iPad or In-dash GPS

Would like to hear your input on which option to go with. I've listed the pros and cons that I know of below. I'm stuck deciding which one. Cost is a big factor hence the Chinese GPS and not a quality unit, but having a fixed / always on unit is another big factor, hence why I'm having trouble deciding.

iPad
Pros
Free (already have)
Portable
10" screen
Multi function (GPS, games, movies etc)
Removable / tracks can be uploaded and recorded
Reliable / quality built

Cons
Mounting will be more difficult (would rather not screw into plastics etc)
Have to buy GPS software - ~$200
Not fixed / small hassle to reinstall for small trips
Have to remove after trips

7" Chinese In-dash GPS unit
Pros
Fixed / always with car
Better GPS receiver location
Can install tracking software incase car is stolen
Better screen position
Attach reverse camera

Cons
Cost ~$400
Could be unreliable (Chinese built)
Makes car more of a theft target
Smaller screen / poorer quality
Already have MP3 player installed

I've got a Ipod touch 4th gen (does not have GPS) but ive coupled it with this www.tomtom.com/en_gb/products/mobile-nav...-kit-for-iPod-touch/

The Tomtom cradle was very cheap from PCworld/Comet discount store as it isnt supposed to work with the 4th gen, but it will when you put a rubber cover round the ipod to make it 3rd gen size!

And installed Navfree www.navmii.com/navfree/?country=GB

pro's for me is I can also connect it to my stereo so I can use Spotify for my music,and also there are many apps to track the proper speed now the big wheels have knocked out the Speedo by about 5 to 10mph.

Hope this helps.

Thanks sponnie,

I've got the cradle and a 4s. I had the setup installed previously but found that when I want to use my phone, for photos, video or calls I had pull it out, causing issues with the gps, and also having to close it down causing gaps in the tracking. I was hoping to have a setup a bit more permanent, since I have the iPad just lying around. I also find the iPhone screen to be a little small for looking at off road maps

Yes fair point Sandez. I'd be interested to see a setup using the iPad if you go that route, as i have the 1st gen iPad so might use it myself for offroading duties?? Time will tell

I have a chinese GPS unit, an older model though but still does the job.

Sandez wrote: Fixed / always with car

Probably best advantage of the thing: no worry about securing it, about viewing angle, about keeping it charged, about dangling power and external antenna cable.

Sandez wrote: Can install tracking software incase car is stolen

I don't know what type of units you've seen, but every chinese 2DIN DVD/GPS/MP3/all-in-one unit I've seen have Windows Mobile installed. Actually, if anyone cares about technical explanations: they are a Frankenstein made of two "systems": one runs Windows Mobile and your GPS app, the other is a proprietary chinese chipset and primitive operating system which runs the radio/dvd player/unit settings. You can only choose one nav application to start through the settings and usually have no data connection to send the tracking software data back to you. There are some new units which allow you to plug in a SIM card or 3G USB modem, but they only appeared this year; be wary about what you plan to do with it, as the software might be quite limiting (and there is no option to replace it, most units are complete "nonames").

Sandez wrote: Could be unreliable (Chinese built)

My unit is more than 2 years old and has an adjustable screen (the kind that flips down to let you fiddle with the disc and SD cards). I've been expecting it to fail (in order to have a reason to replace the unit) and it doesn't ! to be honest, the only problem is a noisy fan when it's cold, but other than that ... rock solid (the CD doesn't even skip on potholes, I've been amazed).

Sandez wrote: Makes car more of a theft target

You can get one with a detachable faceplate, or find a "cover" for the unit which makes it look like there's no unit installed (or the default Clarion which will tempt no one). Admittely I haven't researched to see if there's one available specifically for the Jimny.

Sandez wrote: Smaller screen / poorer quality

Not really; the 7" screen (for 2 DIN) is enough to view TV, movies, etc and it's very bright. The new screens have even 800x480 resolutions, quite comfortable. Indeed, they're usually resistive screens which aren't very responsive to the touch controls, but they do the task.

VAXXi wrote:

Sandez wrote: Fixed / always with car

Probably best advantage of the thing: no worry about securing it, about viewing angle, about keeping it charged, about dangling power and external antenna cable.

Is definitely the most appealing part, and the one that is making it hard for me to decide.

VAXXi wrote:

Sandez wrote: Can install tracking software incase car is stolen

I don't know what type of units you've seen, but every chinese 2DIN DVD/GPS/MP3/all-in-one unit I've seen have Windows Mobile installed. Actually, if anyone cares about technical explanations: they are a Frankenstein made of two "systems": one runs Windows Mobile and your GPS app, the other is a proprietary chinese chipset and primitive operating system which runs the radio/dvd player/unit settings. You can only choose one nav application to start through the settings and usually have no data connection to send the tracking software data back to you. There are some new units which allow you to plug in a SIM card or 3G USB modem, but they only appeared this year; be wary about what you plan to do with it, as the software might be quite limiting (and there is no option to replace it, most units are complete "nonames").

I figured since most Chinese units run on Windows CE 5/6, then I would think that tracking software would be available. I haven't done research on this yet so I guess I could remove this off the Pros list.