Dear David and Steve,
I've used my smartphone intensively for data collecting. I strongly
discourage you to use a tablet for a simple reason, it is very heavy!
I also discourage you to use an on-screen keyboard to introduce the data
into the spreadsheet, it gets messy easily and lacks precision. Instead,
I suggest you get a smartphone with large screen and a hard keyboard. I
used an HTC Touch Pro but it is quite outdated already. I've heard a lot
of good things about the Motorola Droid 4:
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/02/10/droid-4-review-incredible-keyboard-awesome-speeds/
Phones are cheaper than tablets, they are lighter, they can have a real
keyboard, they can load and edit spreadsheets, they are more resistant,
and if they break, you still can afford to buy another one. As for
saving your data, it is just as easy (or more) than a tablet.
I hope it helps! Daniel.
On 16-05-2012 16:42, David Inouye 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
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Daniel Montesinos
Centro de Ecologia Funcional
Universidade de Coimbra
Apartado 3046
3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal
T: (+351) 239 855 238 (ext. 139)
http://cfe.uc.pt/daniel-montesinos
http://www.mendeley.com/profiles/daniel-montesinos
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