Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 19 Apr 2011
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
I have investigated iPad and Galaxy tablets. Still, I would prefer to take a netbook, gps and a mobile phone.

The big screen of any tablets are very vulnerable to any damage. Having not direct usb/sd card connection is another problem. In my point of view the biggest lack is their operating systems. Garmin and Nokia software uses MS Windows or Mac. MapSource and Nokia PC Suite can not be used with tablets.

My setup is basically like that:

PC: I have an Asus EeePc 900A with an SSD drive. SSD are safer than any HDD. Can be charged using 12V socket. You can read/create PDF's and office documents, watch movies, listen music. USB outputs can be used for CHARGING the mobile phone (Nokia) and AA-AAA batteries with a USB battery charger (from Tesco). You can back up your mobile memory to the netbook using Nokia PC Suite and will not lost any of your address book entries.
Phone: Nokia E55, have built in GPS (in case the main GPS brokes), MP3 player, WIFI (incase the netbook brokes), can be charged through USB (so no charger), radio, multiband (can be used with any network), has 3G. Using the USB cable and Nokia PC Suite the netbook can be connected to the internet via 3G. PDF viewer and office document viewer/editor. Also be able to shot reasonable photos. The best part is the battery, it lasts almost a month in standby mode and a week in heavy use.
GPS: Garmin GPSMap 60CSx. you all know this gadget. can be used with 2AA batteries (easy to find), water-bulletproof, the AA batteries can be charged via a USB battery charger through netbook OR can be operated from USB output of the netbook -just leave the netbook in sleep mode. Tracks and POI's can be transfered to the netbook (Windows) using the appropriate software and new maps and tracks can be thrown to the GPS using the netbook.

Bottom line: As can be seen there are many combinations can be done using this 3 devices. All weight less than 1.5 Kg or 3Lbs and cost less than any ipad2 WIFI+3g. If netbook breaks down important documents which are in mini sd card can be reached using Nokia mobile phone. If the GPS breaks down, again (free) Nokia maps are enough good to navigate you to the desired place/address (no data connection needed). Even the netbook and GPS break down, I can survive only with a Nokia phone. If the phone breaks down I can get very cheap phone anywhere on the planet.

If you have a tablet like thing, you got only one shot. If the screen is gone, you are gone, if the battery is empty you are done, if the charger or charger cable out of use, you have noting. If it is stolen you will lose everything. And you need to carry extra charging cable for mobile, for batteries, for GPS, etc. I don't think you can find maps for every country for ios and android.

Tablets are good for daily life and for civilized places. But, if you need reliability, endurance and safe some money, they can not beat the netbook+mobile+gps trio.
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 19 Apr 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I have just bought a Galaxy "Apollo" or GT-I5800. It's the cheapest galaxy but had 99% of the features that the expensive ones have. Maybe a tidge slower too.

The GPS only works if you have Network meaning it's not a true GPS as advertised. It must be only AGPS (assisted)... Very disappointing. Rubbish for navigation. I tried it at the very top of a Welsh mountain on a clear day and go no sat signal at all but I did at the bottom on the mountain where there was phone reception.

The battery life is SHOCKING, like on all Smart Phones.. You will need to charge it EVERY NIGHT unless it's on standby and unused.

It's a great phone and the android OS is fantastic with almost unlimited aps, games, etc etc.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 19 Apr 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Les Cedres, Qc, Canada
Posts: 27
I agree on separating items. I have a Panasonic Toughbook CF-T7 which is small, light and strong. You can buy one from ebay in the 200-400$ range. Mine has a 500 gig HD, a touch screen, battery can run it for 5 hours+ etc...


I have chosen the Zumo 550 GPS which is not the fastest but very durable and reliable.

And I have my old Blackberry as a phone / GPS backup.

Although I love the Ipad, I do not think I would rely on it when travelling with my motorbike and camping. Anyway, it would not replace my laptop and would still need one to download pictures, films etc... As well as a GPS and phone, so it would be a 4th item to carry w/o really added features and value.

My 0.02$.
__________________
Fred, Airhead Lover
BMW R90S 74 & R100GS 93, Ural Patrol 06
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 23 Apr 2011
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Much as I love Android devices, I think like others here I'd avousing the Galaxy Tab (or similar) on it's own. I would instead look at the T-91 netbook from ASUS it's got a touch screen which rotates so you can use it as a tablet pc running Windows 7. Some of the versions have built in GPS, and a SIM card slot, so it ends up with the possibility of an all in one device again.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Samsung B2100 Warthog Communications 1 9 Mar 2010 02:44
Any experience with the samsung WB500 out there? Warthog Photo Forum 0 12 Sep 2009 17:32
good camping gear, good prices USA jim stanley Equipment Reviews 0 29 Nov 2003 02:59
XR 750 R good or bed? gregor Which Bike? 2 23 Feb 2003 22:56

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:17.