I recently decided to upgrade my in cockpit EFB/GPS tablet. I had been using Anywhere map on an old dedicated tablet. It gave me many years of faithful service for primarily IFR flying and I loved the Anywhere map, software - great features and intuitive interface. But the display had terrible sunlight readability and although Anywhere map kept the updates active, it is a dying package. So....
After reading great things about the Nexus 7 screen and finding them available for cheap on the net, I decided to check it out. $125.00 later for a 2012 with 36 GB, updated to the latest Droid software and then time to pick some EFB software.
Offerings are somewhat limited for the Droids. With some reluctance about joining big brother, I downloaded the free Garmin Pilot trial. Right away it seemed to present a bit of a clunky learning curve, and I could not get the Nexus GPS to lock on. Was about to give it all the heave ho and decided to try the Ifly GPS app..... Really really impressed!!
Instantly easy learning curve, full featured, easy downloads and all the modern tablet convenience. The software is refreshingly spartan - all the features that you want for IFR flying and nothing too much to confuse you. Very efficient.
The tablet has very good sunlight readability. Not sure if it is the screen or the improved mapping data, but the sectionals are even bright and usable (they were worthless on the old set-up). The GPS locks on instantly and the tablet works seamlessly with the software.
For $125.00 hardware, $50.00 download and $80.00 per year subscription, you get it all. Can't imagine flying IFR without this or similar.
Next up will be an ADSB receiver.
After reading great things about the Nexus 7 screen and finding them available for cheap on the net, I decided to check it out. $125.00 later for a 2012 with 36 GB, updated to the latest Droid software and then time to pick some EFB software.
Offerings are somewhat limited for the Droids. With some reluctance about joining big brother, I downloaded the free Garmin Pilot trial. Right away it seemed to present a bit of a clunky learning curve, and I could not get the Nexus GPS to lock on. Was about to give it all the heave ho and decided to try the Ifly GPS app..... Really really impressed!!
Instantly easy learning curve, full featured, easy downloads and all the modern tablet convenience. The software is refreshingly spartan - all the features that you want for IFR flying and nothing too much to confuse you. Very efficient.
The tablet has very good sunlight readability. Not sure if it is the screen or the improved mapping data, but the sectionals are even bright and usable (they were worthless on the old set-up). The GPS locks on instantly and the tablet works seamlessly with the software.
For $125.00 hardware, $50.00 download and $80.00 per year subscription, you get it all. Can't imagine flying IFR without this or similar.
Next up will be an ADSB receiver.