Picking a mechanism for Offroad navigation is not easy. There are various options to choose from and you have to weigh in various key features, including the capabilities to download maps for offline viewing.
I have been looking at several options for a few years now and tried out both pc based solutions as well as tablet based ones. Ultimately while I enjoy having a pc while put, the form factor, even with a nice ram mount is just not super conducive to map viewing, panning, and overall usage while in a vehicle. Yes you can do it, but after using a tablet, all I can say is why would you want to!!! The only real pro for going with pc form factor is there are a lot of rugged pcs out there to choose, they are pricy but you get something expedition quality. Panasonic tough books and Armor are some brands to look into.
As far as tablets go you are going to have the usual debate, iPad vs Android. I will be honest there are pros and cons to each. I think the Android platform has a lot to offer, however I decided to go with the iPad route, mostly because I can just afford one tablet and it has to serve many purposes. Also...after using a android based phone for two years I was happy and ready to jump back to iOS. From a hardware perspective Android will soon have one leg up as Panasonic is looking to reveal their Toughpad series of android tablets this month. These are full mil-spec tablets that can survive just about anything...and yes there is going to be a premium for them!!!
So by now you guessed it, I a down to an iPad and a handful off apps that let me function with maps! I currently have 5 map apps installed.
1. Default google maps
2. Google Earth
3. Motion-X GPS-HD
4. Gaia GPS
5. Topo Maps
Over the next few weeks I will post reviews of each. Pros cons, and overall perceptions.
