Why a Tablet for Adventure (Overland / Off Road)......and NOT a dedicated GPS Unit? (Samsung Tab A)

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[@floridaexpeditions]

I had the Tab A and loved it

[@John-wf6pu]

I've got the same tablet with a rugged cover. I'm using it for the same purposes than you and it works for me. I will never buy a GPS, because it is too expensive here in South Africa. Thanks for your video! 👍🏼👌🏼🇿🇦

[@dans2788]

Nice.. Right to the point. No non-value-added epic soundscape intro to waste another 20 seconds of my life. I like that

[@johnday71]

I have the Samsung 10". It is a little big, but I keep it more towards the passenger side.

[@Vman1313]

My eyes would LOVE a 10 incher but the interior of a Wrangler would feel tight I think. After thinking about it, it all really depends on vehicle. I think my Grand Cherokee could hold a 10" tablet without feeling like its too big, cramped, or hindering view.

[@prophetseven728]

@@Vman1313 I have an FJ Cruiser. Did not realize 9-10ins might be to big. Till your brought it up. But Im thinking of have it swing over from the passenger side. Also wonder what be better for overlanding Apple or Android. I assuming anything not Apple is Android. So correct me if Im wrong.

[@xxgg]

Have you considered using Garmin Glo 2? Check it out.

[@porkchop659]

Very informative thanks for the video! I actually have an old tablet that we don’t use so now I can see if I can use that ! 2 things…GO DAWGS! 10 yrs at COC myself!

[@scottf9044]

do you need any sort of data plan just to make it work? I know GPS doesn't need cell coverage, so I'm hoping I can just buy the tablet, use WiFi to download apps and maps, then just use it as a GPS device with no subscription plan at all.

[@Vman1313]

Exactly! Be sure tablet has a built in GPS and WiFi and you are gold!! Oh and ample storage. I like Android based tablets as they usually have SD Card capabilities where iPads do not. You set up everything at home on WiFi and you are set. In a pinch I have tethered to my phone or pulled into a McDs for a last minute update but that has been soooo rare.

[@edwinwx260]

Thinking about getting a tablet for storm chasing to keep radar up at all time with my location as well, because my laptop doesn't do location 😕

[@Vman1313]

I am not 100% certain as I have never done it but I think you can add an external GPS unit to your laptop. Might be something to look into....$100 for the unit may save you in buying a tablet. Just a thought! www.amazon.com/Dual-Electronics-XGPS150A-Multipurpose-Augmentation/dp/B006M49G80/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=12KG3UG01BA8R&keywords=external%2Bgps&qid=1656188750&sprefix=external%2Bgp%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTzNYMVdISVpSM1U3JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQ1ODA4MjRTTFI1R0YzSDNPQSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjQzODE0UUdGMENNWUQwQVAxJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

[@PaulWellner]

Having trouble locating the model Samsung TAB A you have with GPS. Do you have a model number?

[@Vman1313]

Not sure if this helps but under the About Tablet it reads: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 Model Number SM-T290 - Hope that helps. I bought it off Dell cause I had some points and they had a sale.

[@scottbowen6514]

Soooo... do you have cell service on the tablet, or do you hotspot to the phone?

[@Vman1313]

No service or hotspot needed when using GAIA or OsmAnd. Yes you have to have internet service to install app and set them up and load your routes but after that you do not and thats the reason for those apps. The places I am usually traveling thru are remote and you dont have any service to speak of.

[@JBGecko13yt]

the tab A7 has 4 GPS systems

[@PaulWellner]

Do you know why people say that Gaia runs night and day better on an ipad? Do you have issues with it at all? Have you tried both?

[@Vman1313]

Do I know for sure and why...NO....but GAIA does seem to prefer my GFs iPad over my Android tablet. From latest updates I think they seem to be trying to fix those issues. I have TONS of issues with GAIA on my Androids but I have tons of issues (more personal) with GAIA period. I run OsmAnd and like it way WAY better than GAIA. I just don't find GAIA intuitive and not made for last minute trips. I use GAIA on my computer when I plan big trips and then download to KML or GPX and put into OsmAnd. GAIA will sometimes sync with my Android and sometimes it does not so I don't place much stock in it. My GF and I were up in TN these last 3 days chasing waterfalls and finding cool Jeep trails. GAIA showed my created route over a complete black background. No map no nothing! OsmAnd followed me right along and I even found cool spots with it soooooo no GAIA for me as my main app, but I will continue using their computer program as I know of nothing better.

[@PaulWellner]

@@Vman1313 Sooo very helpful and a fast response thank you! My wife and I are getting into overlanding as campgrounds are not our thing. I have done a lot of off-roading with my son a few years ago but sold my 1970 FJ40. Wasn't a commuter for sure :) and a lot of cash just sitting around. We both love to camp and look forward to fun trips out here in Washington State. As for the navigation part this info is most helpful. I was looking at the Garmin mini insight to blue tooth connect and use that with my old ipad but that thing is 350.00 and that's all it does without the monthly fee as you mentioned. I hadn't even considered the tablet gps idea until I saw your video so thank you for everything!! If you get out this way hit me up for a place to use as base camp here in Washougal at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge. Cheers!!

[@Vman1313]

@@PaulWellner I think you are on the right path with not getting a dedicated GPS and sticking with a Tablet of some kind. I run OsmAnd as my main map app, Google Maps when I have service, and GAIA as my back up if need be. I also have iOverlander, free campsites, HipCamp, and other apps that help find campsites. Then I have some games so when I cant sleep at night I can play SO it become very multi purposed as opposed to a dedicated GPS. I will definitely hit you up if we come back out to Washington State. We both loved it and would like to explore it in a different way. We hiked some of Mt Ranier, Olympia NP, and myu favorite was Cape Flattery plus we explored some of the beaches and stuff BUT we werent even OVERLANDING back then Hahahaha!

[@wjjohns04able]

Does the tablet have gps or are you hot-spotting with cell phone.

[@Vman1313]

GPS on tablet is a must have. You will lose cell service in the places I go so I dont depend on any cell service for my maps.

[@tb4326]

GO DAWGS!

[@bbrown1269]

Where do I get the gps apps you are using?

[@Vman1313]

Play Store on Android or Apple Store on iPhone.

[@bbrown1269]

@@Vman1313 I have a Tab A. That app you are referring do does not work with Tab A according to Play Store.

[@ernestleal6890]

You mentioned you liked the $35 tablet for the car...what brand and model is the $35 tablet? Im looking for one for my boat

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

GAIA is and has been the most unreliable off-road GPS software I've ever used. The "Guide Me" just flat out doesn't work 95% of the time. Has nice layers and is fun to map out routes on PC with, but it is trash off-road for me and many others.

[@Vman1313]

As much as I agree, I wouldn't say it is trash.....BUT I would say it SUCKS ROYALY! Haha! I always wonder what I am missing because sooooo many people love it and swear by it but truthfully it just doesn't cut it for me, especially on multi day trips or when you go out to explore with out a plan.

[@vw74bug40]

I didn't know about Gaia. Have you tried avenza maps?

[@relaxvibes2986]

Gator Bait!!!!

[@Vman1313]

Haha GO DAWGS!

[@luv2bbq]

Probably a good idea to research and learn how to use it before making a video