PocketPC

Software development

I am sort of admitting that I need MS PPC software because I want to run ArcPad. Or at least be able to. So converting to Linux is a low priority, especially if I can get a decent software development environment going.

I just read (on the Python CE mailing list) that there is a VNC server that runs on the PPC. VNC allows remote control, a display of the screen appears on a VNC client. This means you can do development work on a desktop system without having to touch the device itself. See http://www.pocketvnc.com/pocketvnc.aspx

There is a GNU development system for PPC. Need to check that out. Also (as referenced above), there is Python CE.

Hardware

The lesson I learned using a 3900 series iPaq was that a daylight visible display with as big a screen as possible is really important. I just went out and got myself a Dell Axim X50V which has a small but high res screen. I wanted a pocket sized device. Corvallis is currently using last year's model, the X5.

Interfaces -- If you are using a specific GPS receiver, make sure your PDA can talk to it! Some have RS232, some don't. My Axim has USB and Bluetooth; my plan is to try out Bluetooth. The tangle of cables on a GPS backpack system can be really annoying.

I am looking for a cheap RS-232 to Bluetooth converter. "Cheap" means around $50. The ones I have seem are $150 and up, which strike me as being out of control.

Slots (SD/MMC, CF, PCMCIA) -- CF is nice because 1GB cards are coming down in price, and you can get other accessories such as network and serial port adapters in this form factor. SD/MMC memory cards are slightly higher than CF.

Batteries -- The Dell has an oversized battery available. Some units like the 3900 iPaq have a non-removeable low capacity battery, limiting field work to about 2 hours. This is bad. Make sure the PDA has a removable, high capacity battery.

Optional extras- keyboard, ruggedized case.

The rugged versus lightweight debate

Ruggedized PDA's like the TDS Recon are very cool but so expensive that you could get three or four Axim's and carry the extras as spares! Unless you are doing field work that really absolutely requires it, I'd say get a cheap one and a good case. Don't get the 'rugged case' that HP sells! It's overpriced and full of holes that will let water in.

It really depends on your style. If you are going on long field trips to remote locations a ruggedized unit with extra battery life and weatherproof case is probably worth it. If you can't stop work if it starts to rain, it's probably worth it. But for clear weather use around town, the extra cost is not justifiable.

PDA manufacturers

DAP uses a turtle on their web page so it must be good!
Dell (Axim)
HP (iPaq formerly a Compaq product; and from before the merger, the Jornada)
NEC MobilePro
Symbol Technologies PDT 8100, PPT 2800
TDS (Recon, Ranger(formerly from At Work Computers))
Trimble (rebadged Recon, GeoExplorer XT)

Rugged cases

Otterbox.com Rugged cases
Boxwave.com Lighter weight cases