Yes! Most tablets and smartphones do not need to be connected to a network to be positioned. They generally have a built-in* GPS satellite receiver, as good as any dedicated GPS device. Their last generation GPS chipsets are extremely sensitive, and location accuracy is generally impressive! Your tablet will thus give your position anywhere on the globe, including in the middle of the Atlantic or on a mountain trek.
* With regard to Apple iPads, only WiFi + Cellular models (or "WiFi + 3G" for older models) have a built-in GPS. If you have an iPad WiFi, you need an External GPS if you want to use navigation applications.
Regarding tablets and smartphones, they have been proven extremely reliable. For example, Apple's iPad is widely used in sectors needing high security: marine and aviation. The offer for navigation, weather etc.. apps in these two sectors is particularly rich and qualitative. Nearly two thirds of US private pilots now use the iPad as a means of Flight Navigation and Planning !
For apps, it is up to you to pick the right specialized applications before practicing an extreme sport. We made a selection for each sport, found on the Appstore or Google Play, but we can not guarantee they are the best or that they will correspond to your needs.
A true GPS is required when you leave the urban areas (see our report on this topic)
You must therefore check the device datasheet before buying. All iPhones and most Android phones have a GPS. For tablets, it is less systematic: iPads must be a Cellular model.
No, apps are available on download platforms : Appstore, Google Play, Windows Marketplace etc.. Downloading must be made directly from these platforms. To facilitate this operation, iTabNav simply selected best apps (sorry this section is still in French for now) and we provided a direct link to each application.
We do not sell tablets or smartphones, because our clients are mostly already equipped. You will find on this site the many things you can do with a standard tablet you didn't dare take out of your home!
iPads are very reliable, some users are still using the old iPad1 ! However when considering buying a second-hand iPad, you should preferably buy a recent model if you can :
- this will insure maximum iOS compatibility (iPads 1 & 2 cannot support the latest versions of operating system)
- they will have more modern chips, including faster GPS positionning
- screens are generally more and more luminous with each new model
- latest Air generation is smaller in dimensions and lighter
In any case, prefer the WiFi + 3G* (or Cellular) versions to avoid having to buy an external GPS. For a mixed use - home & navigation -a 32 GB model is sufficient: you will be able to put all the navigation apps and charts you want, surf the web and do your emails, and still have room for music and photos. If you download lots of music or videos, prefer higher memory.
*This is because Apple installs a true GPS only in these models. Note that you don't need to buy cellular airtime for GPS.
The small 'i' in iTabNav is there to remind the origin of our business that marketed only accessories for iPad and iPhone... simply because there was nothing else! The phenomenal commercial success of these two devices has prompted many passionate sporters to engage in the development of applications that better serve their needs. This created a high demand for hardware accessories that prompted manufacturers to embark with Apple accessories rather than for products with a shorter shelf life.
In 2016 still, despite a bigger market share of Android, Apple products are still those for which outdoor applications and accessories are the most developed. Never mind, we cover both !
Tell us directly on our contact box, we will publish it as soon as possible. Thank you!!!
We have entrusted our logistics to the Efilog company based in Sarthe (France), which manages our stock and shipments.
Unlike many web sites, we have our own stock and are able to deliver very quickly: orders placed before noon are usually dispatched the same day and can be delivered the next morning in France (with the TNT delivery option). Deliveries in Europe take 3-5 days. Outside Europe is about 5-7 days, but customs can sometime retain parcels for a few days.
For payments by credit card, we go through Secure Paypal ou the Payzen Trusted Platform. Payzen is a brand of Lyra Network.
PayZen ensures the optimal safety of your data using its PCI DSS certification and the use of SSL which encrypts all the information related to your order. At no time, your bank details appear in clear or are visible to us.
For further information on the payment platform we invite you to visit the website: www.payzen.eu or contact +33 811 708 709.
ITabNav is a small company of enthusiasts which has proven first all of the products sold here in boating since early 2011. Many requests from other sporters have prompted us to create a site targeted at other outdoor sports likely to use a tablet. We remain attentive to offer quality hardware capable of supporting you reliably in your passion.