GPS help for luddites

Hi all
newbie question about gps. I have read lots mag articles, books, etc......but still baffled! I dont take to technology as easy as a teenager! I have read about Ozimaps, etc and am starting to get to grips with the concept of it all. Anyway, I have seen this; (hope the link works as not done one of them before )
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-2-Superpad-II-Flytouch-3-Android-2-2-Tablet-PC-GPS-/260823110207?pt=UK_iPad_Tablets_eReaders&hash=item3cba44d23f

and wondered if it is any good. It can be run from a 12v vehicle supply, comes with an external antenea, and a vehicle anti shock mount is available for it.
Questions,
are the readilly available mapping systems compatible?
Will it do the job?
Any other suggestions?
Likely destinations for my trips are; Alps, Spain, Eastern Europe, and hopefully Morroco, Algiers, etc...would even like to head for Jordan eventually.
All advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Tony

The good news is the link worked, the bad news is that I am about as useful as a chocolate fire guard with GPS systems (My limit to date is a basic Garmin European version) so I'll leave it to the experts on here to give you a definitive answer.

Tom the technophobe!

Tom Mc wrote:

The good news is the link worked, the bad news is that I am about as useful as a chocolate fire guard with GPS systems (My limit to date is a basic Garmin European version) so I'll leave it to the experts on here to give you a definitive answer.

Tom the technophobe!

Tony the technophobe also! The tablet in the link (that amazingly works!!!) is an absolute bargain...if it would do the job. Got a 15% off voucher for it too, making it exceptional value for money. Reluctant to buy it until someone can tell me if it will do my job. Otherwise it will be another piece of electronic trickery in my house, staring at me, daring me to try it out
tony

I've never thught about using a tablet as a gps mapping device.
I suppose if it had the right programme it would be a good idea. No idea what programme you could use.

Tablets....don't most of them use Android operating systems? So any mapping software you use for "moving map" type navigation would need to be able to run on Android.

I know for a fact that OziExplorer software has an Android version and is useable worldwide.
http://www.oziexplorer.com/
and having used this software for a few years can say that it is very good ( at least it is for Australia). You can download a trial version.

As far as the tablet goes.....(OK...I went and looked at the linky you posted)
It only has 4gb storage space. This is a fair bit but I know for instance that it wouldn't hold all my map files for Australia., so can you use ASD cards in it, or a USB drive?
512mb RAM is pretty small. It won't be a fast operator, but if all you are running is mapping software it may be enough.
It has USB ports which is good.

I have never used an Android driven system. Personally I think I would go for a 10.1in netbook which will cost the same price and possibly give you a few more options...like a keyboard, faster operating system, windows which is what you are probably used to, more RAM, more storage space so you can download and photos you take, keep a diary etc. It can also be 12v powered, or battery run and recharged via 12v and the same anti-shock mounting system can be used.

I have just been thru this for myself and have settled on an Asus 10.1in netbook as I thought it would be more versatile than a tablet. My Asus cost me $198 and it has 250g HDD and 2mb RAM...so already a winner for a device the same size.

Hi Vixen,
ta for taking the time to look and reply. As the origional post says...Im a Luddite when it comes to technical stuff! The main reason behind the tablet idea is because it has inbuilt GPS which netbooks dont have, and I like the idea of it being touch screen, and less bulky and lighter than a netbook. Yes it does take SD cards and has USB port, and a keypad is available for a few pounds. Sadly, Im still non the wiser Nice to know Oziexplorer cater for Android devices though...
tony

Tony, I guess one of the things I would be asking is how the antenna connects to the tablet ie is it hardwired in (probs not likely) or USB, this in case of breakage or failure to operate. You can get good inexpensive USB GPS dongles or mouse type antennas these days.

OK touch screen. I think you'd firstly need to find out if the software caters for touch screen. Not having ever used a tablet I have not had to investigate this option at all.
I think you also need to look at availability of digital media maps for the countries you wish to travel as well. I know they can be quite expensive to buy, but there may be online sources to download from.

It's a very confusing area to look into when you are not sure. You need to try to find someone that has a tablet system set up to talk to.

With modern technology today everything is possible.

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