outdoors-capable handheld computer advice

**maniloff** · 02-25-2007, 12:07 PM

Does anybody know much about handheld computers? I'm helping a local non-profit put together a new project involving sending people outdoors with handhelds. I'm having trouble finding suitable hardware.

Requirements:
1) outdoor-readable color screen.
2) at least semi-rugged
3) runs Windows (for some other software we're using)
4) under $1000 is preferable, over that might be feasible if it's the only option, but would require some restructuring
5) a gig of storage (for about 15000 small, low-res images)
6) some sort of GPS

Nice features:
1) PDA-size form factor
2) few buttons exposed

Not needed:
1) wireless networking

We've done some prototype testing using Dell Axim x51v's. The screen was not readable enough outdoors, they're not rugged enough to use without custom protective cases (no surprise), and more memory or a faster processor would be nice.

Anybody have any advice or experience?

**summit** · 02-25-2007, 12:12 PM

AFAIK no product exists which meets your requirment because of 6. GPS

There are PDA sized computers that run XP or XP tablet in the $1K range but they are generally not ruggedized and often suffer from short battery life. OTOH they usually have WiFi and some sort of 3G network card too.

**sandflea** · 02-25-2007, 01:11 PM

There are a few phones with built in gps systems, mio a710, e-ten g500, 600 and glofish, Hp ipaq hw6940....etc. However, I have been unable to find a review that includes readibility outdoors.

**squirrelmurphy** · 02-25-2007, 02:25 PM

we were working with some form of compaq pda this fall. we had small external bluetooth gps units that worked pretty well.

**Buzzworthy** · 02-25-2007, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by maniloff

Does anybody know much about handheld computers? I'm helping a local non-profit put together a new project involving sending people outdoors with handhelds. I'm having trouble finding suitable hardware.

Requirements:
1) outdoor-readable color screen.
2) at least semi-rugged
3) runs Windows (for some other software we're using)
4) under $1000 is preferable, over that might be feasible if it's the only option, but would require some restructuring
5) a gig of storage (for about 15000 small, low-res images)
6) some sort of GPS

Nice features:
1) PDA-size form factor
2) few buttons exposed

Not needed:
1) wireless networking

We've done some prototype testing using Dell Axim x51v's. The screen was not readable enough outdoors, they're not rugged enough to use without custom protective cases (no surprise), and more memory or a faster processor would be nice.

Anybody have any advice or experience?

I work in the industry. Check out the Archer

Pricing for what you want will be a slight problem. Going to cost a bit more. But we can talk.

Archer w/520 mHz processor, WM5.
GPS CF Card (2-5 Meter accuracy).
Extended Cap.
1G SD card.
WaterPROOF, DustPROOF, readABLE.

PDA's have a transmisive screen. Backlit so to say. Ours has a transflective display, thus readable outdoors.

PM me for my work email and I would be happy to call you and talk more. I do this for a living.

**Buzzworthy** · 02-25-2007, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by Summit

AFAIK no product exists which meets your requirment because of 6. GPS

Wrong again. Dude, just do your homework if you are going to reply.

**summit** · 02-25-2007, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

Wrong again. Dude, just do your homework if you are going to reply.

chilll out there captain industry... if you are in the computer industry you should know that AFAIK = As Far As I Know

I never claimed to be the end all of knowledge on this subject, that is why I qualified my comments

FYI I interpreted his request that it run "windows" for some of his specific applications to mean that it really ran windows XP instead of neutered Windows Mobile 5.0 (guess i woulda realized if i noted the x51v they tried). I looked for something that met his requirements last year if you were to exchange the GPS requirement for 802.11 and EvDo (/w XP). That being said, the Archer is a pretty cool tool.

**Buzzworthy** · 02-26-2007, 10:27 AM

It is a niche industry and I should be more careful with my words. Lately I have typed before thinking and I am on a bit of a pent up streak. The lack of snow in really Northern Utah, till now thank God, has beaten my spirit down. Yesterday was my first sudo pow day. Then today they got another 10" and I am at work, ouch. Sorry for my aggression.

Honestly, I think we can do a better job marketing the Archer, as it is a tool that many could use in all sorts of applications. People simply don't know about it. So I am trying to change that.

Manifloff, email sent.