PocketPC: Difference between revisions
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= Hardware = | = 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. The city 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. | |||
'''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 sucks. Make sure the PDA has a removeable, 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. | |||
[http://www.daptech.com DAP] uses a turtle on their web page so it must be good!<br> | [http://www.daptech.com DAP] uses a turtle on their web page so it must be good!<br> | ||
Revision as of 17:22, 31 March 2005
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. The city 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.
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 sucks. Make sure the PDA has a removeable, 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.
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)
