Tablet with full sized USB

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Flysc

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Hello.

I'm a wannabe ham. Just starting to study for Technician Class. My daughter and I both got each other 8w Baofengs for Christmas. BTW, she also is studying too and also has a nice ICOM mobile.

Already figured out how to program our radios with the Chirp software. As I get deeper into this I can already see where having a field use programming station for any radios we may acquire. I'm using Chirp on my old laptop, but I'm thinking a tablet totally devoted to our ham stuff is in order. I will have a small pack. The Baofengs, Tech Class book, other books, programming cable, spare battery and a tablet loaded with Chirp inside would be perfect. Portable too. I already own a cheap (out of date) Android tablet and a Kindle Fire 7. Those don't have full sized USB ports.

I've looked online, but cannot find an Android tablet with a port like that. A lot with micros and card slots, but none with a full usb power/data port.

Also, I'm not sure Chirp will run on Android. Any of you been down this road? Thanks in advance.
 

sibbley

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jaspence

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Full size USB

To my knowledge, there is no software for radio programming that runs on Android. You will need a Windows 10 tablet. Most come with a micro usb or usb C, so you would need an adapter to connect to your programming cable. Unless the Icom is different from the ones I have, you can add a frequency from the keypad or microphone in less time than using the tablet. The hts are another thing, and although I have a couple, I stay with my FPP EFJ-5100 or Yaesu FT-60 when away from home.
 

Flysc

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I will look that up. We were issued windows tablets for work, but they only have a proprietary port.

Try looking for a Winbook. They have a full size USB, that is if they still make them. However, it is a Windows operating system. I have one I use for programming and DSD+. Works very well. I got mine at Micro Center. Micro Center - Computers, Electronics, Computer Parts, Networking, Gaming, Software, and more!

I also have a 10 inch Lenovo tablet (again Windows) with 2 Full size USB which can be found on Amazon.
 

Flysc

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Thanks.

To my knowledge, there is no software for radio programming that runs on Android. You will need a Windows 10 tablet. Most come with a micro usb or usb C, so you would need an adapter to connect to your programming cable. Unless the Icom is different from the ones I have, you can add a frequency from the keypad or microphone in less time than using the tablet. The hts are another thing, and although I have a couple, I stay with my FPP EFJ-5100 or Yaesu FT-60 when away from home.
 

jonwienke

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Get a Windows netbook. About the same size as a tablet, and will have an actual USB port you can use without an adapter.
 

sibbley

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I will look that up. We were issued windows tablets for work, but they only have a proprietary port.

The Winbook or Lenovo tablets I mentioned both have true USB ports. I use both with all sorts of USB devices. Or as jonwienke mentioned, a netbook should work too.
 

AK9R

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I have a Winbook tablet, but it's proven to be a little flaky and I've yet to use it for anything productive. I know others who have had good luck with them, so my experience may be unique.

I also have a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. Pricey when new, but used ones are coming down. Mine has been very reliable. It has a regular USB port. I've used it for radio programming and HF digital modes.
 

jaspence

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Tablet for programmiong

Another good reason for a small laptop/netbook style is the keyboard. The smaller tablets under 10 inches have small icons and text and are not easy to type on. On screen touch keyboards cover at least a third of the screen and some radio software fields can be impossible to see. I recently bought an Insignia tablet with keyboard, and so far it seems to be good. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insign...ffcode=pg237414&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2
 

vagrant

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NuVision is a $73 Windows tablet. It has a microUSB port, but they supply an adapter to full size USB so you can plugin whatever. I have one and it works in a pinch, but please note that the same microUSB port is the same one used to charge the tablet. For the price it is a solution. https://www.amazon.com/NuVision-Tou...e=UTF8&qid=1515443141&sr=8-7&keywords=winbook

Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth and you'll get more out of the battery. It is quite small. I pair it with a folding bluetooth keyboard which is even smaller and it all fits into a slim case with a zippered pocket to hold the charger and cables. https://www.amazon.com/iClever-Wire...68&sr=1-5&keywords=bluetooth+folding+keyboard

As previously mentioned, a Windows netbook may be a good choice for you as the keyboard and mouse are built-in. They typically provide a full sized USB port as well.

Calculate the weight and cost options and have fun.

(You do not want a Chromebook)
 

n9mxq

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I just picked up an RCA Cambio W101-CS. Has one USB-3 port, comes with a detachable keyboard.. Was $149 at the local Wally World.. Not the fanciest, but for field programming, it will do the job..
 

Golay

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Keyboard is nice

Another good reason for a small laptop/netbook style is the keyboard.

My tablet has the full size USB port on the detachable keyboard. The tablet itself, without the keyboard, has the "cellphone style" port.
 
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