Apple IPad Mini review
Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:39 pm
This is not a review of IPad software but the mini platform itself. I'd been waiting patiently for 2 years for Apple to market a smaller version of the IPad. I just felt the full size version was to big for the cockpit and though I never got around to it felt I'd rather use a IPhone in the small space we have.
Well my wait has been worth it. I purchased a black 32gb WIFI+Cellular. I wanted the built in GPS for convenience and they only are available in the Cellular versions. You do not have to activate the cell/data service for the GPS to work. The difference in price is $130. You will pay $100 for a external GPS but it will never be as convenient as the built in unit. I already own a Duo bluetooth WAAS GPS in anticipation of buying a IPad. While it is WAAS and the built in IPad GPS is not my IPad GPS has had an accuracy of 5 meters and again the hassle of the external unit is not worth the trouble and I wouldn't buy it again. Of course while you don't have to use the cell/data service, if you don't buy a model capable, you can never use it.
How does the mini work. In two words just fine. It is physically just over half as big as a full IPad but there is less blank edge space on the mini so the actual viewing area is about 2/3rd the size of the full IPad. I've had no trouble reading or touching the sweat spots in the programming for it to work so far. In fact most things like the program icons and the key board keys are the same size depending on portriat or landscape, as the full size. In Foreflight there is a few smaller buttons which I expect will be adjusted as the mini becomes the standard for aircraft use as I think it will, but I still didn't have any trouble as they are now.
As far as the mini screen and internal stuff that makes it work. The screen is the same as a IPad 2. It is glossy and it will have the same issues as a full size IPad in the sun. I haven't had andy trouble yet. I do look for Apple to finally get a anti glare screen maybe in version 3 of the mini and it will cost $$. This is Apples way. In the mean time I will get a anti glare protective cover or put up with it. The mini also as the same chip set as the IPad two and of course comes with iOS 6. It will run all the same programs as the full size version though as I mentioned there may be a few program screens that need adjusting to optimize the mini but I don't think it will take long for that to happen. The mini does have the IPad 3 camera set and is capable of running all the same software for the camera as the IPad 3.
Here are a few pictures of the mini as we might want to use them in the cockpit. The first is the mini with Foreflight open and a flight I took in my 170. It was easily readable from my knee or in fact from the passenger floor where I had it for most of the flight. Here it is on my knee. In the helicopter and in fact in the 170 I'm pretty sure just a simple knee board strap around the leg with some velcro would work nicely. I had it just resting on my knee in the 170 and the yoke did not hit it though maybe on landing you would want to seing the mini out of the way. BTW the mini is no bigger than the military knee boards I've been issued but unlike them is only about 5/16" thick with the cover. While at work I actually carry the mini in my standard issue flight suit leg pocket. It fits perfectly in there and is not to heavy as to be uncomfortable. I also wear a APLHA Industries replica MA-1 flight jacket and the mini just sticks out of the inside pocket. I made a little safety strap that snaps in and hold the mini perfectly inside. After my flight in the 170 and a review of my instrument panel, I decided that I might use an existing hole near the center to mount a RAM 1" ball. From this I will use a RAM 5.75" clamp to hold a RAM Universal X-Grip II™ Tablet Holder which fits the mini. This should place the mini just in front and slightly below my centered AN directional gyro, well within reach and reading distance. If that doesn't work out I'll use the same RAM components to make some other holder like a yoke mounted unit which the mini would be perfect size. How ever I'm not a big fan of yoke mount stuff in the 170. When the RAM hardware comes in I'll take pictures of my solution.
So in closing. I'm thrilled with the IPad Mini so far for the mixed use including in the cockpit. I think those who are using a full size IPad, you might want to give that to the wife and get yourself a mini. And for those like me who have been waiting for the smaller version, the wait is over.
Well my wait has been worth it. I purchased a black 32gb WIFI+Cellular. I wanted the built in GPS for convenience and they only are available in the Cellular versions. You do not have to activate the cell/data service for the GPS to work. The difference in price is $130. You will pay $100 for a external GPS but it will never be as convenient as the built in unit. I already own a Duo bluetooth WAAS GPS in anticipation of buying a IPad. While it is WAAS and the built in IPad GPS is not my IPad GPS has had an accuracy of 5 meters and again the hassle of the external unit is not worth the trouble and I wouldn't buy it again. Of course while you don't have to use the cell/data service, if you don't buy a model capable, you can never use it.
How does the mini work. In two words just fine. It is physically just over half as big as a full IPad but there is less blank edge space on the mini so the actual viewing area is about 2/3rd the size of the full IPad. I've had no trouble reading or touching the sweat spots in the programming for it to work so far. In fact most things like the program icons and the key board keys are the same size depending on portriat or landscape, as the full size. In Foreflight there is a few smaller buttons which I expect will be adjusted as the mini becomes the standard for aircraft use as I think it will, but I still didn't have any trouble as they are now.
As far as the mini screen and internal stuff that makes it work. The screen is the same as a IPad 2. It is glossy and it will have the same issues as a full size IPad in the sun. I haven't had andy trouble yet. I do look for Apple to finally get a anti glare screen maybe in version 3 of the mini and it will cost $$. This is Apples way. In the mean time I will get a anti glare protective cover or put up with it. The mini also as the same chip set as the IPad two and of course comes with iOS 6. It will run all the same programs as the full size version though as I mentioned there may be a few program screens that need adjusting to optimize the mini but I don't think it will take long for that to happen. The mini does have the IPad 3 camera set and is capable of running all the same software for the camera as the IPad 3.
Here are a few pictures of the mini as we might want to use them in the cockpit. The first is the mini with Foreflight open and a flight I took in my 170. It was easily readable from my knee or in fact from the passenger floor where I had it for most of the flight. Here it is on my knee. In the helicopter and in fact in the 170 I'm pretty sure just a simple knee board strap around the leg with some velcro would work nicely. I had it just resting on my knee in the 170 and the yoke did not hit it though maybe on landing you would want to seing the mini out of the way. BTW the mini is no bigger than the military knee boards I've been issued but unlike them is only about 5/16" thick with the cover. While at work I actually carry the mini in my standard issue flight suit leg pocket. It fits perfectly in there and is not to heavy as to be uncomfortable. I also wear a APLHA Industries replica MA-1 flight jacket and the mini just sticks out of the inside pocket. I made a little safety strap that snaps in and hold the mini perfectly inside. After my flight in the 170 and a review of my instrument panel, I decided that I might use an existing hole near the center to mount a RAM 1" ball. From this I will use a RAM 5.75" clamp to hold a RAM Universal X-Grip II™ Tablet Holder which fits the mini. This should place the mini just in front and slightly below my centered AN directional gyro, well within reach and reading distance. If that doesn't work out I'll use the same RAM components to make some other holder like a yoke mounted unit which the mini would be perfect size. How ever I'm not a big fan of yoke mount stuff in the 170. When the RAM hardware comes in I'll take pictures of my solution.
So in closing. I'm thrilled with the IPad Mini so far for the mixed use including in the cockpit. I think those who are using a full size IPad, you might want to give that to the wife and get yourself a mini. And for those like me who have been waiting for the smaller version, the wait is over.