All iPads Upgrade from Air? Want Cellular for GPS (flying app)

[rayriceroni00]

Hi everyone,

I'm a little frustrated about the next step for an ipad. Hopefully you guys can provide some pointers for me.

Currently: I use an ipad air 1 wifi as my basic tablet. I mostly use it for general internet surfing and reading on the kindle. I have a 6s plus phone that I use for a flying app (private pilot).

I'd like to either get a mini or regular ipad to use while flying. Obviously, to do this I need the cellular model since I don't want to use a GPS unit like bad elf.

My choices seem to be: Mini 4 (disappointing that it's 2 years old with no Mini 5 on the horizon) or ipad pro 9.7 with cellular (is this even worth it? seems Apple doesn't make the pro 9.7 anymore). The 10.5" and larger screens are a no go. They're too large for the cock pit, and I don't want to spend a fortune for an ipad with cellular. Another requirement: I need 32gigs (64 preferably) since the flying app takes gigs and gigs of space.

I'm trying to get this on Amazon. I have $450 in Amazon's GCs that I've saved up from gifts/work awards/etc.

Thanks in advance!

 

[rui no onna]

Why not the 2017 iPad 9.7? It's $459 for 32GB cellular. Caveat, display not as good under bright light conditions as the iPads with fully laminated displays.

There's also the used/refurbished Air 2 or Pro 9.7 route.

 

[rayriceroni00]

Why not the 2017 iPad 9.7? It's $459 for 32GB cellular. Caveat, display not as good under bright light conditions as the iPads with fully laminated displays.

There's also the used/refurbished Air 2 or Pro 9.7 route.

Thanks for your reply! I need to hit a store and look at the 2017 ipad. I hear it's similar to my air 1 as far as displays go.

I was also looking at the 9.7 pro. Are the specs for that model better than the 2017 ipad? Also, did they discontinue the 9.7 pro line?

 

[Newtons Apple]

I have a friend who is a pilot and straps a 10.5 cellular on his leg and it does all of his navigation and more. Not sure what software he uses but he has the ability to get any detailed aviation maps is want in just seconds. Plot perfect GPS.

Can't see the 10.5 being to big for most cockpits. He flies a an Airocomander 200D Myers, just a 4 seater but very fast.

 

[rayriceroni00]

I have a friend who is a pilot and straps a 10.5 cellular on his leg and it does all of his navigation and more. Not sure what software he uses but he has the ability to get any detailed aviation maps is want in just seconds. Plot perfect GPS.

Can't see the 10.5 being to big for most cockpits. He flies a an Airocomander 200D Myers, just a 4 seater but very fast.

I was trying to avoid the leg strap. It's distracting looking down at your leg. I'd ideally like to velcro the mini right to the yoke, but the future of the mini isn't too promising. Also, the prices of a mini 4 cellular are insane.

 

[Jetcat3]

Ray,

PLEASE do not get the 2017 iPad! You'll have a difficult time seeing anything in direct sunlight without the anti-reflective coating and laminated display. I'm a pilot and have used an Air 2 and recently upgraded to the 10.5" Pro. For view ability you can't beat the Pro 9.7" and Pro 10.5". They both have the same anti-reflective coating and the 10.5" can hit 100 nits more brightness than the 9.7". 600 nite vs 500 nits. The Pro 9.7" is amazing in direct sunlight and the Pro 10.5" a tad better. Also, the 10.5" size is hardly noticeable in comparison to the 9.7". Just my two cents.
[doublepost=1499198363][/doublepost]I don't even use a mount of any sort. The case alone keeps it on my leg quite well. If I don't need it I'll put it away.

 

[rayriceroni00]

Ray,

PLEASE do not get the 2017 iPad! You'll have a difficult time seeing anything in direct sunlight without the anti-reflective coating and laminated display. I'm a pilot and have used an Air 2 and recently upgraded to the 10.5" Pro. For view ability you can't beat the Pro 9.7" and Pro 10.5". They both have the same anti-reflective coating and the 10.5" can hit 100 nits more brightness than the 9.7". 600 nite vs 500 nits. The Pro 9.7" is amazing in direct sunlight and the Pro 10.5" a tad better. Also, the 10.5" size is hardly noticeable in comparison to the 9.7". Just my two cents.
[doublepost=1499198363][/doublepost]I don't even use a mount of any sort. The case alone keeps it on my leg quite well. If I don't need it I'll put it away.

Thanks for your input. I may have to wait a while then. All the prices of the 9.7 and 10.5 pro on Amazon are horrific. I don't want to spend $600 on a 32gig 9.7 pro cellular.