11-16-2013, 01:06 AM
After holding off for a few years, I'm in the market for an iPad. I'm looking at the refurb 16GB Wifi/Cell Mini at the Apple store for $350. (The same without Cell is $250, (32GB is $340), at the online Apple Store. BTW, prices were significantly higher there this morning.)
I'm really only looking at one feature- the GPS. The iPad will be mostly used for marine chartplotting, with some light entertainment on the side. I really have no use for 3G/4G data plans; Wifi is good enough. For heavy use, I have a MacBook Air. (I really wish Apple sold the MacBook Air with built-in GPS, have you seen what they charge for decent chartplotters, that _only_ plot charts?)
To outfit a used Mini Wifi with a decent external GPS thingle would cost maybe $60, but there is the bother factor.
A used 32GB Mini without warranty or Cell is probably worth a _maximum_ of $250, for those paying attention. That is just the way it is, but note that Apple gear still resells at a decent fraction of the original price compared to the competition.
I have had very good experiences with Apple refurbs, but of course, Your Nautical Miles May Vary.
Eustace
(About chartplotters, I still remember the days of buying very expensive plasticized Nautical charts. Nowadays, you can get all the range or detail you need for free from the NOAA download pages. With GPS, you can view the charts electronically with your position superimposed, with course, tracking, and Velocity Over Ground superimposed. No more grease pencils.)
I'm really only looking at one feature- the GPS. The iPad will be mostly used for marine chartplotting, with some light entertainment on the side. I really have no use for 3G/4G data plans; Wifi is good enough. For heavy use, I have a MacBook Air. (I really wish Apple sold the MacBook Air with built-in GPS, have you seen what they charge for decent chartplotters, that _only_ plot charts?)
To outfit a used Mini Wifi with a decent external GPS thingle would cost maybe $60, but there is the bother factor.
A used 32GB Mini without warranty or Cell is probably worth a _maximum_ of $250, for those paying attention. That is just the way it is, but note that Apple gear still resells at a decent fraction of the original price compared to the competition.
I have had very good experiences with Apple refurbs, but of course, Your Nautical Miles May Vary.
Eustace
(About chartplotters, I still remember the days of buying very expensive plasticized Nautical charts. Nowadays, you can get all the range or detail you need for free from the NOAA download pages. With GPS, you can view the charts electronically with your position superimposed, with course, tracking, and Velocity Over Ground superimposed. No more grease pencils.)