Wireless/telnet/linux Support Pda

[Simba]

My company is using a database running under Linux. Currently, it can be telnet from anywhere that has telnet or terminal emulation software and internet connection.

I'm looking for PDA to be used by our sales rep. to enter the orders using a wireless PDA that can telnet to the server from anywhere. If you can help me what kind of hardware/software are required, I'll be greatly appreciated.

Please email me at info@simbaelectronic.com.

[o0MM0o]

Well if you wan't an out of the box solution you might wan't to check out the Sharp Zaurus, allthough I don't know if that will work and if it does how.

My recomendation would be getting an ipaq (or several) any model over 3660 (38xx works very well 39xx might have compatibility issues due to the new CPU) and installing linux on them (more info www.handhelds.org) that way you can most certainly work in a linux environment with telnet. As for the connection use any cellphone with datatransfer to setup an internet connection. If the server isn't hooked up to the internet you could set up a modempoll at the en of the server allowing salespeopel to dial-in. (ipaq to cell connectors at thesupplynet.com)

A tip for the whole organization would be to switch protocols from telnet to SSH. Telnet is a real security issue...

[Simba]

I got the Zaurus to work with the server. Problem is that it's screen is too small. I selected the smallest font as well. Our program requires 80 characters columns width X 24 characters rows width. I wonder if there's any PDA that can fit this on the screen.

[perldork]

Check out the new C7xx series from Zaurus :) .. they have a 320x240 true VGA screen .. from what I have read a few small parts of the OS are still being translated to English, but that was a month or two ago.

[perldork]

Also, you might be able to use a screen rotation program on the Zaurus 5xxx series:

http://qpe.sourceforge.net/packages/ipaq/