WHICH Inexpensive Android Tablet(s) for Gauges? - Recommendations?
 

FEEDBACK LIST -- I'll keep updating as more information comes in from you guys
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| WHAT WORKS (not in any particular order, just listed as info comes in)
| $80, RCA Galileo Pro, 32 GB, 11.5" Android 6.0, WiFi/Bluetooth, 1024x600, No GPS
| $60-$90, LG Pad 8.0 (2015 vintage), Android Kitkat/Marshmallow, WiFi/Bluetooth/GPS, 1280x800
| $___, Galaxy Tab 7 (2013 viintage), no specs
| $50-$110, Acer Iconia Tab 8, 16GB, 8" Android Kitkat 4.4, Wifi/Bluetooth/GPS, 1920x1080
| $75-$240, Asus Nexus 7 16GB w/ 2GB RAM (2013 vintage), Android Marshmallow, Wifi/Bluetooth/GPS, 1920x1080P IPS display
| $70, Asus Pad LTE, 1.0GB RAM
| $70, Nextbook (2015 vintage), 7"
| $___, 3rd Gen FIRE HD units - Refer to Post #52 (by 87beater) for details on making these work. Wifi only, no Bluetooth, 8"
| $30-$40, RCA Voyager tablet, no specs available
| $40-$60, iNova tablets, no specs available
| $___, Samsung Tab A - 2GB, Wifi and Bluetooth, 8"
|
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| Does NOT Work
|
|
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| DIFFICULT to Make Work
| Units which do NOT have Google Play Store make it difficult to get TorquePro installed.
| Older 1st/2nd Gen FIRE units - EITHER must be rooted to get the Google Play Store, OR use a Windows client (Racoon) and Kindle
| system file explorer to download the app on the device. Reportedly a real PITA, but workable. Refer to Post #26 (andym).
|
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| RECOMMENDED FEATURES
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| - something newer than Kitkat (Android 4.4.2) is really beneficial
| - high contrast (i.e. IPS display, etc.)
| - really good resolution is preferred (1280x800 or better)
| - Google Play Store connectivity is easiest way to get TorquePro or FORscan
| - Bluetooth is preferred over wifi-only
| - GPS is a logically useful feature
| - 7-8 inch may be ideal for placement & mounting options, but up to 10-11" can be made workable
| - it seems like 8GB is adequate, and more than 8GB enhances the unit's usefulness for other things
|
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This thread is dedicated to reviewing the LATEST and MOST CURRENT experiences with Android Tablets in the cab for monitoring your truck's health with TorquePro, FORscan, or any other similar app.

Chime in...

Which tablets work?... don't work? (brands, models, etc.)

Recommended tablet specifications (RAM, ROM, Android version, contrast, screen resolution, size, wireless connection type, etc.)?

The focus here is to accommodate a gauge scanning app and GPS. Any additional multi-tasking capabilities for non-vehicular uses are just icing on the cake, and not really needed for the truck monitoring purposes.

Aside from the basic pieces of data summarized above, give me some more input with more specifics. I believe ALL of us would appreciate knowing what has NOT worked so we can avoid unnecessarily repeated failures.

As always, thanks ahead of time for any and all input.


NOTE: Other helpful threads...

2018 Thread - Torque PID's... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ke-pids-2.html

2018 Thread - Torque Pro FAQ's... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-pro-faq.html

Apple application questions... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-my-ipad.html

2016-2017 thread life - TorquePro PID's... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...nd-others.html

2014-2016 thread life - TorquePro PID's... https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rque-pids.html

https://www.walmart.com/ip/RCA-11-Ga...d=actual_color


I bought this one for a dedicated truck tablet. It is BIG. it is only 80 bux. The screen resolution is not the greatest holding it right in front of your face, but mounted on the pillar it is perfect.


I used a arkon mount like this but a different model. Bolted to the dash inside the fuse panel. https://www.walmart.com/ip/ARKON-TAB...MOUNT/43938975


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...864744f59d.jpg

Thanks, Brandon.

Is that TorquePro, Forscan, or something else you have running in the pic?

After digging around on the net, your screen resolution appears to be 1024x600, and that on a large 11-inch display. That's a good reference point to know.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...74be9feeae.jpg

I use this 2 year old LG tab8.0 I had laying around. I like the size and it works well for TorquePro. The GPS speedo is intermittent sometimes but its quick to return the data and it doesn't happen that often. It doesn't bug me at least. All other data is spot on reliable as far as displaying.

I use the PLX Kiwi 2 BT OBD II adapter and its great. I went with it for the sleeping ability and the option to add their EGT sensor to it if I choose later for my 7.3L

Torque pro. one of the optional themes. It does not have gps.

How can it not have GPS? If you have space in your memory you can down load it from the play store. What are you guys using to mount them? I have used a Galaxy Tab 7, it might be about 4 years old and it says it does not have enough free memory to upgrade the OS. It works fine

I have been resting mine in an accessory tray on the floor in front of the center console. Its the accessory tray that originally went on the front of my 2000 F350 console that I replaced with the cup holders. It fit the LG8.0 perfectly. But, it's bit too far to read some of the smaller gauges. I just ordered this as recommended by Tugly...

http://www.arkon.com/product/SM688-s...et.html​

Linky no worky......

Slim-Grip Ultra 18" Seat Rail or Floor Car Mount for Galaxy Tab 4, 3, Nexus 7, iPad mini, iPhone 7: Arkon.com

try that

From what I have found it does not have the gps hardware inside the tablet. was not a deal breaker for me.

Today u can get a 7" phabilt for $80.
I have one in the mail now. (don't ask why I need 2).
If u drop a sim card in there, its a phone.
If not just WiFI. Today, I would not by one w/o GPS.
I assumes they all had it. Now u can download google maps.
I'm not sure how much memory u need for that.

I use the GPS speedo in Torque Pro because I have a 6" lift with 35" tires and my speedo is not calibrated. Not sure how accurate the GPS speedo is, but it is a few mph higher than my speedo on the dash so I error on the side of caution with the GPS speedo so I don't get a ticket. Ford house wanted $150 to re-calibrate so figured this was a cheaper option. Other than that, I wouldn't have a need for the GPS ability myself.

Perfect! Thanks

I got an Acer tablet a couple years ago. Tried the Arkon mount and I didn't like it, flimsy and too low. I went back to using my old RAM netbook mount which I modified and attached a foam wrapped piece of wood that fits tightly in the dash pocket, very portable and very sturdy. I used to have it up higher and used a crutch to keep it stable but after lowering it almost to the seat by re-bending the arm it is plenty stable without a crutch.

I need to re-enter some of my boost and Baro equations

I think my next tablet will be a Galaxy

I looked at the Arkon mount mount online. It looks a bit sketchy. I am hoping for something more sturdy.