Quote:
Originally Posted by pmrid
It's a valid enough point except that this is being used in the warm room attached to my observatory. I control two piers/scopes from there and have a separate wall-screen onto which I had planned to run the planetarium program and do basic internet stuff while the other computers were busy with imaging. I have the IPad version of this App already and am a convert to SkySafari but wanted to be able to leave the IPad at home. The Android dongle seemed an ideal choice.
Peter
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Okay, fair enough, but I doubt that you'll find a TV Dongle with the necessary sensors, as they are meant to be used in a fixed location (plugged into your TV), so there isn't really any point in installing the motion and location sensors that you get on tablets and phones.
Your cheapest option would probably be some sort of generic Chinese Android tablet - but make sure it has access to Google Play market (to download SkySafari), and make sure it has all the sensors.
SkySafari can be quite processor-intensive, so can use quite a bit of processing power, and also benefits from a nice HD screen. I would suggest getting something with Android 4.2 or higher, and at least 1 GB RAM, and preferably better than 1024x768 resolution. The Nexus 7 2013 is a great choice, but there are many cheaper options to choose from, but cheaper tablets often skimp on RAM and / or screen resolution, so check the specs carefully before buying. However, many Chinese tablets have HDMI output, so you could potentially use one with your TV, as you planned to do with the dongle. (The Nexus 7 doesn't have HDMI output.)
If you're not averse to buying direct from China, take a look at ChinaVasion's offerings:
http://www.chinavasion.com/china/who...droid_Tablets/
(I've bought a few things from them, including a couple of Android phones, and they've been exceptionally good value, but I have never bought a tablet from them.)
Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable going to a bricks-and-mortar store like OfficeWorks, Dick Smith or Harvey Norman - you'll have a smaller choice of products, but you'll be able to test it in-store - you could even load up your Google account temporarily, and download SkySafari to make sure it works before you buy.