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UCBM
06-25-2003, 10:30 AM
Hi, I'm a building manager from the University of Whitewater Wisconsion. I'll first explain what we do, since it'll help explain a little bit more into this thing. We employ 7 student managers (including myself). We basically have to run the building from 4pm-1am, and check in on meetings that we hold, run dances, take counts, basically managerial stuff.

We are planning on implementing the use of a PDA to make the job a little more efficient and easier on us. I have been put in charge of it, so I wanted to know some suggestions from you guys if any on the best way to go about this, to hopefully fulfill our needs. Right now were looking at the NX70. We like the idea of the camera to be able to take pictures of things going on, things that are broke, and all that jazz, I think it'll come in pretty handy. Also one of the requirements is that it has a built-in keyboard, as 7 different people will be using it and not all of them are too keen on the graffiti idea. Also, we need to be able to implement some sort program that would allow us to make a report of what is going on in the building, (what meetings we've checked, any problems, stuff like that). Were pretty sure we want to go with a machine that will run the palm os. Preferably OS 5. Now me personally I have a dell axim advanced, with ppc 2002, I love it, so we could also swing that way. So really I'm looking for an honest opinion and some suggestions of what would be some good choices in the world of PDA's. We have rougly $350 to spend, and are able to use Ebay if that helps any.

OH!, almost forgot, it needs to be able to be upgraded to wireless, our campus and the building we are in will hopefully be installing wireless rather soon, and this is a MUST for us.

Just to reiterate these are the requirements needed:
-Camera
-built-in keyboard
-must be able to produce some type of reports (obviously some software will be needed, any suggestions would be appreciated)
-cost around $350
-the ability to upgrade with wireless internet

Also, any criticisms, off the wall ideas, anything is appreciated, were at square one here so any ideas would be awesome.

Thanks in advance!

dwinget
07-02-2003, 07:55 AM
On the Pocket PC side, these are some devices to consider:

1. HP iPAQ H2215. This is a brand new model with PPC 2003. It is small in size, has a removeable battery, has both CF and SD built in, has Bluetooth. The price is around $399. For wireless lan, a CF wireless lan card could be easily installed.

2. Toshiba e750. This device has a built-in wireless lan card, both CF and SD slots built in, has a removeable battery. The optional expansion pack has USB and VGA ports. This would allow a USB keyboard or printer, and a monitor or data projector to be connected.

There are several database applications for the Pocket PC which will synchronize with Microsoft Access. Some have versions for both Pocket PC and Palm. HandDbase is one of the most popular ones with cross platform support.

There are several low priced CF camera cards available for the Pocket PC.

Personally, I think I would go with the Toshiba e750. My reason is that this device would let you use wireless networking and a CF camera at the same time. Images could also be stored on the SD memory card, along with other documents. With other devices, you can only access one function at a time. You would do a lot of card swapping. Look for a device with an integrated wireless lan card so you can have a free slot for the camera.

On the Palm OS side, currently, only the Tungsten C has an integrated wireless lan card. The high end Sony Clie's have a CF slot for adding a wireless lan card. However, The Sony's cost more than your specified budget. They cost more, but only have 16MB of ram. The Tungsten C has 64MB of ram and a 400MHz processor.