Mobile Computing

Like software, mobile computing technology never stands still. Devices get smaller, more robust, more reliable, larger devices get lighter in weight but heavier in functionality, they become more affordable, the list goes on. At WoodPlan we are committed to the constant development of our software products and this includes investigating the latest mobile hardware to hit the market. In fact we love getting to grips with the latest mobile gadgets, which is why we have provided the information on this page.

The information on this page is here to give you a brief insight into the hardware options available for mobile survey work. Please feel free to contact us on 0845 094 8628 for further information on mobile computing and choosing a solution that’s right for you.

Scroll down for information on the latest products ranging from PDAs, Smartphones, Ultra Mobile PCs, Tablet or Panel PCs and Rugged Notebooks.

PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) - average prices £250 - £400

Mobile PDAs such as the Trimble Juno ST use small size to their advantage. The lightweight design allows the unit to slip into your pocket and with the small screen the device uses considerably less battery power than its larger brothers and sisters. The Juno ST will run for up to 10 hours of charge during constant use, with in-built GPS it’s an ideal solution for quickly collecting survey data. The Juno ST is a low cost unit with high end functionality and outstanding reliability, making it the ideal solution for organisations needing to equip a large workforce on a tight budget. Standard features inlcude 300MHz processor, 64Mb Ram, SD Card expansion and 128Mb on board storage.

Rugged PDAs – average prices £1000 - £1200

The Trimble Nomad is a slightly larger PDA with an 806MHz processor, 1GB of onboard storage and 128Mb Ram, making it the most powerful PDA available, ideal for speedy working with heavy data and background mapping. Built to US Military Standard 810F (ruggedness rating), the Nomad is designed for working outdoors in the toughest of conditions. GPS comes built in as standard on the 800L base model. Users wanting a fully integrated unit should look at the 800LC with GPS and in-built digital camera, perfect for linking digital photos to your records in WoodPlan.

The Juno ST features Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 and the Nomad features Microsoft Windows Mobile 6. Both come as standard with Microsoft Mobile Office.

WoodPlan and Korec recommend Trimble Products as being the most suitable solution for mobile data collection as they are designed for outdoor work and feature in-built GPS as standard.

Smartphones - average prices £250 - £400

Smartphones such as the HP Ipaq 614 (below) run Windows Mobile 6 and operate in a similar fashion to the Trimble Juno ST and Nomad. These non-rugged devices feature integrated 3G Mobile Phone capabilities and push e-mail technology (always on). Slightly larger than a standard mobile phone, these are an excellent choice for a user wanting to run multiple mobile applications whilst keeping on top of e-mails and calls. Some smartphones such as the Ipaq feature on board GPS.

Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs) – average prices £600 - £1400

Ultra Mobile PCs are bang up to date for 2008. These ultra powerful but ultra mobile PCs are a good halfway point between PDAs and Tablet Panel PCs. Lightweight, most feature a slide out QWERTY keyboard as well as the standard PEN Stylus input for the touch screen. What’s more, these devices run either Microsoft Windows XP Tablet (like normal XP Pro but with PEN input) or Microsoft Windows Vista. Specs range from a slow 600Mhz processor on some earlier models up to an impressive and powerful 1.6Ghz on the latest OQO e2. Expect up to 2GB of Ram. Bluetooth or USB GPS receivers can be used with most of these devices.

These are worth a look, why not Google Samsung Q1, OQOe2 and the HTC Shift.

Tablet or Panel PCs average prices £900 - £1600

Tablet PCs such as the Fujitsu Stylistic ST5111 and ST5112 are highly recommended by WoodPlan! Reliability, speed and all round usability are the key points here and the Stylistic is outstanding at all three. With 10” and 12” screens, these devices can run either Microsoft Windows XP Tablet or Microsoft Windows Vista. With the onboard 1.2GHz Intel Centrino Duo processors and up to 4GB of ram, the Stylistic ticks along just nicely. Another great feature of the Stylistic is that they come with an outdoor viewable screen as standard. The Fujitsu Stylistic is reliable, ultra portable, boasts battery life on a standard battery of 6Hrs (very good for tablets) and is nicely lightweight. If you want GPS there is Bluetooth built in or you can use a USB GPS receiver.

Want to make the Stylistic in to a fully rugged device, check out the Otterbox 4600, this is designed to fit the Stylistic like a glove. The Otterbox 4600 waterproofs the device whilst still allowing you to access all the buttons and the touch screen. The Otterbox 4600 will ruggedise your tablet at a fraction of the cost of buying a standard rugged tablet. Average price for the Otterbox 4600 - £160.

Rugged Notebooks £2000 - £4000

Rugged notebooks such as the Getac V100 and the Panasonic Toughbook pack all the features of a standard high spec laptop in to a toughened casing. These devices are used primarily by the military where reliability in the harshest of conditions is everything. Rugged notebooks open out like a normal laptop with a standard laptop keyboard and touch pad mouse. The user can then tilt and swivel the screen to a flat position for use with a pen like a tablet PC. These devices appeal to WoodPlan forestry users working in dense woodland conditions in sometimes the harshest of weather conditions. For the hardened surveyor, why let the weather stop you!

For more info Google the Getac V100 and the Panasonic Toughbook. A key UK retailer for these devices is Steatite Ltd of Redditch, Worcestershire. Talk to Sebastian Leaver on 01527 406 880.