Affordable tablet for maps w/SIM card slot?

[irish44j]

I know there are some "toughbook" style tablets (SxS and stuf like that) built for the hardcore overlanders, but I'm looking for something just for our weekend trail runs on the rare occasion my buddy isn't there with all his mapping gear to lead the group. Since I won't use it much don't really want to spend big dollars on it, so just looking for one that
- will accept a Data SIM card (since I get them for free from Google Fi)
- has good enough screen to be seen ok in sunny or sunny/woodland conditions
- maybe around 10" size, give or take
- is cheap/affordable and performs ok.
- preference is Android, not Apple.
- for the purposes of this thread, talk about NEW (though I may just buy a used one in the end).
- no need for movies, gaming, or anything like that.

I was looking at the Dragon Touch tablets, but can't figure out if they have the SiM slot (so probably not). But any recommendations to check out?

Or, do I really need a SIM card, or just get a GPS dongle or something?

Electronics aren't really my strong suit, so talk to me like I'm your grandfather lol....

 

[Cypress]

I'm using one of these. It will take an SD card and a SIM card. It has a decent amount of memory and so far has been trouble-free.

Alldocube 8.4" Tablet. $152.99

 

[KonzaLander]

I have been pretty happy with a Samsung A7 Lite. It only has 32gb of internal storage, but will accept SD cards. My only complaint about the tablet is it's startup speed, but once it has booted up I can run 2-3 navigation apps concurrently. I only use the tablet for mapping apps and Earthmate for my old InReach. It flawlessly recorded 6,000 miles of GPX tracks on my last trip with the internal GPS. It's about the "perfect" size.




I bought this thing new from Samsung for just over $100 and it has been worth every penny. Even though it is now an older tablet it still receives updates. It looks like you can pick one up that has been renewed for around the $100 point today.

I'd prefer to buy a tablet from a popular brand vs one of the generic brands so that you get some continued support into the future.

 

[irish44j]

thanks guys, will look into those!

 

[caryt]

Old S2 pleanty of storage, GPS and sim card.

Used cost me $100 years ago still going great.

 

[johnhire1]

That sounds great! Having both an SD card and a SIM card register slot is super convenient. Glad to hear it’s working well for you so far! Which model are you using?

 

[MidOH]

I use a Samsung Galaxy S7 tablet.

Be aware: Backup your files and programs, on a USB drive. The tablets have a habit of deleting tons of files, anytime you clean up a few. Or anytime you really need them.

 

[irish44j]

As it turns out, good timing on this thread bumping. I ended up picking up a refurb'd A7 Lite (and a cheap protection case) and they arrived today - so already loaded up my mapping stuff and getting used to the controls. It's an international model so it gets GPS/Glonass, and is unlocked GSM so I can use my (free) Google Fi data sims to get cell signal as well.

I was actually just online looking up RAM-style mounts for where I want to mount when I saw the thread updates here. Will update with how everything works.

 

[Flipper]

I use an old Air II loaded with Gaia mapping pared to a Garmin GLO GPS. Also a Samsung phone that is connected to the Garmin. I had to take the phone to the phone store and it took them over an hr to figure out how to connect it. Now the phone dosent need service or internet for GPS function with Gaia mapping loaded. If I do have service I have Google Earth and Google Streets real time on the phone and IPad.
I can mount the iPad in our Van, Outback, portable, or in a Harbor Freight case exploring in our skiff in the back country. The phone, Garmin and a small battery pack is in a molle pouch so it goes on my backpack belt for hiking.