My Macbook pro is my workhorse for navigation using MacENC for S57/digital and raster based charting, direct AIS, GRIB downloads via SSB, direct feed from GPS, etc. etc. However the Macbook is vulnerable to 'weather' and I simply use "Air Display" to transmit the Macbooks screen directly to an iPad mini (in waterproof case) AT the helm station.
Even with an iPad w/ wifi and cell enabled, Im still NOT sure/convinced of the iPads GPS accuracy, and am 'suspicious' of its 'resolution' (errors).
from the Apple iPad website:
Location Services lets location-based apps such as Reminders, Maps, and Camera gather and use data indicating your location. Your approximate location is determined using available information from the cellular network data (on Wi-Fi + cellular models), local Wi-Fi networks (if you have Wi-Fi turned on), and GPS (may not be available in all areas). The location data collected by Apple isn’t collected in a form that personally identifies you. When an app is using Location Services, appears in the menu bar.
... the 'red' and GPS (may not be available in all areas) 'may' mean that on iPads the GPS function is 'probably' dependent on your proximity to a cell phone tower. How many cell phone towers have you seen when far out at sea?
