don't use. They both can use the apple pen which I might get one day but doubtful. The display I personally cant see much of a difference in (I could tell when scrolling it was more fluid) and if you have one over the other you will never know what you have or missed since you're not seeing them side by side. haha So too me and my needs the pro wasn't worth it the extra coin.
 
Radar Contact said:
I'll give another vote to iPad Mini 4. That is the only size that will work where I like mine mounted. I just upgraded from a Mini 1 to the 4 and it is a night and day difference. I realize the 4 is getting older but it runs Foreflight like a dream right now. I just hope that in the 3 or 4 years it takes these things to slow to painful level they will have decided to make something this size. If not, I will decide then.
Click to expand...

They are coming out with the iPhone X plus this year, 6.5", so only 1.4" less than the mini. That's probably what I'll mount and use. I still haven't found a mounting solution for my 10.4" iPad Pro.
 
simtech said:
Well for me personally I wasn't doing the pro because it was even larger in size. I couldn't bring myself to pay for the mini 4 since they apparently wont make more of them, so next best thing is the 9.7. However I did look hard at the pro but to me it wasn't worth it for what I needed. I too use my 9.7 as a laptop alternative and have it in a case with a keyboard and I love it, looks like a laptop too, it is WAY WAY WAY faster than my mini 1 ever thought of being and runs FF faster than I have ever experienced.

I watched a ton of videos on benchmark speed testing between the pro and non pro version. The speed difference wasn't really all that much at all for common usage apps. Where the pro did shine was in gaming applications which I don't use. They both can use the apple pen which I might get one day but doubtful. The display I personally cant see much of a difference in (I could tell when scrolling it was more fluid) and if you have one over the other you will never know what you have or missed since you're not seeing them side by side. haha So too me and my needs the pro wasn't worth it the extra coin.
Click to expand...

Thanks that’s a good data point for me
 
BrianNC said:
They are coming out with the iPhone X plus this year, 6.5", so only 1.4" less than the mini. That's probably what I'll mount and use. I still haven't found a mounting solution for my 10.4" iPad Pro.
Click to expand...

ForeFlight is still missing some things on the phone, though. Altitude Advisor, for example.

I use the iPhone, iPad, and web versions, but neither the iPhone nor the web are as capable as the iPad version. They each have their own strengths, but the iPad does it all.

I'm hoping that Apple applies the iPhone X treatment to the iPad. What I mean by that is, the iPhone X screen is slightly larger than the iPhone 8 Plus (the big one), but it's almost exactly the same size as the iPhone 8 (the small one). The parallel to that would be to take the 9.7" iPad, which has a 2048x1536 pixel screen at 264 ppi (thus, 7.76" x 5.82", or 9.7" diagonal), remove the button, insert cameras into the screen area, and end up with a device the size of the Mini, which is 8" x 5.3" external dimensions, just a hair bigger than that 9.7" screen so enough room for rounded edges.

Ya listening, Tim Cook???? o_O
 
AggieMike88 said:
For pilots, Many of us prefer the Mini for it's smaller form factor. There are several mounting solutions that permit it to fit between the "horns" of the yoke.

I however, have the iPad Pro 10.5" and have it in my lap. I like it for the larger form factor and clarity of the display.
Click to expand...

Ditto. Love the speed of the Pro. Since I use mine constantly, beyond the cockpit, that size is ideal. I’m using it to write this!
 
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