Can someone suggest what to buy. Looking at P3 Advance and i see it uses Lightbridge communications
I,m a windows guy so can you tell me do all ipads android phones offer Lightbridge

Use an iPad, mini or Air

There's a list of compatible devices on the DJI site. l use an ipad 2 mini and find it to be perfect, Lightbridge is amazing and l'm having no lag or overheating issues.
The new DJI GO app is available for both Android and iOS, but last l heard the iOS version didn't yet support the Phantom 3 Standard, l'm not sure if that's updated now.
l strongly suggest to watch as many set-up videos as you can so you get a feel for the differences, pros, and cons between the models and different devices.
Welcome aboard, and happy flying.

iPad mini is just the right size. I have found that with a full iPad, the device holder screw on the handset comes loose making the devices holder wobble. also if you are getting an iPad then make sure it is iPad mini 2 or upwards.

The lightbridge link is between the P3 and the controller.  It's a USB connection to the Android or IOS device.  I use the iPad Mini 3 for display size but do also have a Samsung Galaxy S5 I could have used.  There are rumors about the next generation of iPad.  If I was doing it today knowing what I know I would have found a good used iPad Air or Mini, and/or used my Android device, and waited on the next gen iPad to buy new.  If you go for iPad Air 1 or 2, or iPad Mini 2 or 3, keep in mind that the WIFI only versions do not have GPS in them, if you want or need it.  I mistakenly made an assumption that if the older iPad wifi only models had GPS, the newer ones must also.  Fortunately I did purchase the wifi + cellular model but not because I did my homework.  I found out later after making an incorrect comment on one of the forums.

I can tell you : no smartphone or tablet on earth offer lightbridge

caiken9621 Posted at 2015-8-17 00:04
The lightbridge link is between the P3 and the controller.  It's a USB connection to the Android or  ...

If you plan on flying at a few different location in secession, you can cache your maps in the app and won't have issues without the iPad gps.

The Phantom is going to register it's location to your tablet via it's link and built in gps.

Don't know if the Android version has all of the features that the IOS version did or does like when playing back a flight the ability to see the control stick movements.

I,m a bit confused, why would i need gps on the ipad?
Understand now the lightbridge is a dji standard controller/p3.
Shame all my devices are windows!

I have an air2 works great. Fewer features on the android versions. You don't need gps, you can precache the maps on the ipad. I am a windows and android person but got an ipad just for the drone. I like the larger screen on the air2, I am interested in photography and making videos, so I don't want to waste a shot because of a tiny screen. Well worth it to me. The connection from any tablet/phone to the controller is usb.

Alan

Mrpap Posted at 2015-8-17 06:03
I,m a bit confused, why would i need gps on the ipad?
Understand now the lightbridge is a dji standa ...

The gps on the iPad is for supplying maps of where you are flying. If you cache the map in advance the Phantom will register on your cached map where you were flying so that you can see the location and direction of flight.

Light Bridge is DJI's terminology for providing a first person view of your flying. Without Light Bridge, you would only be able to fly your Phantom line of sight.

The IOS version of the Pilot app when you play back your flight record will also display your control levers and what the percentage of stick movement was being used. This helps when attempting to figure out what you've done something wrong.

For me, I despise any Google and couldn't bring myself to use an Android based tablet. I do use an iPhone, so there was no learning curve for the tablet operation. With the Apple world, since they control the IOS and the hardware, there are less conflicts unlike the multiple manufacturers of Android based hardware and the various versions of software.

Based on many comments here and there, I decided to get a ipad2 to control my phantom 3.  I have never had any apple product before so don't know much about them, but it seemed pretty clear from the comments here and in the dji literature that the phantom was "optimized"for apple products. But all of a sudden, I'm not even sure I have the right equipment to attach said iPad to the phantom controller.  It apparently doesn't have a usb port.  Is that right?  Do I need to buy a special cable to attach an iPod to the phantom controller?? What have I gotten myself into here?

lightbridge is used to between p3 and rc. imo, ios devices and ipad air2

dmoerman Posted at 2015-8-26 01:29
Based on many comments here and there, I decided to get a ipad2 to control my phantom 3.  I have nev ...

I think Apple uses the Lightning connector rather than usb?

dmoerman Posted at 2015-8-26 01:29
Based on many comments here and there, I decided to get a ipad2 to control my phantom 3.  I have nev ...

I own a P3A and also use the iPad air 2 wifi/cell. You can use the original Apple lightning cable which came with your iPad air 2.

I'm very happy with the iPad Air. I use the cable that came with it - easy attachment, if a bit long. You'll love the iPad, trust me. I've made a cardboard hood, now I'm hoping to find an anti-reflective screen - anyone?

Bartone Posted at 2015-8-27 12:23
I'm very happy with the iPad Air. I use the cable that came with it - easy attachment, if a bit long ...

look on amazon, there are a few that im going to try for my iphone, at the moment i use a modified shebox to be able to see anything in bright sun light, sometimes i am forced to drape something over my head!! and thats no joke

dmoerman Posted at 2015-8-26 07:29
Based on many comments here and there, I decided to get a ipad2 to control my phantom 3.  I have nev ...

relax, your ipad air2 will come with a lightning cable that you will use to connect to your rc! if i were you i would also purchase the inspire 1 device holder. it is made of aluminum and helps a great deal so your big screen tv (LOL) does not wobble too much. I got one for mine as i found many people recommending it. i was a bit doubtful at first but once i installed it, i have noticed a great improvement.
good luck

When I sold my 8x10 cameras, I should've kept my focusing cloth - it'd be perfect, except for LOS, of course.