Recommendations for Windows tablet with good battery life for astronomy rig control. - Forums

Topic starter

Mar 2, 2026

Currently, I drive to remote sites and run one setup with a Mele computer controlling the rig. I use an iPad Mini via Windows App to control everything. I am assembling a second rig so I can run two setups simultaneously, but I really do not want to purchase another iPad Mini for it. I know nothing about Windows tablets, but I would assume that they are cheaper, and since this will be its only job, it makes sense to me to just get a Windows tablet.

So my question is: does anyone have a recommendation for a good Windows tablet with battery life similar to the iPad Mini?

Thank you!

Darryl

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Brian Puhl

IOTD Staff

Mar 2, 2026

Why not just run multiple sessions on your iPad? I run multiple scopes and every one of them I can connect and tab between via RDP app. Honestly zero reason to get another tablet.

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Astro Jeep

Topic starter

Mar 2, 2026

Brian Puhl · Mar 2, 2026 at 01:40 AM
Why not just run multiple sessions on your iPad? I run multiple scopes and every one of them I can connect and tab between via RDP app. Honestly zero reason to get another tablet.

I was thinking that, and I haven’t put much research into whether it’s possible. I spent about half an hour looking into it a few days ago, but I didn’t find anything definitive. Now that I know that it works, that is what I will do. Thank you for saving me money!

Darryl

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Brian Puhl

IOTD Staff

Mar 2, 2026

Astro Jeep · Mar 2, 2026, 01:44 AM
Brian Puhl · Mar 2, 2026 at 01:40 AM
Why not just run multiple sessions on your iPad? I run multiple scopes and every one of them I can connect and tab between via RDP app. Honestly zero reason to get another tablet.
I was thinking that, and I haven’t put much research into whether it’s possible. I spent about half an hour looking into it a few days ago, but I didn’t find anything definitive. Now that I know that it works, that is what I will do. Thank you for saving me money!
Darryl

Depending on how you're running things, you will probably need a travel router, establish a local network, but beyond that it’s pretty simple.

Astro Jeep

Topic starter

Mar 2, 2026

Brian Puhl · Mar 2, 2026 at 01:47 AM
Astro Jeep · Mar 2, 2026, 01:44 AM
Brian Puhl · Mar 2, 2026 at 01:40 AM
Why not just run multiple sessions on your iPad? I run multiple scopes and every one of them I can connect and tab between via RDP app. Honestly zero reason to get another tablet.
I was thinking that, and I haven’t put much research into whether it’s possible. I spent about half an hour looking into it a few days ago, but I didn’t find anything definitive. Now that I know that it works, that is what I will do. Thank you for saving me money!
Darryl
Depending on how you're running things, you will probably need a travel router, establish a local network, but beyond that it’s pretty simple.

I run a Starlink Mini out of my Jeep, and it makes a strong network that the Mele has no problem staying connected to. I can even run an Ethernet cable into it from the scope if I absolutely need to. Again, I appreciate the help!

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Eric Gagne

Mar 2, 2026

If you use Nina you could also give Touch ‘N Stars a try. It doesn’t completely replace Nina, you’ll still need the windows app for certain things but once your session is started it is much better suited to the iPad screen than windows app.

https://touch-n-stars.eu/

Windows by its own nature is very battery intensive. Unless you pay a fortune for an industrial grade tablet, I doubt you’ll find anything that can run as long as an iPad or Android tablet.

alpheratz06

Mar 2, 2026

Keep in mind that it is rather simple and inexpensive to put an external battery supply to a tablet to extend its autonomy…

AstroGadac

Mar 2, 2026

Astro Jeep · Mar 2, 2026, 01:50 AM
Brian Puhl · Mar 2, 2026 at 01:47 AM
Astro Jeep · Mar 2, 2026, 01:44 AM
Brian Puhl · Mar 2, 2026 at 01:40 AM
Why not just run multiple sessions on your iPad? I run multiple scopes and every one of them I can connect and tab between via RDP app. Honestly zero reason to get another tablet.
I was thinking that, and I haven’t put much research into whether it’s possible. I spent about half an hour looking into it a few days ago, but I didn’t find anything definitive. Now that I know that it works, that is what I will do. Thank you for saving me money!
Darryl
Depending on how you're running things, you will probably need a travel router, establish a local network, but beyond that it’s pretty simple.
I run a Starlink Mini out of my Jeep, and it makes a strong network that the Mele has no problem staying connected to. I can even run an Ethernet cable into it from the scope if I absolutely need to. Again, I appreciate the help!

Then you won’t have trouble connecting to both Mele PC from your Ipad mini using the Windows RDP app.

In the RDP app you can set up on the main screen different hosts that you connect to with the hostname of the computer (say Mele1 and Mele2). If your Ipad is also connected to this network it should connect without issue.

Refer to part 2 of this link: https://www.avica.com/blog/microsoft-remote-desktop-on-ipad/#h2_0

You may want to disable any passwords to connect in remote desktop though, it makes it easier to switch between computers.

Helpful

SonnyE

Frequent contributor

Mar 2, 2026

When I was going remote with my Asus laptop, I just used a power inverter in my truck with an extension cord.

Just a 350 watt inverter, plugged into the cigar lighter socket. That way I can run a regular 120 volt AC laptop at remote locations. I use to carry an AGM sealed battery to run my mount. Just left it in the truck and ran wire to my mount.

Just my way to skin a cat. 😉

My laptops battery acts as a buffer in case of any in case of’s.

Helpful

Astro Jeep

Topic starter

Mar 2, 2026

Eric Gagne · Mar 2, 2026 at 02:25 AM
If you use Nina you could also give Touch ‘N Stars a try. It doesn’t completely replace Nina, you’ll still need the windows app for certain things but once your session is started it is much better suited to the iPad screen than windows app.
https://touch-n-stars.eu/
Windows by its own nature is very battery intensive. Unless you pay a fortune for an industrial grade tablet, I doubt you’ll find anything that can run as long as an iPad or Android tablet.

Thank you, I do use NINA. I will look into Touch-N-Stars. I am also pretty sure you are right about the battery life on a Windows tablet. I use Windows to run my CAD program, and that laptop drains the battery fast even when nothing is running.

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Astro Jeep

Topic starter

Mar 2, 2026

AstroGadac · Mar 2, 2026 at 09:54 AM
Astro Jeep · Mar 2, 2026, 01:50 AM
Brian Puhl · Mar 2, 2026 at 01:47 AM
Astro Jeep · Mar 2, 2026, 01:44 AM
Brian Puhl · Mar 2, 2026 at 01:40 AM
Why not just run multiple sessions on your iPad? I run multiple scopes and every one of them I can connect and tab between via RDP app. Honestly zero reason to get another tablet.
I was thinking that, and I haven’t put much research into whether it’s possible. I spent about half an hour looking into it a few days ago, but I didn’t find anything definitive. Now that I know that it works, that is what I will do. Thank you for saving me money!
Darryl
Depending on how you're running things, you will probably need a travel router, establish a local network, but beyond that it’s pretty simple.
I run a Starlink Mini out of my Jeep, and it makes a strong network that the Mele has no problem staying connected to. I can even run an Ethernet cable into it from the scope if I absolutely need to. Again, I appreciate the help!
Then you won’t have trouble connecting to both Mele PC from your Ipad mini using the Windows RDP app.
In the RDP app you can set up on the main screen different hosts that you connect to with the hostname of the computer (say Mele1 and Mele2). If your Ipad is also connected to this network it should connect without issue.
Refer to part 2 of this link: https://www.avica.com/blog/microsoft-remote-desktop-on-ipad/#h2_0
You may want to disable any passwords to connect in remote desktop though, it makes it easier to switch between computers.

I have been running one setup this way and haven’t had any issues. I wasn’t sure whether I could run two instances on one tablet via Windows App/RDP, but now that I know I can, I will do it on my iPad. I will read the link you provided and get it set up. Thank you!

Well Written Respectful

Astro Jeep

Topic starter

Mar 2, 2026

SonnyE · Mar 2, 2026 at 05:28 PM
When I was going remote with my Asus laptop, I just used a power inverter in my truck with an extension cord.
Just a 350 watt inverter, plugged into the cigar lighter socket. That way I can run a regular 120 volt AC laptop at remote locations. I use to carry an AGM sealed battery to run my mount. Just left it in the truck and ran wire to my mount.
Just my way to skin a cat. 😉
My laptops battery acts as a buffer in case of any in case of’s.

I use two EcoFlow batteries, charging them on the go with an 800W DC-DC converter. One runs my refrigerator and Starlink mini along with all the electronics in the Jeep, and the second EcoFlow has been running my astro rig outside. The Ecoflows also provide a buffer and can reverse jump-start my Jeep if necessary.

Well Written Helpful Respectful Concise Engaging

SonnyE

Frequent contributor

Mar 2, 2026

Astro Jeep · Mar 2, 2026, 06:01 PM
SonnyE · Mar 2, 2026 at 05:28 PM
When I was going remote with my Asus laptop, I just used a power inverter in my truck with an extension cord.
Just a 350 watt inverter, plugged into the cigar lighter socket. That way I can run a regular 120 volt AC laptop at remote locations. I use to carry an AGM sealed battery to run my mount. Just left it in the truck and ran wire to my mount.
Just my way to skin a cat. 😉
My laptops battery acts as a buffer in case of any in case of’s.
I use two EcoFlow batteries, charging them on the go with an 800W DC-DC converter. One runs my refrigerator and Starlink mini along with all the electronics in the Jeep, and the second EcoFlow has been running my astro rig outside. The Ecoflows also provide a buffer and can reverse jump-start my Jeep if necessary.

That was a bonus to my 57 pound AGM sealed battery, it could jump start my truck. LOL!

And at 57 pounds, that puppy stayed in the truck bed. 🦣 Oh my aching back. 🤪

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