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Ipad Air 2 (Cellular) 16GB $325 - Nvidia Shield K1 (WiFi) 16GB $199
I bought the iPad Air 2 exclusively for use flying my Phantom 3. I came in and read all the posts on comparisons between the two tablets and was conflicted. There were some really heated exchanges. I was using my android cell phone with my wireless account but I recently received a business phone so I really didn't need the personal phone any longer. So I transferred the cell line to my iPad Air 2 (cellular). I could not be happier with the iPad. It is fantastic. That brings us to today. I need a device that can display videos from an SD card and it wouldn't hurt if I could use androids version of Litchi I have heard it is great... Hmmm so I bought a shield. Ordered it this Tuesday and it arrived the following day at 10am (AMAZON PRIME IS NO JOKE!) So now here are my takes on the two devices only as they pertain to our hobby as quad enthusiasts and Phantom Pilots.
SIZE:
Air2 - the screen is larger and perfect for me. It is easier to navigate through the menu's because their is sufficient real estate. It is really easy to move around. You can actually access menus without fingerfuddling the wrong functions
Shield K1 - is smaller but it is almost perfectly balanced on the RC. It isn't as large as the shield but it does have enough room to move around.
MOJO says Winner - Air 2 - If you are a guy who has problems navigating around the screen. It is much easier to do so with the Air2. Things are spread out enough for even the fattest of fingers. On the other hand the shield fits nicely on the RC is balanced. The iPad will flop over if you let the lanyard hold it.I would concede that some might like the smaller sized screen as a personal preference..It can be difficult to get around with the iPad. It makes the setup top heavy.
VIDEO FEED:
Air2 - rock solid lag is insignificant.
Shield K1 - rock solid lag is insignificant
MOJO says TIE - both are fantastic
VIDEO BRIGHTNESS:
Air2 - noticeably brighter than the shield not perfect but the better of these two
Shield K1 - You will need a sunshade - with the screen shaded it is serviceable (this tablet was built as a gaming tablet... made for inside use)
MOJO says Winner - Air 2 and it isn't close.
Update: I bought i bought an anti glare screen for the K1. It is much better. Still it is not in the same class as the Air 2
BATTERY:
Air 2 - I'm getting 8 hours plus sometimes with my Air2. I use it all day and charge it at night.
Shield K1 - Guys the battery on this thing sucks. No other way to say it. For the purpose of this review that really isn't a huge deal because 3 hours is enough to fly and review footage but ... be close to power if you are making a day of it with the shield.
MOJO says Winner - Air 2 and it isn't close. I really never even paid attention to the battery with the Air2. With the Shield you better. It is powerful but it sucks down the juice more on that later.
HEAT: (I only include this because I think it will be an issue later.)
Air2 - Never noticed any heat. I have been using the tablet without a cover. The temps are in the 70's. The Air 2 is cool no noticeable heat at all.
Shield K1 - I flew a few batteries and found it to be noticeably warm. There may be a reason for that as i was running the onscreen recorder but it gets warm here in the summer. This could be a concern later.
MOJO says NO WINNER: I have no idea what will happen when the Shield gets warmer or if it will get warmer because it didn't effect the performance during my flights. My opinion may change later if the Shield starts shutting down during flights.
AUDIO:
Air2 - I will just start by saying I do not like the speakers on the Air2. they are on the side. I often times find myself cupping my hand on the speaker so I can hear it. (years of shooting has taken a toll)
Shield K1 - Speakers are forward facing so... you can hear it without needing to take any measures to bounce the sound
MOJO says Winner - Shield K1 - While the shield wins this comparison is about the tablets and how they are different for our hobby. I will say I turn the volume up on the Air2 and have no problem hearing the audible notifications. which is all i use the speakers for during flight anyway. So this is one of those where I say the Shield wins but the difference while flying is not significant. Both systems are fine for flying and playback later.
ACCESSING FLIGHT DATA/MAPS:
Air2 - As with most apple products. Apple doesn't really care that you want to use the tablet and actually access the data on the tablet. In fact, they make it about as inconvenient as possible. You have to connect to iTunes copy files over to a file and then share. While that is not terribly difficult, it does require the use of another device and it does require you to tether to your computer to get your flight information. This is the cellular version, so the upside is I flip on cellular data switch and the maps upload automatically (I have it connected through my data plan).
Shield K1 - I went to fly and forgot that the Shield K1 is not cellular..CRAP! I walked back to my car connected to my phone and cached the map. No big deal but it does require having another device to obtain the data. (I do know that there are previous versions of the shield that do have cellular; none of the new ones have cellular they do have GPS so you can access the same functionality in flight as the Air2 Cellualr) So with the shield you must have a device that has the ability to share data or you will be flying without a map which is No Bueno. Sharing flight data is simple though. Go to the file on the tablet and share it... In fact, I use automated upload through Healthy Drones. One button and it is done.
MOJO says Winner - Shield (Android) To me caching the maps was nothing it took about 30 seconds. I went to the car connected to my phone and I was finished in about a minute. Anything that requires connecting to iTunes is an inconvenience. I actually hate iTunes.... I was able to upload files from my shield in seconds. That was a real bonus. I walked through the door clicked the button and I was done and looking at the uploads on Healthy Drones.
APPLICATIONS:
Air2 - Both seem to run identically on the DJI GO APP. Litchi, really nice and admittedly, I haven't really had a chance to work with it on either platform yet. (I am in the "read the **** manual" phase). Autopilot - I do not have this program I will probably get it later. (NOTE: I will likely not get this application until they solve the hover/autoland problem)
Shield K1 - This is were the shield crushes the Air 2. First, the shield comes with an on board screen recorder. So if you like to effortlessly record everything you see in DJI Go or Litchi as you are flying this is a huge bonus. I did use Litchi for some basic stuff and can say it is nice. (Here I will defer to those who have used it and say that Litchi Android is better than Litchi iOS) I have Litchi on both and will compare them in a later post. Anyway as I mentioned earlier the automated means of sharing flight data are win wins for the Shield. A process that took me 10-15 minutes on iOS is about 5 seconds and one press of the button on android.. No need to connect to iTunes or a computer which I despise.
*Note part of the battery drain I mentioned earlier may possibly be because I was using the on-board screen video recorder.I don't know yet because I have yet to fly without the screen recording.. because it is so cool.
MOJO says WINNER - SHIELD and it isn't close - I love the screen recorder and automated apps
Update: If you have Litchi on iOS you can screen record the flights and share them similar to the Shield K1. It isn't as functional in that you can only record while in Litchi. Still this closes the gap a little.
MEDIA:
Air2 - Well run what you brung! My Air2 only has 16 GB of memory. For the purposes of this evaluation that really is plenty. The problem is ... No removable media. Why that is important is that you can't access the media from the copter until you get home or to a computer.
Shield K1 - This is another area that is a huge win for the shield. The size of the internal memory isn't important to me. What is important is that I can take the card out of the copter and immediately view the footage or photos on the shield. No need to go home and upload. You can share the full sized images right after you land. (you will need to tether to a wifi source to share obviously.. remember the shield does not have cellular function) An added bonus is that you can transfer the data to the shield if you like and free up your card for more flights.
MOJO says Winner - Shield no comparison. Before the iOS guys say who cares for me it is important. Having a micro sd slot is incredibly useful. It would have come in handy when I was in Florida. I could have reviewed my photos and videos on scene and made the appropriate adjustments in the field. Instead I didn't see the full size photos or videos until I got home.. Almost 1500 miles later when it was too late.
The winner depends on what you value most. For me the winner is easy. BOTH!
Please provide me your comments!!!!
Hope you enjoyed the post and that it is helpful.
M0j0
I bought the iPad Air 2 exclusively for use flying my Phantom 3. I came in and read all the posts on comparisons between the two tablets and was conflicted. There were some really heated exchanges. I was using my android cell phone with my wireless account but I recently received a business phone so I really didn't need the personal phone any longer. So I transferred the cell line to my iPad Air 2 (cellular). I could not be happier with the iPad. It is fantastic. That brings us to today. I need a device that can display videos from an SD card and it wouldn't hurt if I could use androids version of Litchi I have heard it is great... Hmmm so I bought a shield. Ordered it this Tuesday and it arrived the following day at 10am (AMAZON PRIME IS NO JOKE!) So now here are my takes on the two devices only as they pertain to our hobby as quad enthusiasts and Phantom Pilots.
SIZE:
Air2 - the screen is larger and perfect for me. It is easier to navigate through the menu's because their is sufficient real estate. It is really easy to move around. You can actually access menus without fingerfuddling the wrong functions
Shield K1 - is smaller but it is almost perfectly balanced on the RC. It isn't as large as the shield but it does have enough room to move around.
MOJO says Winner - Air 2 - If you are a guy who has problems navigating around the screen. It is much easier to do so with the Air2. Things are spread out enough for even the fattest of fingers. On the other hand the shield fits nicely on the RC is balanced. The iPad will flop over if you let the lanyard hold it.I would concede that some might like the smaller sized screen as a personal preference..It can be difficult to get around with the iPad. It makes the setup top heavy.
VIDEO FEED:
Air2 - rock solid lag is insignificant.
Shield K1 - rock solid lag is insignificant
MOJO says TIE - both are fantastic
VIDEO BRIGHTNESS:
Air2 - noticeably brighter than the shield not perfect but the better of these two
Shield K1 - You will need a sunshade - with the screen shaded it is serviceable (this tablet was built as a gaming tablet... made for inside use)
MOJO says Winner - Air 2 and it isn't close.
Update: I bought i bought an anti glare screen for the K1. It is much better. Still it is not in the same class as the Air 2
BATTERY:
Air 2 - I'm getting 8 hours plus sometimes with my Air2. I use it all day and charge it at night.
Shield K1 - Guys the battery on this thing sucks. No other way to say it. For the purpose of this review that really isn't a huge deal because 3 hours is enough to fly and review footage but ... be close to power if you are making a day of it with the shield.
MOJO says Winner - Air 2 and it isn't close. I really never even paid attention to the battery with the Air2. With the Shield you better. It is powerful but it sucks down the juice more on that later.
HEAT: (I only include this because I think it will be an issue later.)
Air2 - Never noticed any heat. I have been using the tablet without a cover. The temps are in the 70's. The Air 2 is cool no noticeable heat at all.
Shield K1 - I flew a few batteries and found it to be noticeably warm. There may be a reason for that as i was running the onscreen recorder but it gets warm here in the summer. This could be a concern later.
MOJO says NO WINNER: I have no idea what will happen when the Shield gets warmer or if it will get warmer because it didn't effect the performance during my flights. My opinion may change later if the Shield starts shutting down during flights.
AUDIO:
Air2 - I will just start by saying I do not like the speakers on the Air2. they are on the side. I often times find myself cupping my hand on the speaker so I can hear it. (years of shooting has taken a toll)
Shield K1 - Speakers are forward facing so... you can hear it without needing to take any measures to bounce the sound
MOJO says Winner - Shield K1 - While the shield wins this comparison is about the tablets and how they are different for our hobby. I will say I turn the volume up on the Air2 and have no problem hearing the audible notifications. which is all i use the speakers for during flight anyway. So this is one of those where I say the Shield wins but the difference while flying is not significant. Both systems are fine for flying and playback later.
ACCESSING FLIGHT DATA/MAPS:
Air2 - As with most apple products. Apple doesn't really care that you want to use the tablet and actually access the data on the tablet. In fact, they make it about as inconvenient as possible. You have to connect to iTunes copy files over to a file and then share. While that is not terribly difficult, it does require the use of another device and it does require you to tether to your computer to get your flight information. This is the cellular version, so the upside is I flip on cellular data switch and the maps upload automatically (I have it connected through my data plan).
Shield K1 - I went to fly and forgot that the Shield K1 is not cellular..CRAP! I walked back to my car connected to my phone and cached the map. No big deal but it does require having another device to obtain the data. (I do know that there are previous versions of the shield that do have cellular; none of the new ones have cellular they do have GPS so you can access the same functionality in flight as the Air2 Cellualr) So with the shield you must have a device that has the ability to share data or you will be flying without a map which is No Bueno. Sharing flight data is simple though. Go to the file on the tablet and share it... In fact, I use automated upload through Healthy Drones. One button and it is done.
MOJO says Winner - Shield (Android) To me caching the maps was nothing it took about 30 seconds. I went to the car connected to my phone and I was finished in about a minute. Anything that requires connecting to iTunes is an inconvenience. I actually hate iTunes.... I was able to upload files from my shield in seconds. That was a real bonus. I walked through the door clicked the button and I was done and looking at the uploads on Healthy Drones.
APPLICATIONS:
Air2 - Both seem to run identically on the DJI GO APP. Litchi, really nice and admittedly, I haven't really had a chance to work with it on either platform yet. (I am in the "read the **** manual" phase). Autopilot - I do not have this program I will probably get it later. (NOTE: I will likely not get this application until they solve the hover/autoland problem)
Shield K1 - This is were the shield crushes the Air 2. First, the shield comes with an on board screen recorder. So if you like to effortlessly record everything you see in DJI Go or Litchi as you are flying this is a huge bonus. I did use Litchi for some basic stuff and can say it is nice. (Here I will defer to those who have used it and say that Litchi Android is better than Litchi iOS) I have Litchi on both and will compare them in a later post. Anyway as I mentioned earlier the automated means of sharing flight data are win wins for the Shield. A process that took me 10-15 minutes on iOS is about 5 seconds and one press of the button on android.. No need to connect to iTunes or a computer which I despise.
*Note part of the battery drain I mentioned earlier may possibly be because I was using the on-board screen video recorder.I don't know yet because I have yet to fly without the screen recording.. because it is so cool.
MOJO says WINNER - SHIELD and it isn't close - I love the screen recorder and automated apps
Update: If you have Litchi on iOS you can screen record the flights and share them similar to the Shield K1. It isn't as functional in that you can only record while in Litchi. Still this closes the gap a little.
MEDIA:
Air2 - Well run what you brung! My Air2 only has 16 GB of memory. For the purposes of this evaluation that really is plenty. The problem is ... No removable media. Why that is important is that you can't access the media from the copter until you get home or to a computer.
Shield K1 - This is another area that is a huge win for the shield. The size of the internal memory isn't important to me. What is important is that I can take the card out of the copter and immediately view the footage or photos on the shield. No need to go home and upload. You can share the full sized images right after you land. (you will need to tether to a wifi source to share obviously.. remember the shield does not have cellular function) An added bonus is that you can transfer the data to the shield if you like and free up your card for more flights.
MOJO says Winner - Shield no comparison. Before the iOS guys say who cares for me it is important. Having a micro sd slot is incredibly useful. It would have come in handy when I was in Florida. I could have reviewed my photos and videos on scene and made the appropriate adjustments in the field. Instead I didn't see the full size photos or videos until I got home.. Almost 1500 miles later when it was too late.
The winner depends on what you value most. For me the winner is easy. BOTH!
Please provide me your comments!!!!
Hope you enjoyed the post and that it is helpful.
M0j0
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