i have heard of the use of PDAs for data entry long ago... just doing a google search i found this webpage... i guess there are many other like this...
http://www.doforms.com/ one advantage with PDAs was the entrance of GPS data.. but now any cellphone has GPS... about the touch screen... all depends if you have all your data entry preprogramed... i guess.. but using a stylus would be better.. i have used a Garmin to enter GPS and data and as all mentioned the sun is a problem... you need some kind of cover to be able to read it... cheers Bruno 2012/5/16, Hillary White <[email protected]>: > In my experience (Android tablet using an excel spreadsheet) these are the > major issues that should be considered: > > 1) glare / screen contrast - the glare screen accessories don't really > work that well in an outdoor setting, especially in full to partial sun. > 2) touchscreen compatibility with stylus - some tablets don't allow you to > use a stylus. If you have any sort of insect repellent or sunscreen on your > fingertips your screen will suffer (not sure if the glare screens will > protect from chemicals). Also, touchscreens don't work well while wearing > gloves- though there are special gloves on the market for this reason. > 3) on screen keyboard - when you bring up the keyboard it will cover the > majority of your spreadsheet which may or may not be an issue depending on > the size of your spreadsheet's row height. > 4) ruggedness - it's probably worth the money to buy ruggedized tablets > because the are designed to protect against field elements (humidity, dust, > rain, etc) > > These are just some of the things I would consider when choosing among > tablets if you decide to replace tried-and-true paper datasheets. > > Best, > > Hillary > > Hillary White > Terrestrial Ecologist > Davis, CA > > > > > On Wed, May 16, 2012 at 8:42 AM, David Inouye <[email protected]> wrote: > >> I'd like a way to replace data entry on paper in the field with an >> electronic alternative. Ultimately the data end up in a spreadsheet, but >> sometimes using formulae (e.g., 3*5 + 4*2 + 6, for numbers of >> inflorescences with different numbers of flowers). Has anyone used >> something like the Blackberry PlayBook, an Android tablet, Nook, iPad, >> etc. >> with spreadsheet software? Recommendations for or against particular >> solutions? >> >> I have also considered a ruggedized PC and a ruggedized tablet (Motion >> F5V), but they are a LOT more expensive than other tablet options would >> be. >> >> David Inouye >> >
