Hi Everyone!

I just got Part 107 Certified and am getting ready to purchase the Mavic 2 Pro.  My question(s) for those of you who have an opinion is should I get the Smart Controller or use something like the iPad Mini 5 or iPad Pro.  I love the idea of carrying around the all-in-one Smart Controller BUT....the idea of not being able to remove the battery should it die is a huge negative to me along with being limited by a small screen.  On the upside the Smart Controller has more NITS than the iPad I believe and would be easier to see in sun and most likely do better in extreme temps which is important to me since I live in the PNW and we get everything from snow to 100 degree days in the summer.   I like the idea of the iPad as I can pick my screen size and Apple seems pretty fast at updating apps and should keep up with DJI GO 4 & Litchi etc.  Also, an iPad can work double duty and not just be a "controller".   Downside to the iPad is it will require me to carry more stuff (mounting brackets, cords etc.) along with it not being as bright in direct sunlight and having a chance at overheating on the hot days and the battery draining fast on the cold days.  I've watched every YouTube video (albeit there are not many good ones) and I'm still a bit torn but leaning towards the iPad & LifThor mount.  Also, for better context I will be using my drone for commercial work and an iPad that can hold a 10 hour charge sounds like a better option vs. the smart controller which many are saying they get a 4 hour battery life and it takes 2 hours to recharge since you can't do a battery swap.  And my final question.... If I go the iPad route I just need to make sure it is GPS enabled but don't have to have the more expensive cellular version is that correct?  Thanks for your opinions & advice!  

Hi Everyone!

I just got Part 107 Certified and am getting ready to purchase the Mavic 2 Pro.  My question(s) for those of you who have an opinion is should I get the Smart Controller or use something like the iPad Mini 5 or iPad Pro.  I love the idea of carrying around the all-in-one Smart Controller BUT....the idea of not being able to remove the battery should it die is a huge negative to me along with being limited by a small screen.  On the upside the Smart Controller has more NITS than the iPad I believe and would be easier to see in sun and most likely do better in extreme temps which is important to me since I live in the PNW and we get everything from snow to 100 degree days in the summer.   I like the idea of the iPad as I can pick my screen size and Apple seems pretty fast at updating apps and should keep up with DJI GO 4 & Litchi etc.  Also, an iPad can work double duty and not just be a "controller".   Downside to the iPad is it will require me to carry more stuff (mounting brackets, cords etc.) along with it not being as bright in direct sunlight and having a chance at overheating on the hot days and the battery draining fast on the cold days.  I've watched every YouTube video (albeit there are not many good ones) and I'm still a bit torn but leaning towards the iPad & LifThor mount.  Also, for better context I will be using my drone for commercial work and an iPad that can hold a 10 hour charge sounds like a better option vs. the smart controller which many are saying they get a 4 hour battery life and it takes 2 hours to recharge since you can't do a battery swap.  And my final question.... If I go the iPad route I just need to make sure it is GPS enabled but don't have to have the more expensive cellular version is that correct?  Thanks for your opinions & advice!