Stellarium vs apps

[staffop]

Hi, what's the consensus on using Stellarium on a laptop vs an app such as SkySafari on an iOS device as assistance when observing (based on both having a wireless connection) - as you may guess i'm mac all the way...

My scope (4" refractor 500mm FL) lends itself to DSOs which may have an influence on which is best

[Charic]

You just need to use the application you prefer the most on whatever format or device of your choosing.

The only  issues  I have with portable technology is the  image / screen brightness, their just too bright?

I take a mental image of what I want to see before the session, then go out looking. If I look at a screen or an APP on my HTC, even if its using the RED sky mode, I just feels its too bright for my eyes when I'm trying to keep my pupils dark adapted?

[John]

I agree with Charic. When I'm searching for faint deep sky objects I'd find a mobile screen just to bright to have around. Even the face of my digital watch seems glaring when it's really dark !

I've recently been given a copy of the Sky & Telescopes Pocket Sky Atlas and find it a really good guide to finding DSO's. I use a very dim red torch to read it - it's a printed thing you see

[staffop]

Thanks both, i tend to prefer old-school if possible (books over kindle every time) - i'll pick up a copy of Sky & Telescopes Pocket Sky Atlas as suggested (re torch next!)

[chiltonstar]

I use a number of sky atlases including the pocket one mentioned above and several more detailed ones. However, I've recently bought SkySafari Pro 4 for my Samsung tablet, and have found that it is ok in the dark (using the night setting) with additionally a sheet of dark red acetate across the screen to dim it a bit more.

Chris

[Charic]

They even do luminous Planisphere`s now, but they still need charging with bright light before hand.

I laugh at John`s  watch but I can see what`s on the  the floor and read  books with  the lume  if using  my  Seiko `Orange Monster`