Redundant chartplotting on tablet or laptop

[Red Raven]

BTW, for those considering an iPad as a backup GPS device. All iPads do not have GPS. GPS is only included in the Cellular versions. The Wi-Fi only version does not include GPS. The WiFi only version has a different form of location service using local WiFi signals but it will not work away from WiFi sources. You can buy a Cellular version without a Cellular contract. Then you will have the real GPS and can just use your iPhone contract for data when needed.

The Garmin BlueChart app does not require a Cellular connection to work. You just need WiFi data to initially load the charts. It does require a GPS however to track your location effectively.

Curt

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Surface Pro - you can get a top spec refurbished pro 3 here for $699! https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/d/certified-refurbished-surface-pro-3/8rd3b8wzsvkx/H073
Pro 4 is more money but better screen and battery life and pro 5 is coming out shortly with extraordinary battery life and power.d
USB GPS puck https://www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BU-353-S4-USB-Receiver-Black/dp/B008200LHW $30
dAISy AIS receiver https://www.tindie.com/products/astuder/daisy-ais-receiver/ $60
Coast Explorer from Rosepoint http://www.rosepoint.com/coastal-explorer/download $379
(in the past OpenCPN) (Free)

also now looking at https://ikommunicate.com/ for getting NMEA data onto the laptop. $299

For a bit over a $1300 you get a pretty amazing setup. especially if its in addition to your existing Garmin install for redundancy.

 

[nzfisher]

Does anyone also use their accessory apple device to wifi connect to the garmin and mirror the garmin functions with it in addition to alternate navigation apps? I would like to purchase one device that does both. Hoping to find a user that already does this for advice.