iPad Done Right.

[Danvilletim]

I'v been on the forum for a couple years and I've finally convinced my company who makes protective covers for iPads to come out with a Marine Version. The factory isn't going to start the tooling until next week and I'd love to get some feedback on whats going to work and what is not.

The Gumdrop Marine system consists of a weatherproof (IPX6) enclosure with both a flush mount an d surface stand mount option. The goal is to really allow the iPad to be integrated into the helm as equally as any Garmin or Raymarine unit.

The iPad is sandwiched in between layers of silicon (gasket), ploy-carbonate shell, and see-thru plastic touch screen. Its screwed tight to achieve watertightness. The power cord exists via a self sealing plug. The unit is designed to easily remove and take to the bar, down below, etc. All data comms is intended to be done via Bluetooth.

What do you think? Would you use it? Would any of you be willing to flush mount it? What are the must have features?

 

[magnawake]

I have an Ipad, but dont really see the need for a mount. We have a griffin Survivor case. Its mostly rubber and has a kick stand. Its great to be able to carry the ipad anywhere you want. We are always moving it around the bridge. If my wife goes down below to make lunch, I will grab the ipad and pull it closer to me. As far as flush mount or surface mount? I see no need to mount it at all. Heck my wife sits on the bench seat behind me and watches the charts.

 

[saltshaker]

I have an Ipad, but dont really see the need for a mount. We have a griffin Survivor case. Its mostly rubber and has a kick stand. Its great to be able to carry the ipad anywhere you want. We are always moving it around the bridge. If my wife goes down below to make lunch, I will grab the ipad and pull it closer to me. As far as flush mount or surface mount? I see no need to mount it at all. Heck my wife sits on the bench seat behind me and watches the charts.

If you use it as a plotter, you want it near the helm. If you're running at planning speeds and seas are anything but flat, I'd want it mounted. I like the idea or a removable pod style mount.

 

[jmagel]

I use a suction cup mount that works quite well, but it has no protective capability as your new product has. Perhaps your product would be best targeted to the small-boat market where the iPad would be exposed to the elements and more violent movement. To be completely honest, the biggest complaint about my iPad2 isn't mounting, but screen brightness. The Marine MFD's perform much better in direct sunlight. The iPad doesn't really compare so I don't think I would flush mount it unless it was inside.

 

[Diesel]

Lifeproof case and a Ram mount works well. Protection from the elements and easy to get in and out of the mount. Also easily adjustable to get the right viewing angle you desire.

 

[Pascal]

I ve been using my iPad at the helm for a few months now and find myself grabbing it pretty often so I don't think I'd go for a flush mount unless I had a dedicated iPad just for the helm which is something tht has become a very good idea.

I use a lifeproof case and set it on a chart holder I made out of starboard a few years ago, which sits slightly slanted. The rubber of the lifeproof case means the iPad doesn't slide off, at least so far... An easy to remove bracket would be a very nice feature.

I can see how waterproof connectors would be a big plus in a wet environment.

 

[Finalee]

I like the portability of it unmounted. Its used in many places other than the boat.

 

[YBbroke]

Dan
Congrats on having your marine app come to fruition. I received an iPad and Lifeproof case as a gift to use on my boat. Unfortunately, I'm still shopping for my boat. I was surprised that the Lifeproof case did not come with a screen protector.

That being said, I would definitely be a candidate for a suction type mount. I cringe whenever I see patched holes from removed obsolete electronics. Will your surface mount work with a Lifeproof case?

Terry