5 Comments

A big plus for the Android-based tablets is battery life. Also, at their low price point you're less likely to cry when you drop it out of a tree. It would be nice if more of them were capable of running GrapheneOS than the Pixel Tablet though. The Surface tablets are nice if you want the ability to run a full Linux system, but the more affordable ones (like the Go2) suffer from not-so-good battery life - and you'd still pay more than $50.

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Yes sir, the battery life of an Android tablet is really good. You can also put them in a protective case with a privacy screen protector like you would any phone. I actually bought a Surface Pro 2 for about $50. It's heavier than the Onn tablet, battery life isn't as good, the battery connector is a funky non-standard contraption, and you have to play all kinds of games to get it to work with Linux of any variety because of the touch screen functions not being supported. I relegated mine to VHF/UHF digital comms work in the shack or vehicle-mobile. Droid is the way to go. If we could get a developer to push more software for digital modes to Android apps we'd be set. Specifically, JS8Call and Vara support would be nice. As would a non-Winlink email client like Pat, but wish in one hand...

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There is a set of actively developed kernels for the surface tablets that has really come a long way - especially in the past year. Installing the source repository has it update just like any other linux program. Touch support is now very good - along with the "pencils." (I'm not a fan of those in the field - too fragile. Capacitive stylus is much better - cheaper, rugged, and none of the pencil-fluff.) Screen rotation works well on the Go2, but haphazardly on the 7-series presently. If you want/need full-FLDigi (and other programs) then it's what we've got. If AndFLMsg has what you need, then the Android tablets are the better option.

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I don't see this tablet other than used available anymore. Any other suggestions? I have a couple cheap chinese tablets that send but won't receive. Work fine without the btech aprs cable. Trying to use andFLmsg app with an ht.

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An issue like that is often a problem with your settings or with the radio itself. Baofengs in particular are finicky. You might have some success using a tablet you already own and a Digirig with appropriate cables for your radio of choice. My experience with Baofengs in particular has been spotty even with a Digirig, though. My Retevis RA-89 has done a good job on data modes though.

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