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iPad for drone

xAli3Nz

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Oct 7, 2018
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Hello!
Looking for some advice from iPad users out there.

I've been looking to get an Ipad to fly my Mavic for a while now, time has come and I'm currently deciding between Ipad mini 4 and Ipad 9.7 (6th gen 2018)
These are my thoughts on both:

Ipad mini 4: small, lightweight, easy to carry, easy to mount on controller. - Way outdated in terms of performance/price.
Ipad 9.7: Bigger screen, A10 chip. twice the performance of the ipad mini 4 but same price, high perfomance/price ratio. - Bigger, heavy.


So if the ipad 9.7 can fit in the controller easy, and is not that heavy i'd go for it, any advice from someone that actually owns one? How big/heavy really is?

Thank you!

https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?ur...94-1-1.html&text=Best+ipad+for+Mavic?&via=DJI
 
I went through the same thought process and ended up begrudgingly getting a iPad mini 4. The biggest factor is it fits the controller perfectly without needing other faffy bits. For me it’s all about portability/convenience. The price really annoyed me though .
 
There's no way I'd pay full retail for an iPad Mini at this point. If I couldn't have found a great deal on a 128GB LTE model then I'd have definitely went the iPad Pro & MavMount route.
 
I use an iPad Pro (10.5-inch) because it was on sale right before Christmas for not much more than the non-Pro iPad.

IMO processor speed wins out. Always go for the faster processor. I disagree that the full-size iPads are heavy, especially if you're using a lanyard.

Yes, the Mini mounts directly in the controller arms. That's a plus. But a $20 iPad mount takes care of that and I have a bigger screen and faster processor.
 
I use an iPad Pro (10.5-inch) because it was on sale right before Christmas for not much more than the non-Pro iPad.

IMO processor speed wins out. Always go for the faster processor. I disagree that the full-size iPads are heavy, especially if you're using a lanyard.

Yes, the Mini mounts directly in the controller arms. That's a plus. But a $20 iPad mount takes care of that and I have a bigger screen and faster processor.

I was just looking at the pro, it really is a beauty, it you say its not heavy I'd probably go for that one. May I ask what mount do you use? for the controller
 
I also use a 10.5 and don't have any issues with weight (don't always wear a lanyard). Never had any issues whatsoever. I use a Mavmount 3.0 and keep my ipad in its case (inc integrated pencil holder) and its spot on
 
How is the iPad Pro in the sunlight? Do you need to use a shade?
 
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I was just looking at the pro, it really is a beauty, it you say its not heavy I'd probably go for that one. May I ask what mount do you use? for the controller
I use the previous version of this mount. I like the idea of the new one having an aluminum tightening nut rather than plastic: https://www.amazon.com/SKYREAT-Upgr...9367719&sr=8-3&keywords=skyreat+tablet+holder

If I ever have to replace it it will probably be with a LifThor, but I've been spending all my money lately on new batteries for the Mavic 2.

The Pro has an anti-reflective screen and has the brightest display of any iPad (600 nits I think, but don't quote me). Still, it isn't a Crystal Sky, so I generally still do use a shade on sunny days, which works great.

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro weighs a hair over 1 pound (469 grams). A lanyard is nice for balance, or even if you just want to let go of the controller for a bit (not while flying!) to use your hands for something else.
 
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How is the iPad Pro in the sunlight? Do you need to use a shade?

I have a shade but don't always need or use it, just rotating myself a little can help. Going from a S8+ to the iPad was one of the best moves (albeit pricey) I did for my drones
 
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How is the iPad Pro in the sunlight? Do you need to use a shade?
I "assumed" the mini 4 was relatively inexpensive, :oops: wow was I surprised.
I am an Android person but researching which display (MPP) I quickly became a dedicated iPad Pro 10.5" / with cellular. I do not have it on a network. At home I can D/L maps or if I need them in the field I can create a hot spot with my cell phone. Not cheep but compared to the "4" it is not that bad.
I use a hood when I fly in the direct sun (300+ days a year of sunshine).
I want to have direct access to my RC so I use a LifThor Sif if I am not using my Titan Switch. If I am using the Titan, I use the Skyreat holder.
Just my $0.02
 
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Just recently purchased an iPad 9.7 6th gen 32gb. Updated the iOS and stripped it of apps I could, adjusted all settings to GFY, Installed Go4 and set it to let it manage cache for video. Butter smooth and decent brightness on a nice sized display.
Hoodman combo and Mavmount 3.0 on the way!
 
Just recently purchased an iPad 9.7 6th gen 32gb. Updated the iOS and stripped it of apps I could, adjusted all settings to GFY, Installed Go4 and set it to let it manage cache for video. Butter smooth and decent brightness on a nice sized display.
Hoodman combo and Mavmount 3.0 on the way!
That's my setup. Love it. Went from Galaxy 5(terrible) to Wunderphone(good) to 9.7, MavMount & 2 tunnel hood. ZERO issues. Works fantastic. 20180704_122359.jpeg
 
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Oh...I just ordered a Garmin GLO so I will have home position updates when filming from boats. I live in Newfoundland, Canada, we have an awesome amount of things to be filmed from the water.
 

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