Summary on PDAs I recently requested input on choosing a PDA for collecting data in the field. This posting includes the responses I received from listserve members. Thanks to all who emailed me with information.
After some deliberation, the program I work with will likely spend the extra money to purchase a PDA that is designed for rugged use. We have been testing one such model, the Juniper Systems Archer Field PC. This and other rugged models (e.g., those by Trimble) are designed to function in an environment of bumps, dust, and water. They are larger and more expensive than typical PDAs, but the expense may be justified (or not) depending on the cost of losing data and the expected life of a model being used in the field. Other notes: We have used the Juniper Systems Allegro, a “rugged PDR”, to collect stream data for years, and are pleased with it. We use Pendragon Forms software for our vegetation data collection. It works on Palm OS, and Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.0. The PDAs and the Archer that we looked at all run WM 5.0. With respect to the issue of reading the screen in bright light, the Archer’s screen is fine in sunlight, better than two PDA models (Dell Axim X51 and the HP iPAQ hx2495b) I compared it to. The effect of polarized sunglasses making the screen harder to read (mentioned in one response below) was somewhat noticeable, it seemed to make the white background somewhat darker without affecting the overall readability too much. However, rotating the screen 90 degrees made it much worse. Since “rugged PDAs/PDRs” should not be harmed by occasional exposure to water, they can be used without a waterproof container (such as the Aquapac or Otterbox) along streams and in the rain. When we used the Aquapac with traditional PDAs, we would occasionally become aware of small holes in the Aquapac after some water had entered it, but I think that no PDA was ever damaged as a result. I considered trying to summarize the responses, but see no common theme, except possibly that, for many, a traditional PDA works just fine. Peter Ebertowski MY ORIGINAL POSTING I am interested in hearing about PDA models that people use for collecting field data. In looking at two new models, I’ve found that the screen is hard to read outdoors in bright (or even not so bright) sunlight. Since we work along streams, we also put them in plastic Aquapac pouches; this adds to the readability issue. If you use a model that works well for you in a field setting, I'd like to hear about it. Please contact me at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] If this is of interest to other members, I'd be happy to report back to the group. Thanks. Peter Ebertowski Program Botanist PIBO Effectiveness Monitoring Program RESPONSES ***** We currently use Dell Axim x51v Pocket PC’s for our data collection purposes. Being a watershed district we have used them in all types of weather conditions and have had no readability issues. We use software called Pendragon Forms to collect our data. This software allows us to create our forms and stores all of our data into an Access database. We recently upgraded from the 5.0 version to the 5.1. My only complaint is that the display fonts have gotten much larger and the font style is not your standard Times New Roman. Also, when out in the field we keep our PDAs in waterproof armor cases. www.otterbox.com They are very rugged, durable, have a slot on the outside of the case to keep the stylus and clear plastic screens so it isn’t necessary to take the PDA out of the case to enter in data. We do not have any problems with the screen being too thick or difficulty entering in data. ***** My crew and I conduct field amphibian stream surveys using Palm T | X. It is still sometimes difficult to see inside the Aquapacs, but even with the other models I have used, this is an issue, depending on the lighting. I have not bee able to get around this problem, so if you do, please pass the tips. Otherwise, this unit has worked well for us in the field. There might be newer models out there, though, since I purchased these last summer. ***** I used Handspring Visor Pro units a few years ago for data collection (in conjunction with the Pendragon forms software). I ordered old refurbs because that was the only way to get units with monochrome screens (color screens always gave me problems in sunlight). The only issue I had was the units getting too hot in the Aqua pouches. You can still buy these for around $60 on Amazon (via 3rd party sellers). If you go this route, I suggest investing in the backup units (basically a card that allows you to fully backup each unit --- we would do that at each site, just in case). ***** We use the Juniper Systems Allegro. Juniper Systems has some other options also, but I only have experience with this one. It sounds like you may be looking for a PDA, but this is a great PDR (as we call it) and I guess both fall under the umbrella of Field PC. I find the screen is easy to see in any light conditions, you can't see the screen when you are wearing polarized sunglasses but you can see it without. I say this machine works just like the ad says. We use it in any and all sorts of outdoor settings and we are pretty hard on them. I have used this machine for the past 4 years and I have had no problems with it. I am commonly hiking through and working in dense brush while it is raining, snowing and blowing! The only problem I have, is it does not have a hand warmer but you might be able to get one. The battery life is really good, I am not so sure about 14 hours of continuous use but at least 8 hrs of continuous use. By continuous I mean you do not have it set to shut off automatically on a timed basis. It seems to be WaterPROOF, I have definitely had it in water. This is a very versatile machine and I believe our programmer would say the same thing. Good Luck! I hope this helps http://www.junipersys.com/main.php ***** We have been using Palm m515's and Tungsten E's for three years, doing wetland assessments and downloading stream gauges. We use otter box’s (www.otterbox.com) if we are going to be getting in the water. They have worked great. We recently purchased some Trimble Juno ST's. These are nice Windows based handhelds and they have a Trimble GPS in the unit. Again the otter box can protect the unit, but they seem pretty rugged. We have not had any problems seeing the scenes, in full sun, on any of these units. ***** I am using an ASUS A620 (which is not as new as what you might get today) to collect data on seedling experiments in the field. Since we work in a tropical Rainforest we do not have as much direct sunlight but use it inside a plastic bag as well. For us it has worked very well. Would be interesting if you could post an overview of the responses you get to the ECOLOG list. ***** I’m interested in what you hear about this...I,ve used Trimbles GeoXT PDA/GPS and have had troubles with the screen and visibility. ***** I used a Palm Tungsten E for my last season of data collection. We kept it in an Aquapac pouch even in dry weather, because we were handling amphibians and pitfall traps that were often partially inundated. I did have to replace the Aquapac after just a few months - the weight of the PDA caused a seam to separate. Problems with sunlight were minimal -though it was more difficult to see in bright sunlight, positioning one's head between the sun and the device was usually enough to get a clear view. I purchased HanDBase software <http://www.ddhsoftware.com/syncexchange.html> for data entry. The form designer will allow you to create a data entry workflow with a large font and other elements similarly enlarged. I've heard of people using other database software on this list and elsewhere. ***** I have had similar issues using "standard" Palm or iPAQ PDAs in the field, in plastic bags and was looking for something better. We initially thought to go with rugged PCs or tablet PCs, but the weight and size do not suit our application, although the functionality is greater. Here is a link to a rugged PDA model that we will be trying this year. I don't have extensive experience but think they might serve your purpose. Our use is in a forested environment, under canopy, collecting data for forestry and wildlife surveys and research. We will also be using the units with a database program compatible with MSAccess (since the units are based on the Windows Mobile OS) for our data collection purposes. The TDS Nomad had an optional internal GPS with reasonable accuracy, or Bluetooth compatible with a sub-meter accuracy GPS. Dust and water standards are IP67. http://www.tdsway.com/products/nomad Hope this helps. ***** The issue with bright sunlight on the pda screen is an issue since most will fade black and will glare unless there is a protective plastic mylar overlayed on the lcd. ***** The iPAQ 2495 and the Dell use Transflective TFT screen technology, which is a compromise indoor/outdoor solution. If you want the best in outdoor display, choose something with Reflective TFT. [Of models on the Forest Service's list] the iPAQ 36xx, 37xx, and 38xx series use this technology. The brighter the sunlight, the better they look - but the technology also requires a built-in front-light for indoor use (thus the compromise trans- reflective). I'm not aware of any other manufacturers at this time that are offering Reflective TFT, but there may be and I think it will become more available as time goes on. Another thing to consider is screen size - the bigger the better. And as others have said, mylar screen protectors can also help.
