For years I've used my laptop in the truck (laptop in the sleeper with a 7" touchscreen on the dash). Well, the constant vibration and hard bumps is starting to really take a toll on the computer equipment. So, instead of buying all new computer equipment, I went the cheaper route and bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1" android tablet. The car dock is enroute to the house now, but I've already got the apps installed and running on it. Here's a list of the ones I'm using:
Bigroad: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ad.ttb.android
This is simply the best DDL app I've ever seen. It's 100% free (doesn't even have ads in it). It allows for editing of the time/location/notes. When the log day is completed, you simply email it out to be printed (it'll be a PDF file). The only thing really lacking is the ability to sign the logs before emailing them out. They're promising adding that to the next version.
CoPilot Truck: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ad.ttb.android
I've used CoPilot for my trip planning & navigation for quite a few years. In the past few versions, the data is much better and I've had very few problems with it trying to route me illegally. The truck version is $149, and well worth it. If you'd like to somewhat "try out" CoPilot without spending the money, you can get their basic version for free. It WILL NOT have truck specific maps or POI's, but you'll get an idea of what it's like. The link for that is: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...=search_result
Trucksmart: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...=search_result
This is the T/A & Petro app. It'll let you see what your loyalty card balances are, fuel prices, locations and how many parking spaces are available. This app is 100% free.
MyPilot: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...=search_result
Pilot/Flying J app. Shows your loyalty card balances, locations, fuel prices, etc. 100% free
Loves Connect: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...=search_result
Same as the T/A & Pilot app, 100% free.
Blue Beacon Truck Washes: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...=search_result
The Blue Beacon Truck Wash locator will help you locate, map and navigate to the nearest Blue Beacon.
Roady's: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...=search_result
With Roady's Mobile Directory you can now search the entire list of Roady's Truck Stops and their amenity information- right on your smart phone!
Truck Stops: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...=search_result
App contains truck stops, rest stops, Walmarts, weigh scales, and diesel prices. This is the Truxster truckstop application. Internet connection is NOT required. Cost is a one-time $1.99 charge.
Cat Scale Locator: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...arch_resultNow you can access CAT Scale locations from anywhere on your Android device! Easily Locate and Save locations based on your current GPS location or custom search!
Accuweather: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...=search_result
Great weather app! Free
Although I *can* print directly from the tablet, I've found that it's simply easier to just email the logs to myself, then print them from the laptop. Once they add the digital signature to the logs, I'll just email them directly to our office. If a DOT officer wants me to print them, I'll print the 7+current. Otherwise, save the ink.
Even though I went with the larger 10" tablet, I can also run everything from my 4.3" phone. In fact, that's what I'm doing until the mount arrives at the house. As for cost, $349 for the tablet and $149 for CoPilot and now I have a multi-purpose 10" GPS system. NONE of the standalone GPS systems begin to come anywhere near to matching what I can do with the tablet. If I plug the audio cable from the tablet into the truck stereo, then I could play music/audio books directly from it. I just stick with XM, but the capability is there.