Just saw this thread and man, we really covered the whole spectrum here lol. From snagging used iPads and Android tablets to just getting a dedicated head unit or even a scan tool instead. Honestly, I’ve tried almost every setup mentioned. A few years ago I was determined to use a tablet for everything in my truck. I found a great deal during a holiday sale and spent weeks getting the mount perfect. It felt like the future until the first real summer hit. The heat just baked the battery until it wouldnt even hold a charge for ten minutes. I realized that as much as I loved the interface, consumer tablets just arent always built for that kind of environment. I ended up switching back to something more rugged. Its definitely worth considering how your local weather is gonna affect whatever you end up buying!

Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷

Forget waiting, check out used iPad Minis! I grabbed a 2021 model last year for $250. Works great as a dash display. Just be careful of battery health on older ones!

Consider used Android tablets; some offer similar specs for ~$200, but check OS update support.

Refurbished iPads work great. Check Apple's site after Christmas; decent option for under $250.

Maybe check Samsung tablets too? They're often cheaper than iPads in Black Friday sales.

Forget the iPad Mini for car performance! Honestly, had issues with glare. Consider a dedicated head unit instead. Alpine makes some killer ones. Better visibility, plus you won't be fiddling with iOS while driving. Safety first, right?

Mounting matters! Secure it well; impacts are brutal. Consider RAM Mounts. Safety first!

Hey! Instead of an iPad, ever thought about a dedicated head unit? For $300, you could grab a decent Android one. I've been running a Joying unit for years. Yeah, you gotta DIY the install (wiring, dash kit), but it's way cheaper than pro install AND a new iPad. Plus, no Black Friday stress! Just a thought!

Forget '25 deals! My old iPad Mini 4 still rocks for car diagnostics. Solid investment, even used!

Florida heat kills batteries! Consider a cheaper Android tablet; under $200, works well.

Forget the iPad Mini for a sec! Think about CAN bus diagnostics. A reliable scan tool (like Autel) will save you WAY more than any tablet deal in the long run. Trust me, after 20 years of wrenching, preventing issues is cheaper than fixing them. Happy motoring!