My I -Pad 9.7" I've been using with a Stratus 2S gave it up on a nice "Breakfast on the River" to Indian Cr this morning. Looking to replace it, but really don't want anything bigger. I see they still sell the I-Pad Mini's. Any words of wisdom?

I've been using a an data enabled IPad Mini 4 for a couple of years with no issues and all on it's internal GPS card, no external antenna. My new employer has issued us all IPad Mini 5 but I have very limited operational experience as of yet with it.

I use an Ipad Mini 4. I like the size and it fits perfectly over my 58 C180 yoke. I have a larger 10.5 pro that I use more for instruction and instrument work. The pro has a brighter screen and better graphics but it needs to be recharged nightly at home. It is only good for about 3 hours without charging (brightness is up full blast). The Mini charges fine in the airplane and the battery lasts much longer. Functionally - the mini works great. I have not had overheating issues with either unit.




Josh

I had an ipad mini 2, that got stolen, so I got a mini 3, that was great then suddenly after 4 years just would not turn on. I got a mini 5, which is much faster processing rate, but the battery does run down much much faster.

Rumor is apple is bringing a mini 6 to market this spring. should be the same size but with a smaller bezel, meaning bigger screen, that would be real nice.

Let me also add I HATE APPLE WITH ALL MY HEART!!!! But, I use foreflight and that alone makes it worth it

Mini 6 out in a few weeks, wait for it.

I’ve been using a Mini 4 for a number of years. I used a full sized iPad instructing before that, but I much prefer the Mini size.

Barnstormer here had some issues with a Mini 5. I hope the upcoming 6 has sorted those out.

In my experience, buy the cellular enabled version, which has on board GPS. It’s plenty accurate, and avoids one more battery sucking (or cable connection to power source for the gps). I just keep the cellular turned off most times.

MTV

Mini 4 on a knee board, perfect size for me. I bought one with the cell radio and leave it in the hanger so I can control the engine preheat remotely through HomeKit.. more money to AT&T

Have you thought about a big phone instead of a small iPad? If I were VFR only, I think that’s what I’d do. Time was when I was satisfied with an Aera 530. I’m pretty sure an iPhone 12 is at least as big as that.

I use an IPhone when I’m buzzing around locally for weather and frequencies etc. Prefer the mini for longer trips. Stratus in for weather is awesome, as you don’t suck power constantly seeking cell service in remote areas. Definitely get the one with a SIM card.

I also subscribe to XM Satellite Weather. No matter where I am, I can turn on that receiver, blue tooth it to the iPad Mini, and I've got weather. Even down in a canyon in the middle of nowhere.

I too prefer the size of the mini...it's really just about right in my opinion. I didn't like the full size iPad in the cockpit, but it was company issued.

I have a new iPhone 12 Pro, and I'm amazed at the battery life. Apparently battery technology has really advanced since my last phone, which was a 5. If the difference in battery life of the new iPad Mini compared to the old one in battery life is like this, it'll be impressive.

MTV

I use a 9.7 now but used a mini 3 and then a mini 4 for several years. Worked great but needed ship power because battery would not last long with display active all the time. I still carry two external power sources I can plug in if needed. Never had overheat issue. Small and light enough for a suction mount but of course would fall down occasionally, usually on takeoff, if I forgot to moisten (OK spit on) the cup preflight.

Rumors of a new iPad mini are coming more frequently now. Looks like there's a good chance we'll get an iPad mini 6 announcement this month. I'm hoping these leaked renders are accurate and that the screen covers the entire front of the device, with basically the same exterior dimensions.



Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/new-ipad-mini-6-design-just-leakedand-theres-almost-no-bezel

used and/or refurbished ipad mini 4s are cheap and plentiful these days...

A new Mini with a new Pencil would be great.

I'm glad this subject has come up as it's something I've been reflecting on recently. I'm just finishing my training and so far I haven't been allowed any electronic navigation - just good old fashion paper map, pencil and E6B. That said, once I'm done I will certainly want to use an ipad with my Garmin Pilot subscription. I'm still confused on how I should set it up though. For instance, I don't understand why I need the cellular version?

I have a Garmin Inreach that I plan on connecting to the Ipad for GPS and messaging while in the air, and emergency response. I'm unclear on what cellular in the Ipad would do for me over an ipad with wifi only? Is the cellular for ground only in areas with reception?

My other question is, what's the best way to get weather and traffic into Garmin Pilot?

Thanks for the help.

The cellular iPad has an internal GPS chip. WiFi only does not.

If you always connect it to a device which can supply GPS, the WiFi version is probably fine. Personally, I always buy a cellular version because I hate having to connect it to something for position, and the $10/mo for data is worth it to me. You can also tether it to your phone for data, and for some people that works well.

Cannon wrote:The cellular iPad has an internal GPS chip. WiFi only does not.

If you always connect it to a device which can supply GPS, the WiFi version is probably fine. Personally, I always buy a cellular version because I hate having to connect it to something for position, and the $10/mo for data is worth it to me. You can also tether it to your phone for data, and for some people that works well.

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'm pretty thick as I'm still confused. My iphone has GPS but Garmin Pilot loses my location once I get up a certain altitude. This is one of the reasons I bought the InReach since my understanding is it provides a supplemental GPS source that works at altitude. I noticed the day that I tried using my phone's GPS, Garmin Pilot showed my location at circuit altitude, but it was lost when I later climbed a bit.
I didn't realize our device's GPS were reliable. Perhaps my phone was just having a bad day when I tried it..?

I'm still unclear on how to get weather into Garmin Pilot in Canada. I'm not sure if the GDL50 works the same in Canada as US as far as weather?

1_Robert wrote:

Cannon wrote:The cellular iPad has an internal GPS chip. WiFi only does not.

If you always connect it to a device which can supply GPS, the WiFi version is probably fine. Personally, I always buy a cellular version because I hate having to connect it to something for position, and the $10/mo for data is worth it to me. You can also tether it to your phone for data, and for some people that works well.

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'm pretty thick as I'm still confused. My iphone has GPS but Garmin Pilot loses my location once I get up a certain altitude. This is one of the reasons I bought the InReach since my understanding is it provides a supplemental GPS source that works at altitude. I noticed the day that I tried using my phone's GPS, Garmin Pilot showed my location at circuit altitude, but it was lost when I later climbed a bit.
I didn't realize our device's GPS were reliable. Perhaps my phone was just having a bad day when I tried it..?

I'm still unclear on how to get weather into Garmin Pilot in Canada. I'm not sure if the GDL50 works the same in Canada as US as far as weather?

I doubt it will work, my Stratus does not get weather in Canada, and it is spotty in the San Juans.

My ipad works fine in BC for weather, I just don't like paying the data in the US when I am visiting

1_Robert wrote:

Cannon wrote:The cellular iPad has an internal GPS chip. WiFi only does not.

If you always connect it to a device which can supply GPS, the WiFi version is probably fine. Personally, I always buy a cellular version because I hate having to connect it to something for position, and the $10/mo for data is worth it to me. You can also tether it to your phone for data, and for some people that works well.

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'm pretty thick as I'm still confused. My iphone has GPS but Garmin Pilot loses my location once I get up a certain altitude. This is one of the reasons I bought the InReach since my understanding is it provides a supplemental GPS source that works at altitude. I noticed the day that I tried using my phone's GPS, Garmin Pilot showed my location at circuit altitude, but it was lost when I later climbed a bit.
I didn't realize our device's GPS were reliable. Perhaps my phone was just having a bad day when I tried it..?

I'm still unclear on how to get weather into Garmin Pilot in Canada. I'm not sure if the GDL50 works the same in Canada as US as far as weather?

I use my Samsung phone with Garmin pilot and have never had it cut out at a set altitude. This is the first I've heard of that happening. How high are you flying during your training?
As for weather, I just turn that layer on in the settings on my phone and it displays the radar coverage. It's super handy, I especially like the lightning strike feature. It's no extra cost to my regular $80/yr garmin pilot subscription, but only works where there is radar weather coverage. I lose that in the very northern parts of Alberta. Overall quite happy.