What tablet do you recommend?
We regularly receive questions about which tablet is most suitable for our Watercharts app. Although we do not know all models in detail, we are happy to provide you with sound advice.
Essential requirements: GPS for accurate navigation
For our and other navigation apps to work optimally, a built-in GPS receiver is crucial. This determines your exact location, allowing you to accurately track your position on the water. Our app relies fundamentally on this GPS data. However, how the GPS position is determined is very important.
Most tablets are equipped with a dedicated GPS chip specifically designed for location determination. Generally, these function properly. However, there are tablets without such a chip, which can lead to a less accurate or even problematic navigation experience.
Apple iPads: Pay attention to model choice
Apple iPads are generally excellent tablets for using our app.
However, it is essential to take into account the different models offered by Apple. The so-called “wifi only” models do not have a built-in GPS chip. These models determine their location based on available Wi-Fi networks in the area. In urban areas, this can give a reasonable indication, but the accuracy is certainly not optimal. For reliable navigation with our – and all other navigation apps – a physical GPS chip is indispensable. Therefore, we do not recommend the iPad “wifi only” models for use with our app. In contrast, the “Cellular” iPad models are excellent thanks to the GPS chip present.
Android tablets: Samsung as a reliable option
Samsung is the largest manufacturer of Android tablets and is known for integrating a GPS chip in all their models. As a result, all Samsung tablets, without exception, are perfectly compatible with our app. We therefore highly recommend Samsung tablets for an optimal experience with our Waterkaarten app.
What do we advise against?
We have found in practice that GPS location accuracy on Lenovo and Huawei tablets regularly causes problems. Therefore, to ensure consistent and reliable navigation, we do not recommend Lenovo and Huawei devices for use with our app.
Price and quality:
In general, Apple iPads are slightly more expensive to buy than Android tablets. This difference in price is often explained by the thoughtful design, seamless integration with other Apple devices and the proprietary iOS operating system, which usually ensures smooth operation of both the tablet and the installed apps. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that Apple also sells iPads without a GPS chip (the “wifi-only” models), making them less suitable for navigation purposes with our app. After all, accurate location determination is essential for reliable navigation.
Within the Android segment, there are several brands, but Samsung stands out for the consistent quality and functionality of their tablets. Moreover, all Samsung models are equipped with a GPS chip, and decent options are already available for a price under two hundred euros.
As always, a higher price is usually accompanied by more advanced features, greater storage capacity and a more powerful processor. This results in a generally faster and smoother experience with all apps.