So if you can buy an iPad for less than £400 with a 10" screen and iPads can have a marine plotter App installed why would you still pay 2k PLUSS for an equivalent marine Plotter?
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Chris Stevens
So if you can buy an iPad for less than £400 with a 10" screen and iPads can have a marine plotter App installed why would you still pay 2k PLUSS for an equivalent marine Plotter?
Doesn't that word quadruple the price of everything?
IMO The iPad is not very waterproof nor is it robust enough to be used without a decent protective case. There is also the problem of it not being all that readable in direct sunlight which can be exacerbated by the protective case. I know the difference in price is galling to say the least between the iPad and the marine equivalent but just imagine how much more Apple would charge for a marinized version.
I think it was watchdog where they did tests on the iphone, just being in a high moisture enviroment can trip the water sensor inside voiding any warranty. i can't imagine the ipad being much better?
If the plotter gets condensation inside it but still works (which it probably will) then the manufacturer will refund it. If the moisture sensor (white stickers which turn red) get activated on the ipad then the warranty is void even if there is no obvious water damage / its never been in the sea.
Not only is the plotter screen better to read in daylight, but if you stumble and land on it (perhaps coming off the top of a big wave - or even when stepping aboard) it will probably survive.
The iPad has no NMEA in/out ports. So it is standalone. The plotter will interface with your radio, your sounder, your engine etc...
Right now I wouldn't be considering an iPad on board a Rib as a plotter. Perhaps as a nice backup on a less exposed boat. In 3 or 4 yrs time I could imagine that one of the tablet manufacturers might produce a device which is robust enough for the real world and then it might start to ruffle a few feathers in the marine world. I doubt it will become a "cheap" AND "practical" option on a rib this decade though.
Doesn't that word quadruple the price of everything?
Alan.
Yep! but we do seem to get stuffed more than most! Just compare alot of the prices in the US..everything from i-pads to Outboards to Chartplotters!(Spot a theme there?) I would'nt mind so much if when you went across the pond you did'nt see European 'imports' at a fraction of the price WE pay!..
.....At least Berlisconi has gone!!
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