pilgrim
03-27-2005, 06:58 PM
Help! :lol:
It has been a long time since I've posted or been on this forum, having given away my 3870 some time ago. Haven't found a compelling need for another unit until now...Having been out of the Pocket PC loop for quite a while, I am uncertain what is now available.
Would appreciate your assistance here. At least pointing me in the right direction. Am going to be reviewing the past topics as well, but decided to write this post first.
My question is in two parts, software and hardware. First the software portion....
For my work, I am developing a database application, probably Access or something similiar. I will be using it 1/2 time in the office, and data collection outside the office the other half. Also in the field I may need to reference existing data already collected. The report generation and analysis work will take place in the office. When completed, would be used by a rather large technical group.
Software Requirements:
1. Easy to program and reconfigure.
2. Database size should be limited to a few Gigs when populated. That seems to limit me to a real database program, as opposed to Excel.
3. Graphics would be necessary, but they would be a static jpeg image as opposed to a GIS display.
4. Would prefer easily customizable screens, so I could add additional fields as necessary.
5. The report generation of Access is adequate, but would be open to other displays.
6. What software is out there that is strong enough and perhaps compatible with an Access database model? I would asume that I would still be using Access in the office. I desire multiple user access while in the office.
7. Not being a database programmer, I am concerned about multiple units out there collecting data, and then uploading all the updates, with possible data conflicts between different field collectors.
For hardware, I was thinking of something more portable than a laptop, which leads me to either a Pocket PC or to a tablet. Ideally, I would prefer a 1/2 size tablet (5x8"), which puts me into no-mans land...the older I get, the more I need reading glasses for the smaller screens.
Well, another reason I am thinking "tablet" is to minimize the programming required to configure for a desktop screen, and a field unit. However, if the software is easy to configure, I would consider any unit. Just attended a GITA conference, and saw some new gear, but oriented toward the GIS crowd.
1. I am not needing a wireless connection (methinks).
2. Since my work will be purchasing the unit, I am willing to invest in a good unit. I do want it to be field proof, as opposed to an office only PDA. Screen size and clarity pushes me to a VGA option, and possibly to a tablet.
3. However, a GPS would be a nice thing to incorporate a coordinate within the database. Was thinking of the new Trimble Bluetooth gear that permits a remote coordinate collection.
4. A camera, with the jpeg eventually attached to the file.
5. Truck / car mounting may be necessary to secure it while in the vehicle. However, it must be portable to be carried extended distances as well.
Now that I write this out, it seems a little more involved than I was first thinking. 8O I am pretty open to the final solution, so your thoughts would be highly appreciated.
Thx,
It has been a long time since I've posted or been on this forum, having given away my 3870 some time ago. Haven't found a compelling need for another unit until now...Having been out of the Pocket PC loop for quite a while, I am uncertain what is now available.
Would appreciate your assistance here. At least pointing me in the right direction. Am going to be reviewing the past topics as well, but decided to write this post first.
My question is in two parts, software and hardware. First the software portion....
For my work, I am developing a database application, probably Access or something similiar. I will be using it 1/2 time in the office, and data collection outside the office the other half. Also in the field I may need to reference existing data already collected. The report generation and analysis work will take place in the office. When completed, would be used by a rather large technical group.
Software Requirements:
1. Easy to program and reconfigure.
2. Database size should be limited to a few Gigs when populated. That seems to limit me to a real database program, as opposed to Excel.
3. Graphics would be necessary, but they would be a static jpeg image as opposed to a GIS display.
4. Would prefer easily customizable screens, so I could add additional fields as necessary.
5. The report generation of Access is adequate, but would be open to other displays.
6. What software is out there that is strong enough and perhaps compatible with an Access database model? I would asume that I would still be using Access in the office. I desire multiple user access while in the office.
7. Not being a database programmer, I am concerned about multiple units out there collecting data, and then uploading all the updates, with possible data conflicts between different field collectors.
For hardware, I was thinking of something more portable than a laptop, which leads me to either a Pocket PC or to a tablet. Ideally, I would prefer a 1/2 size tablet (5x8"), which puts me into no-mans land...the older I get, the more I need reading glasses for the smaller screens.
Well, another reason I am thinking "tablet" is to minimize the programming required to configure for a desktop screen, and a field unit. However, if the software is easy to configure, I would consider any unit. Just attended a GITA conference, and saw some new gear, but oriented toward the GIS crowd.
1. I am not needing a wireless connection (methinks).
2. Since my work will be purchasing the unit, I am willing to invest in a good unit. I do want it to be field proof, as opposed to an office only PDA. Screen size and clarity pushes me to a VGA option, and possibly to a tablet.
3. However, a GPS would be a nice thing to incorporate a coordinate within the database. Was thinking of the new Trimble Bluetooth gear that permits a remote coordinate collection.
4. A camera, with the jpeg eventually attached to the file.
5. Truck / car mounting may be necessary to secure it while in the vehicle. However, it must be portable to be carried extended distances as well.
Now that I write this out, it seems a little more involved than I was first thinking. 8O I am pretty open to the final solution, so your thoughts would be highly appreciated.
Thx,