# Device recommendations for TrainerRoad? **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Created:** [December 31, 2022, 5:19pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278 "2022-12-31T17:19:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AussieRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/aussierider/32/95215_2.png) [@AussieRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AussieRider)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 5:19pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/1 "2022-12-31T17:19:26Z")
Hey guys, I’ve been using my wife’s old 2014 iPad to run workouts and it’s just not cutting it. I don’t really want to spend $400 just to do workouts and I use my phone for entertainment and messaging so that’s not an option. What alternatives do you recommend? Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![AlphaDogCycling](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/alphadogcycling/32/13863_2.png) [@AlphaDogCycling](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AlphaDogCycling)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 6:10pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/2 "2022-12-31T18:10:15Z")
How is the iPad not working for just running the TR iOS app? If you aren’t willing to use your phone, and don’t want to spend $$ to buy a new device, then your only options sound like using something you already have. Do you have a computer you could use? Or for ~$200 you could buy a renewed (used) iPad / iPad mini. ---
**Author:** ![MrBirchling](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mrbirchling/32/116855_2.png) [@MrBirchling](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/MrBirchling)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 6:32pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/3 "2022-12-31T18:32:10Z")
With the recent holiday sales, I picked up an iPad Gen 9 (2021) for $269 at Best Buy and I got a $55 trade-in for my older iPad mini (gen 4) that it replaced. I like having the larger screen from the iPad vs. the mini. That’s working well for me. I was seeing TR be more sluggish to load on the older mini. Since going to the full iPad, it’s been very responsive. ---
**Author:** ![WindWarrior](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/windwarrior/32/84679_2.png) [@WindWarrior](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/WindWarrior)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 6:34pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/4 "2022-12-31T18:34:08Z")
1. Outside workout on your bike computer 2. Spare computer or tablet 3. Spare phone ---
**Author:** ![BCM](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bcm/32/137631_2.png) [@BCM](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/BCM)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 6:48pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/5 "2022-12-31T18:48:48Z")
I use a 4-5 year old iPhone (iPhone 8+ from 2018???). Works fine. Don’t need service, so should be dirt cheap for something like this. ---
**Author:** ![tahoedan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/tahoedan/32/95190_2.png) [@tahoedan](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/tahoedan)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 7:22pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/6 "2022-12-31T19:22:28Z")
i updated an old laptop to win 10, added some ram and a ssd and it works great. there must be a ton of old laptops next to free. ---
**Author:** ![AussieRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/aussierider/32/95215_2.png) [@AussieRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AussieRider)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 8:06pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/7 "2022-12-31T20:06:58Z")
> [@AlphaDogCycling](#): > > How is the iPad not working for just running the TR iOS app? It’s completely wiped and reformatted but at 8 years old it runs super slow. Like a minute to open up TR. A minute to load a workout. Then when you increase intensity of workout on the +- 100% there’s a five second lag on each per cent. It also will occasionally shut down. $200 sounds reasonable for a device. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![AussieRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/aussierider/32/95215_2.png) [@AussieRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AussieRider)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 9:09pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/8 "2022-12-31T21:09:54Z")
> [@tahoedan](#): > > i updated an old laptop to win 10, added some ram and a ssd and it works great. there must be a ton of old laptops next to free. Would something like this work? [https://amzn.to/3IbHvWd](https://amzn.to/3IbHvWd) ---
**Author:** ![tahoedan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/tahoedan/32/95190_2.png) [@tahoedan](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/tahoedan)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 9:40pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/9 "2022-12-31T21:40:32Z")
maybe. It has “free returns” so you can buy it and try it. if it does not work just send it back ---
**Author:** ![MrBirchling](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mrbirchling/32/116855_2.png) [@MrBirchling](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/MrBirchling)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 10:03pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/10 "2022-12-31T22:03:31Z")
> [@AussieRider](#): > > Would something like this work? I was using a Samsung A7 tablet for a while. Had some flakiness with the bluetooth connection, so I gave it up and went to the iPad. ---
**Author:** ![OreoCookie](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/oreocookie/32/8298_2.png) [@OreoCookie](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/OreoCookie)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 2:48am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/11 "2023-01-01T02:48:44Z")
> [@AlphaDogCycling](#): > > If you aren’t willing to use your phone, and don’t want to spend $$ to buy a new device, then your only options sound like using something you already have. Do you have a computer you could use? Or for ~$200 you could buy a renewed (used) iPad / iPad mini. Yeah, a refurb or used iPad is definitely the way to go. Unless you are repurposing an older device you are no longer using, I don’t think you will be saving any money. I don’t think I have ever heard nice things said about Android tablets. Personally, I love using TR on my iPad: the data fields are very large and I can use my iPhone for other stuff without fear of doing something to my TR workout. ---
**Author:** ![Mikeferguson1980](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mikeferguson1980/32/3532_2.png) [@Mikeferguson1980](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Mikeferguson1980)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 3:11am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/12 "2023-01-01T03:11:00Z")
An iPad is a great option! I already had a tv setup and picked up one of these which works well so I can use TR and stream content at the same time for $100, you can add ANT also which is neat! > **[Amazon.com: Mini PC Stick Intel Celeron N4000 (Up to 2.6GHz) Windows 10 Pro Mini...](https://www.amazon.com/Celeron-Windows-Computer-Supports-Bluetooth/dp/B09VFRF4GW?tag=trainerroad-20)** > > Buy Mini PC Stick Intel Celeron N4000 (Up to 2.6GHz) Windows 10 Pro Mini Computer Stick 4GB DDR4 64GB eMMC Micro Desktop Small Form Factor PC Supports 4K HDMI, 2.4G/5G WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, Auto Power On: Desktops - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible... ---
**Author:** ![AussieRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/aussierider/32/95215_2.png) [@AussieRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AussieRider)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 3:31am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/13 "2023-01-01T03:31:21Z")
> [@OreoCookie](#): > > Personally, I love using TR on my iPad: the data fields are very large and I can use my iPhone for other stuff without fear of doing something to my TR workout. I really like the iPad layout and ease of use. It’s just old and sluggish. Although it’s a shame they’re only BT. I imagine Ant+ would be better. ---
**Author:** ![Mikeferguson1980](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mikeferguson1980/32/3532_2.png) [@Mikeferguson1980](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Mikeferguson1980)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 5:16am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/14 "2023-01-01T05:16:02Z")
[https://npe-inc.com/cableinfo/](https://npe-inc.com/cableinfo/) That will connect ANT devices to your ipad ---
**Author:** ![AussieRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/aussierider/32/95215_2.png) [@AussieRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AussieRider)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 5:35am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/15 "2023-01-01T05:35:36Z")
> [@Mikeferguson1980](#): > > That will connect ANT devices to your ipad First step is to source a cheap iPad ---
**Author:** ![MI-XC](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mi-xc/32/12993_2.png) [@MI-XC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/MI-XC)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 2:31pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/17 "2023-01-01T14:31:44Z")
I ran into the same issue last year and found a good price on a iPad on Facebook Marketplace. ---
**Author:** ![Mikeferguson1980](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mikeferguson1980/32/3532_2.png) [@Mikeferguson1980](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Mikeferguson1980)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 7:51pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/18 "2023-01-01T19:51:44Z")
Buy this laptop > **[Same you, new mindset—don’t pay more when the computer you need is just $300...](https://apple.news/AwvM6ZpcdQPmx0ifR1Og1Og)** > > Don't miss this MacBook Pro's limited-time price drop. ---
**Author:** ![Pabst](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/pabst/32/157934_2.png) [@Pabst](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Pabst)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 10:12pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/19 "2023-01-01T22:12:27Z")
I use my old Pixel 3, works great. You can get one for $50 nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![AussieRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/aussierider/32/95215_2.png) [@AussieRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AussieRider)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2023, 12:38am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/20 "2023-01-02T00:38:16Z")
How old is it? The lag on my iPad is rough. ---
**Author:** ![Pabst](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/pabst/32/157934_2.png) [@Pabst](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Pabst)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2023, 1:06am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278/21 "2023-01-02T01:06:38Z")
Pixel 3 was released Oct 2018. It lives on my Stages bike, connected to one of the onboard USB ports. [Next page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/device-recommendations-for-trainerroad/79278.md?page=2)