Hello All:
Our research team is currently looking for a new electronic data collection system. For the past fifteen years, we have used PDAs along with Pendragon Forms to collect field data. Unfortunately, these PDAs are >10 years old and the version of Pendragon forms that communicates with the devices is no longer supported and only runs on Windows XP and earlier, so we think it will stop working within the next couple of years. This means that we would like to find some potential electronic data collection systems to replace our old one and test them out this summer. Our main requirements are as follows: · Some type of application that would enable us to develop data entry forms with numeric, dropdown menu, checkbox, and text fields, preferably something open source & free · Portable hardware – can be held with one hand · Durable hardware – won’t break every time it’s dropped · Reasonably battery life (1 full day) OR portable rechargers · Something that will last a long time – the individual devices don’t have to last forever, but the system should be something we won’t need to change for a while · Not too expensive · Optional: basic GPS capabilities So far, we’ve considered refurbished Android devices and we are trying to find a free forms app. We wanted to know if anyone has any other ideas for an data collection system or any places that we might look to find possibilities. We’re also wondering if anyone has used phones or tablets previously and has advice for places to get refurbished devices or what apps you’ve used. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Danny Hanson on behalf of Team Echinacea http://echinaceaproject.org/
