GPS on Z2 Tablet

[jonassweden]

Hej!

I'm planning to buy the Z2 Tablet and use is a navigator on my sailboat as it's waterproof.

Has anyone experience of the GPS, does it work well? Will it find a fix quickly?

How is the precision?

Is there a difference between wifi and 3G/4G model?

Regards,

Jonas

[Thommo]

The more satellites you can pickup the more precise it will be however for sea navigation you may need to consider a 3rd party app which will have shipping lanes etc mapped out for you - But for road use it's precise, and as for connecting quickly like all things GPS it depends mostly on weather and if you are indoors which in this case is not applicable

[SergioPL1]

To be honest I'm not sure if Z2 Tablet for sailing is the best choice. 

First - tablet is bit fragile. It is very thin so every shock may break the glass or create other faults.

Second - IP58 is not meant for salt water. It may corrode magnetic dock and rubber elements. And it will definietly void your warranty in longer perspective.

[Dna77]

As a sailing coach, i use the tablet all the time, both taking pictures or making videos, with great quality.

The gps works very well, but i dont use any bought app, so i cant really tell you it works like wonder.

I can track a whole day sailing and get directions, but because i chose the wifi model, i cant log on away from near wifi stations. Without intrnet u cant see the maps, so u dont know where u are... Im considering upgrading for the lte version, so i can be online all the time. Im sailing 99% of the time with mobile coverage.

Also, as i dont use any bought app, the maps are streamed, i dont know if with a bought app u can download the maps u need.

I use it from april to now and beside some toughscreen problems whem its raining heavily, multiple tough on the screen or unresponsive. I think its the only device that is made for sailors.

[SergioPL1]

Have you considered HERE Maps Beta (off-line support)? They are available as APK on HERE site, not at Play Store yet.

[pumptronics]

Hi Jonas

I've had the Z2 tablet for 4 months or so now. In the past couple of weeks I've been using it as the main navigating tool for off-road/track driving. There are a few apps you can get that allow you have the map sets stored offline (on SD or local). I've been using Memory Map (which also works on iOS devices), and I know Memory Map is used by a few mariners. Have a look at the sort of maps that are available (marine charts etc) http://memory-map.com/Download_Digital_Maps.html

In terms of getting a GPS fix, inside a car, the chipset is quick. Generally much faster than Garmin watch for example. Accurate too, showing running on one side of a track compared to other etc.

Waterproofing is handy although, as previously noted, salt water may be a bit much for the tablet without an extra case of some sort.

Brightness of screen is also good although seems to be one of the main factors on battery drain, EVEN WHEN CHARGING. I have to investigate further but the tablet will not charge properly when using GPS for whole day. It could be some cheap circuitry in the cradle I bought for the car, but the USB socket was rated at 2A and still the battery would reduce during the day even though it was connected to the USB all day!

That's why I am browsing the forum!

Hope that is some use.