Greetings,

I'm currently considering purchasing replacements for our Skilled Trade's handheld PC's/PDA's. Our current HP/Compaq palms are not adequate for our needs; which are Ivara indicator entries and Excel worksheet input. The identified shortfalls are no keyboard functionality, small screen, and they are cumbersome once the protective casing/shell has been added.

Are there any recommendations or negative comments regarding Maintenance specific handheld or Tablet PC/Palm devices that are on the market.

Thank you

The i.Roc is a high performance industrial PDA based on the Windows Mobile Operating System with compact external dimensions, an integrated WLAN 802.11b, USB, Bluetooth and an IrDA port. Comes in 3 versions from ruggedized to Intrinsically Safe - certified FM and ATEX.
http://www.hazardousareadirect.com/Products/ECO-iRoc.htm

Tim,

I have used Apple Newton, Palm, and iPAQ hand-helds for field data collection (recently tried Tablet PC). An Excel (or genaric) spreadsheet is a poor way to do data entry for many reasons. Going to a larger device adds size, weight, and cost. Going to a keypad may not improve data entry, because it is simply too difficult to type/thumb small keys in many hostile work environments. My recommendation is to design electronic forms that minimize free-form text entry and keep a data record on one or more screens/pages. Software like Visual CE from Syware can be used to create effective forms with PC links to Excel, Access, or other ODBC databases. There are several rugged Pocket PC or Palm hand-helds on market to choose from once you pick an operating system, software/form package, and e-form design. Barcode or RFID tags on measurement points or gages can improve survey time and accuracy.

Walt

Take a look at http://www.ruggedhandheld.com/
Diagnostic Instruments provide off thhe shelf solutions and also bespoke instruments to suit your exact neads