and have begun looking for a tablet to purchase (new or used, IOS/Android/MS as required) and I find the forums confusing regarding
A) Which tablet will run GPS without a cellular connection
Only Android devices possess such capabilities, Apple decided to use only integrated circuits with cellular plus GPS, but none GPS only.
B) Which operating system is supported and updated by skydemon to maintain the most current updates to maintain pilot awareness and safety
Take whatever you like, both versions for Android and iOS are well maintained, but be prepared to spend more time fixing glitches on Android devices due to their wider spread of varieties.
Many people recommend Apple devices for skydemon as they (apple supporters) usually maintain this platform is more stable and the hardware copes with cabin heat issues better.
Yes, iOS tends to restrict possibilities for flaws and I usually say go for Apple as support for Adroid is more complicated. The heat issues were a temporary problem fixed by software a long time ago, so no difference there.
One detraction from that is I have heard anecdotally that Apple devices always require cellular connection to maintain GPS functionality.
There were some bullshit posts on tha internet about that. True is, Apple uses a cellular assisted GPS, which is able to use cell data IN ADDITION to GPS signal to get a better first fix. So, if you start an Apple iOS/iPadOS device side by side with an Android and both have been far away from their current location, the Apple cellular version is quicker in establishing a first estimate for the position as it "asks" the nearest mobile tower about its location.
Many people stand by devices running the Android operating system for very similar reasons as apple but they often feel freer by not being in the Apple ecosystem.
As above, choose whichever you like. Both sides do have their ups and downs.
A detraction from this is that people say devices running Android do not have as good overheating protection as Apple devices and increase likelihood of future hardware failure.
These are two points.
First. Currently no tablet is really suffering from overheating any more under normal circumstances. There are occasional problem in open canopies or special direct sun application, but they are more due to pilots stupidity to leave the device in direct sun light exceeding normal operational condition ...
Second. Longevity of iPads has been shown to be much better compared to Android devices. Part of the story is the lack of sufficient software updates in the Android-World, another the frequently "cheaper" built of the devices.
A positive is that many people state that devices running Android do not require a cellular connection to maintain GPS functionality.
see above, neither does. Don't believe Old Wife and Grumpy Old Misfits Tales.
In both cases many people are undecided as to whether their devices are supported as they age and operating systems are upgraded.
This is a point Pro-Apple. they are much more transparent on compatibility and do provide much longer software updates.
Could anyone clarify if
- Apple devices require cellular connection to maintain GPS functionality (this may impact my choice as I don't want to pay for a mobile data plan just to navigate safely)
No
- There are hardware differences in thermal protection to prevent devices being damaged (may impact choice as no-one wants to buy an expensive tablet that fails in cockpit heat)
Every tablet does have that today, they all protect themselves by reducing display brightness and shutting off after a warning when overheating. But, my experience = I have not seen that for years.
- which operating systems (and their update age) are supported by skydemon.
iPadOS, iOS/iPhoneOS, Android, Windows (Plan version
Many thanks