We just finished a tablet evaluation process, to support collecting water-related biological and physical habitat data using statewide GRTS probability sampling. What was selected was Mobile Demand. It's somewhere between tablet and laptop. Our usage is heavy. So far the field crews like it.
Some of our business considerations: screen size screen type- resistive or not water resistance drop-tolerance screen glare processing speed form to form navigation screen / keyboard sensitivity on-screen keyboard vs. physical keyboard built into case operating system supportive of eform technology browser supportive of caching eforms for offline data entry browser supportive of across-the-web-to-secure staging table transmission integrated good quality GPS battery life agency standards J. Janisch -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Theresa Culley Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 12:20 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] field computer/pda recommendations? We have had great success using an IPad in the field (both an IPad 2 and a mini). We use it to enter data for plant morphological measurements in prairie and forested areas, using a customized version of the Numbers app. The nice thing is that with 3G and 4G access, we can periodically upload data to the cloud to make sure that nothing is lost while in the field (and use the device ourselves with Google Earth to make sure we are not lost). You can also purchase waterproof plastic carriers - but be careful using an Otterbox case...our devices kept overheating in the sun and would shut off, so we had to remove the case. We have had the best of luck just using the IPads with a basic shell case that is conveniently a bright color for fieldwork. Theresa Culley On 8/18/2014 6:32 PM, Malcolm McCallum wrote: > Even if you use a PDA or other electronic device in the field, it is > probably still a good idea to keep good records in a field book too. > As easy as it is to destroy a field book, electronics can be easier! > :) > I have used Tremble XM and XT in the field which is essentially a PDA. > They worked ok. Then, Garmin had a GPS/PDA for a while but I dont > think they make it any more. It was actually easier to use than the > Tremble, although not as technically good. I have not used PDAs > otherwise. However, you might do better using a smart phone than a > PDA these days. The newest HP Pavillion has a 6 hr battery with an A8 > processor. It seems like a good laptop to me. With Windows 8.1 you > can install 8.1 pro and then run programs in 8.1 that require oldeer > operating systems. I can't remember if you install th other operating > system inside 8.1 or if its just a setting. However, I am 90% certain > you must have 8.1 pro to do it. > > On Mon, Aug 18, 2014 at 1:41 PM, Rosemary Hartman <[email protected]> > wrote: >> Hello all, >> >> Does anyone have recommendations (or counter-recommendations) on >> field computers or pdas for collecting ecological data? I have some >> experience entering data on one of the Juniper Systems models ( >> http://www.junipersys.com/), and they are the ones I have seen most >> often, but I don't have experience setting up any of these systems, >> and I"m not sure which model I would want. I'm looking for something >> to enter wetlands and fisheries data in the field, so it must be >> robust to dropping in the water and getting slimed by carp. >> >> Thanks! >> >> >> -- >> Rosemary Hartman >> [email protected] >> 301-538-0136 > > -- Theresa M. Culley, PhD Associate Professor Editor-in-Chief, Applications in Plant Sciences Department of Biological Sciences University of Cincinnati 614 Rieveschl Hall Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006 Tel: 513-556-9705; Fax: 513-556-5299 Email: [email protected] http://homepages.uc.edu/~culleyt/CulleyLab.html
