Do any aviators have experience using a Samsung tablet?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 19:30:44 -0400

The most recent AWR for aviation shows that there is a single Samsung tablet that you are able to fly with, however I have never heard of anyone using it. I personally don't like Apple products and was wondering if anyone here has used it and could tell me how well it works i.e. that apps available for it, ease of use. Is it a hindrance to go with Samsung over Apple?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 7:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 19:32:18 -0400

Depends on what you are planning to do with it. Despite the fact you don’t like Apple products, their stability, speed, and reliability are ten thousand times better than Samsung.
I’ve used both and have had ZERO issues with my iPad, both personal and issues from company.

Response by SFC Keith Sollazzo made Oct 29 at 2017 8:33 PM

SFC Keith Sollazzo — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 20:33:09 -0400

Never used a tablet. I have Garmin & Foreflight on my iPad mini. Also have a back on my Android phone called Avare. You just have to figure out what is good for you. Too many applications out there.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 10:25 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 22:25:12 -0400

iPad mini all the way.

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Oct 30 at 2017 4:18 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 04:18:23 -0400

LT,
I am not an Army Aviator but have had my PPL since 2005. I have been flying with my iPad since 2012 and it is a game changer in the cockpit. The best app out their in my opinion is ForeFlight. Airspace, Weather, Approach Plates, Traffic (w/ADSB receiver), and W&B information are all integrated into the app. They also have "Military Only" side that includes military specific locations across the globe. Apple products are also approved as an EFB in the cockpit by the FAA making it a go to product to use. Samsung already has a bad rep with their Note 7 being banned on aircraft due to spontaneously combusting batteries.
Just my 2 cents...

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 30 at 2017 4:37 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 04:37:14 -0400

I am not an aviator but I will give you the position of someone in Information Technology. I understand why some people shy away from the Apple interface over Microsoft. The simple facts of the matter are these. Apple had the windows interface first and the Apple variant is much better engineered than the Bill Gates hacked copy of it. The Bill Gates version is more susceptible to viruses, system breakdown, and needs infinite upgrades and with each upgrade comes a interface or UI change to enhance profitability. If it was my life at stake and I was buying the product I would buy Apple. Apple OS is also more stable than the Microsoft OS. Microsoft software also consumes significantly more in disk space and memory than does Apple.......increasing your costs of hardware.

Response by SSG James Behnke made Oct 30 at 2017 7:14 AM

SSG James Behnke — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 07:14:48 -0400

Can someone please explain to me what flying and tablets have in common? Definitely lost here...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 9:26 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 09:26:29 -0400

Our CAB was fielded both by the PM. My company had Androids, and by and far the feedback was not positive overall compared to the iPad. As a result of a couple surveys, the Android devices will be replaced by iPads.

Flying civilian with the iPad for many years, it is hands down a better device for aviation for many reasons in my opinion. If you reach out I can go into more detail.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 10:20 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 22:20:48 -0400

iPads are very intuitive in my opinion. I have little complaints about using the IPad during flight in both Army rotary and fixed wing. I have not heard about an android product being allowed in the cockpit. Only AWR I’m aware of is strictly for GOVT issued iPads. If you do hear something, please share as I am now curious

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2018 7:36 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 19:36:31 -0500

I thought the whole of Army Aviation was receiving apple mini 4 ipads now. My unit was the test group last uear for them.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2018 10:51 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 22:51:28 -0400

If it's similar to the one I've tried, it wasn't particularly easy to use, but the DoD program on it was very similar to Foreflight. I didn't particularly like it; I'd much rather use my iPad.

Response by SGT George G. made Oct 9 at 2018 9:52 AM

SGT George G. — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 09:52:13 -0400

I use the Naviator app on my samsung and it works fine. I might try garmin on my samsung and see which one does best for instrument training.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2019 9:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 21:04:50 -0500

My unit was the test bed for the new electronic flight bags, apple vs. Samsung. The ipads performed better overall and now we are all issued a 128gb ipad mini. You might as well use an ipad for consistency.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2020 8:30 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 20:30:56 -0400

I use it and love it. I also hate Apple.