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View Full Version : Geekzone Reviews SurveyLab's ike


Janak Parekh
03-29-2004, 08:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=2544' target='_blank'>http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.a...?contentid=2544</a><br /><br /></div>"This Pocket PC was created to be used in specialised data capture, and companies that need this kind of device will find its price tag of US$8,500 compatible with its resources and the kind of work it will be used with. The main market are companies that need location information. Power companies, city councils will probably find use for ike. Other uses could involve rescue operations and forestry industry, for example...The main part of this device is a modified HP iPAQ h5550. The ike runs Windows Mobile 2003 Premium OS, on an Intel XScale 400MHz. User memory is 128MB SDRAM, with 48MB Flash ROM and an option of 128, 256 or 512MB SD card for storage of captured data. The TFT LCD is the same as the h5550, capable of showing 65K colours with 320 x 240 resolution."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040329-SurveyLabike.jpg" /><br /><br />This is obviously not a device for everyone, as it weighs in at 2.3lbs, but it looks very useful for vertical/industrial markets as well as for researchers -- it includes a GPS, camera, laser range finder, digital compass, and even an inclinometer. 8O

enemy2k2
03-29-2004, 08:42 PM
Hey, they forgot the kitchen sink!

Stuff like this is where the power of PPC really shines through, too bad it's so big and expensive 8O

possmann
03-29-2004, 08:43 PM
Will they be able to upgrade to 2003SE? :lol:

Sorry I couldn't resist...

Jacob
03-29-2004, 08:46 PM
I'd never use this feature, but I just think it's cool that you can point to something and get the exact coordinates of it using the GPS, range finder, compass and inclinometer.

powder2000
03-29-2004, 08:53 PM
The head surveyor at my office thought this was cool. And when he thinks something like this is cool, I get the impression there actually is a practical use and market for it.

T-Will
03-29-2004, 09:08 PM
I wonder if the military would use something like this to paint targets...or I suppose they probably already use something similar to this, but I'm guessing it's some proprietary tool. Anyone know what they use?

Steven Cedrone
03-29-2004, 09:16 PM
I wonder if the military would use something like this to paint targets...or I suppose they probably already use something similar to this, but I'm guessing it's some proprietary tool. Anyone know what they use?

I could tell ya', but then I'd have to kill ya'!... :wink: :lol:

Steve

quidproquo
03-29-2004, 09:28 PM
Get all of those features to fit into your shirt pocket and maybe then I would consider buying one! :wink:

possmann
03-29-2004, 10:03 PM
Military actually does use armored PPC devices - IPAQ's i think. there was an article on it - several in fact - months ago. Those were more related to maping/orders rather than painting a target with a laser.

By the way - to paint a target all you have to do is point the laser device to it - nothing special there. point, call, wait, boom. :snipersmile:

DarkHelmet
03-29-2004, 10:07 PM
I think everyone should go out and buy one of these right now! Since they're based on the 5550 - most likely - they'll be obsolete in 6-12 months - then we can buy some more!

These HP guys should be put in charge of the US economy!

Better yet - all PocketPC devices should self destruct in 6-12 months - oh wait, they already do that!

Jonathon Watkins
03-29-2004, 10:22 PM
Will they be able to upgrade to 2003SE? :lol:

:twak:

:rotfl:

Very good.

OneAngryDwarf
03-29-2004, 11:24 PM
Finally a Pocket PC for the masses... and its pretty in orange!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sign me up

BugDude10
03-30-2004, 01:34 AM
Cool, a Pocket PC with a cup holder!

Prevost
03-30-2004, 03:13 AM
The head surveyor at my office thought this was cool. And when he thinks something like this is cool, I get the impression there actually is a practical use and market for it.
I don't know, I just got the feeling that some of those "capabilities" could be met with software at a much better cost and size.

Most PPCs (or, all of them) have an IR port...why have no one developed software for IR measurement of distances? :(

jimski
03-30-2004, 04:34 AM
Looks to me like a very 8O expensive case for that PPC.

Jacob
03-30-2004, 04:44 AM
I don't know, I just got the feeling that some of those "capabilities" could be met with software at a much better cost and size.

Most PPCs (or, all of them) have an IR port...why have no one developed software for IR measurement of distances? :(

The GPS, inclinometer, digital compass.. those will increase the size.

An IR port isn't strong enough for a range finder, I wouldn't think.

gorkon280
03-30-2004, 04:45 AM
The head surveyor at my office thought this was cool. And when he thinks something like this is cool, I get the impression there actually is a practical use and market for it.
I don't know, I just got the feeling that some of those "capabilities" could be met with software at a much better cost and size.

Most PPCs (or, all of them) have an IR port...why have no one developed software for IR measurement of distances? :(

The IR port on any ppc SUCKS thats why! Plus it would be unusable at distances needed by surveyors.

:rawr:

Prevost
03-30-2004, 04:49 AM
The IR port on any ppc SUCKS thats why! Plus it would be unusable at distances needed by surveyors.
No, man, I meant, distances within a construction site, like a building. Or, like for architectural applications. Surveyors will use total stations instead of this thing ever.

griph
03-30-2004, 07:10 AM
Most PPCs (or, all of them) have an IR port...why have no one developed software for IR measurement of distances? :(
I'm guessing but even those with the enhanced IR functiuons allowing remote control of TV's have a range so limited that measurement oif distances would be practically impossible.

griph
03-30-2004, 07:12 AM
No, man, I meant, distances within a construction site, like a building. Or, like for architectural applications. Surveyors will use total stations instead of this thing ever.
Range isn't big enough for a building site - might do a room - but no way a building site!

gorkon280
03-30-2004, 08:01 AM
No, man, I meant, distances within a construction site, like a building. Or, like for architectural applications. Surveyors will use total stations instead of this thing ever.

Still not good enough. Now if you want to measure between 1 and 6 inches, maybe! :D 0X

jizmo
03-30-2004, 08:17 AM
Think of the games you could play while mountain climbing to mt. Kilimanzaro!

/jizmo