Buying Guide for the Best Tablet With Gps
When choosing a tablet with GPS functionality, it's important to think about how you plan to use it. Whether you're using it for navigation, travel, or outdoor activities, finding the right fit depends on understanding key features and matching them to your lifestyle. Consider what you'll do most often: will you mostly use it for maps while driving, for hiking in remote areas, or for city exploration? Think also about why you want GPS on a tablet specifically, as opposed to your phone or another device. With these ideas in mind, let's look at the key specs to guide your selection.Display Size and TypeDisplay size determines how large the screen is and directly affects your experience of reading maps, following directions, and interacting with GPS apps. Smaller screens are more portable and lighter, making them easier to carry, while larger screens offer better visibility and a more comfortable viewing experience, especially for split-screen or multitasking with maps. Display type, like LCD or OLED, influences color accuracy and brightness, which matters for using your tablet outdoors. When choosing, consider how youโll balance portability against ease of useโif youโre often on the move, a smaller tablet may be ideal, but if you need to see more map details at once, a larger display is better.
Built-in GPS CapabilityNot all tablets come with built-in GPS; some rely only on Wi-Fi for location, which is less accurate and won't work in remote areas. Built-in GPS ensures you can get true location tracking even when offline or without any mobile connection. Tablets with cellular (LTE/5G) options often include dedicated GPS chips. If accurate navigation outdoors or on the road is essential for you, always check for proper built-in GPSโskip Wi-Fi-only models as they may not have this feature.
Battery LifeGPS features can be power-hungry, especially when used continuously for mapping and tracking. Battery life tells you how long your tablet can run without charging. Longer battery life means greater reliability for extended trips, hikes, or navigation days. Typical values may range from a few hours to all-day use. If you travel or stay away from power sources, aim for a tablet with strong battery performance to ensure you arenโt left without navigation when you need it most.
Ruggedness and DurabilityRuggedness refers to how well the tablet stands up to drops, dust, and water, which matters greatly if you plan to use GPS outdoors, during travels, or in challenging environments. Some tablets are designed with shock-absorbing cases and water resistance, while standard models are more vulnerable. Consider your usageโif you'll be hiking, biking, or traveling on rough terrain, look for features like water resistance and durable build. For mostly indoor or car use, standard designs may be sufficient.
Offline Maps SupportOffline maps allow you to download navigation data in advance and use GPS without an internet connection. This is crucial for remote areas or when traveling internationally to avoid relying on data. The availability and ease of downloading offline maps depend on both the tabletโs software and the apps you can install. Consider tablets with ample storage capacity and support for your preferred mapping apps with reliable offline functions.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include Wi-Fi, cellular (LTE/5G), Bluetooth, and sometimes USB ports. Cellular connectivity is not only for internet access but often tied to the presence of a built-in GPS chip. If you need live traffic updates or want to access maps anywhere, cellular is useful; for offline use or if you already have a smartphone hotspot, Wi-Fi may suffice. Bluetooth can help with accessories like wireless keyboards or GPS receivers to enhance navigation setups.