Im trying to work out whether its worth forking out the almost $700 for the full HEMA GPS System or whether the Android App HMEA Explorer for Mobile phone is enough for us?
Anyone have any feeedback to share?
HEMA GPS - Actual GPS System Vs Hema Explorer App for Mobile Phone
kimmybear on 12/11/2018 - 14:08
Comments
I see that Garmin's bought out a new GPS which has the Hema maps built-in. It's about the same price. I haven't researched it beyond a cursory glance on their website but it'll probably be my pick when I bite the bullet for good off road maps.
In my opinion the app is the way to go. I have been using it with great success on a 5 year old android tablet. I have the main topo map and also have the free Here Maps in satellite view linked, that I can download for offline use. I also have a couple of specific area maps that provide additional detail of the region. These are paid options and not included with the default app. I cannot confirm if these already come on the dedicated tablet.
I have also been trialing it on an old android phone. The reason I mention this is for 2 reasons. 1.If I can run it with such ease on these old devices. It makes me wonder the specs on the dedicated option. 2. I have found already, that having it on the device I carry around with me everyday (phone) can prove very handy.
The other thing I like about having it on my phone, is that when on wifi- all your tracks, routes and planned journeys are synced with the cloud app on the Hema site. now im sure the dedicated tablet would do the same. but my concern is, that I would just leave it in the car after a trip and leave it there, potentially without backing up my data.A con of the phone/android tablet in my use case - Screen Brightness, possibly the dedicated option would be better optomised for daytime viewing?
one more thing to note - I find that plugged into the the 12v socket the android tablet still charges faster than it drains. This may be of use as it was also a question from a friend.
Happy to give more info if you like. Safe travels.
I used the Hema HX-1 for a course last week. It's a rebadged/skinned 7" android tablet… probably one from this list. Those tablets are 4 years old, and have had deals on ozbargain for $50. Most though have a 3400mah battery (compared to 500mah) so it will probably help narrow it down.
So the software is $50-$100(?) /yr
The tablet is $700 with 3 years of updates
tbh IF the software is exactly the same, i'd choose my own tablet.
- check the amount of storage you'd actually need - including with maps
- i'd be inclined to get something more powerful, so you can use it for other stuff
- Tablets and phones suffer in the hot sun, so I'd be inclined to find a better location for it, rather than sunbaking front and center
- Get a good mount that keeps it secure. This is really important as pressing a shaky tablet is annoying, and it scares the shit out of you when the mount fails while driving. I think the best on the market is ram mount.
- Choose one with a capicative touch screen (most new ones do) - but might want to reconsider if you're primarily working with gloves/cold.
- if you mount it up high, you might want the sun visor things around it.
- A 10" tablet is easier to read, but you've also got to mount it somewhere. It was very intrusive just stuck directly on the windshield.
- A conventional phone is better for city driving as you can get live updates (waze/maps) and google things coming up, while getting directions.
The other benefit of the android tablet (particularly if you get one that has sim capabilities) is that you can link it to your google account and sync with other devices. Say your partner is on her phone and sees a good place to stop, you can "send" the url (or location) straight to the tablet (assuming it has internet access) and open straight away (or just sync at locations like mcdonalds).
You can also use a google docs and continually update as the trip goes along. So you can create an ongoing document that you share with your devices (including giving people read only access) and just update as you go along.
Finally, with maps, you can share your location so that others can track where you are (obviously requires a phone connection).
Note: I cant comment on the android hema software personally. I wasnt a big fan on the gps itself, but i didnt really have enough time to play around with it and "make it my own". So really this post is more about finding a suitable tablet
Thank you everyone. After some further investigation, it sounds like the only main difference is that the app doesnt have turn-by-turn navigation which isnt a problem. Think the app is the way we'll go!
i had the HEMA app with full maps which was good but I have never used the native system. Could be better if its all integrated as it was a pain having to change maps when touring and different maps would have more or less detail of the same area. Like having a glovebox full of maps where 1 is better for topo and another better for realistic expectations of track vs road. If the system they sell has a master overlay then I think it would be worth the extra id you do a lot of touring in different areas. As stated I have no experience their full system though.