ZTE Blade II with Navionics, anyone?

[C-NUMB]

Have been considering to purchase a ZTE Blade II with Navionics charts to use as back up "plotter" and phone(in a watertight pack).

Price for such package would be very attractive. As its an android phone, it should work, but have anyone tested it in reality(is the in built memory enough?)

As a totally rookie in mobile devices have to ask also following daft question, will the navigator need a connection after downloading the charts (does to phone need an on line internet connection) to operate or would Ibe able to use the charts even without a sim card? Thanks

[willk]

I can't help you with the phone review, but I do have Navionics on an Android phone. Navionics charts are stored on the phone and do not need an internet connection to run. I have been considering use in the SIB and have purchased a small USB charger that holds 4xAA cells and will keep the phone running for hours. The charger is not much larger than the batteries (which I carry anyway). The phone can be clipped to the charger with a rubber band or two and popped in a waterproof bag. The touchscreen works through the bag.

Donegaldan made a good point about backup SIMfree phones, they still work to make emergency calls, so even without a SIM, one can be a lifesaver.

[jambo]

Hi R
I've been using Watermap Scotland on my iPhone it's brill and lads than half the price. You can get them for all sections around the GB@IRE. Cheers. Billy

[Cookee]

Just to add to Willk's recommendation of the Navionics package - I have the Iphone version and it's amazing, you can do tracks and record all sorts of data - brilliant!

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Cookee

Just to add to Willk's recommendation of the Navionics package - I have the Iphone version and it's amazing, you can do tracks and record all sorts of data - brilliant!

John. You can do the very same on watermap. B

[C-NUMB]

Thanks for comments. Mobile Navionics seams like a very competitive solution, the pricing is incredible, i don't get it how it can be so cheap compared to "normal" versions. A Friend is using it in a IPad, works brilliant except for bright sunlight( but how often is that a problem....)
Think will test the Chinese miracle phone as my track record for mobile phones in open boats is not that good , rather destroy a cheap one than an IPhone

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by jambo

John. You can do the very same on watermap. B

I'm sure you can but I don't know that one!