Hello
Is there any software to use with a tablet and a sat nav gps dongle.
Thanks
thyristor44

It depends on the tablet, Is it running Android?

Just know that having the software on a tablet does not make it able to be a GPS navigator. You also need to have either a GPS chip or an external antenna. I believe that WiFi will work but not too well. The sole program will work in simulation mode but not as a moving navigator without the above.

chas521 wrote:Just know that having the software on a tablet does not make it able to be a GPS navigator. You also need to have either a GPS chip or an external antenna. I believe that WiFi will work but not too well. The sole program will work in simulation mode but not as a moving navigator without the above.

You must have read over it.

thyristor44 wrote:Hello
Is there any software to use with a tablet and a sat nav gps dongle.
Thanks
thyristor44

@ thyristor44
It would be nice to know what tablet, because there are all kinds from very cheap to expensive.
The operating system and specifications can limit your choice of software very hard.

I havent decided on which tablet yet but will go for android in near future and hoped to part finance it by not getting a dedicated satnav which I also need also the screen would be a bit larger, but by the sounds of it that may not make a very good satnav.

thyristor44 wrote:but by the sounds of it that may not make a very good satnav.

That all depends. Probably anything over a 7" screen would be WAY too big for any kind of dashboard or windshield mount (which may be difficult to find by itself if not included), but then the screen may be a bit small for 'normal' tablet operations.
And then finding a tablet with a built in GPS chip may not be so easy...very common in smartphones..standard equipment, not so much in tablets.
Not saying they don't exist, just that you would have to shop carefully and maybe make some compromises.
Keep in mind a decent dedicated GPS device (purpose-fit for in car use) can be had for less than $100. You might have to pay that extra $100 to get a tablet with a GPS chip, and then maybe not be satisfied with it as a tablet.

Its not looking too promising for a tablet combined satnav then. But you can get gps receiver dongles, loads on gbay but would need software.

thyristor44 wrote:Its not looking too promising for a tablet combined satnav then.

Again, it depends what you want and what compromises you are willing to make.

thyristor44 wrote:But you can get gps receiver dongles

Yes you can. Will they work with all tablets from all manufacturers, and all GPS software from everywhere? You pay your money, you take your chances.
A much less elegant solution than a built in GPS chip...do you really want another wire or thing to have to worry about? A built in chip is just about guaranteed to work with existing GPS software (I'm assuming you are talking Android), a dongle will always be a gamble.

A smartphone/tablet is ok for the occasional short trip but I wouldn't want to use one all day, you'd be much better off with a dedicated GPS device if you're planning on using it a lot.

Ill take your advice mates and give that one up and get a dedicated GPS.
Thanks for the help
Regards
thyristor44