C Technologies Mobile Information Collector C-Pen Bedienungsanleitung PDF herunterladen (Seite 24)

Hand-held Computers (H/PC’s)

Hand-held computers, or H/PC s are rapidly gaining popularity for mobile computing tasks. There are two

types covered by this guide, palmtop tablet-style, and clamshell style. Both types are very light weight, and

batteries (usually readily available AA or AAA) last an entire day rather than several hours on their larger pen-

based counterparts. The devices with monochrome screens are easily visible in sunlight, and most contain

backlighting for viewing under poorly lit conditions.

Windows CE, a 32-bit scaled down version of the Windows operating system found on desktop PC s runs on

many of the hand-held computers on the market. Applications running under the Windows CE operating

system may be rapidly developed to take advantage of its modern GUI (Graphical User Interface) features.

Several data collection applications designed specifically for H/PC s are listed in the table.

The pocket-sized palm computers, sometimes referred to as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA s) rely on a

stylus or pen (see pen-based computers) for user input, and do not contain a physical keyboard, although

most contain an on-screen keyboard. Hand writing recognition software interprets characters entered into

text, and makes up for the lack of a keyboard.

Clamshell style computers contain a display and a small keyboard that fold together in a style similar to a

notebook computer. Some contain screen digitizers similar to those found on palm computers.

Although originally designed for consumer applications, most H/PC s offer the versatility, power, and memory

to allow them to act as reliable field data recorders. Harsh environment cases that are now available for some

models help overcome their vulnerability to moisture damage. Photos for this group begin on page 18.

Ruggedized Data Recorders

Ruggedized data recorders have been around for years. MS-DOS is the primary operating system on most of

these devices, although some contain a proprietary operating system. Photos for this group begin on page 26.

Pen-Based Computers

Computer hardware has gone through remarkable changes in recent years. Smaller size, increased

processor power, increased storage capacity and decreased cost are some of the technological changes that

have taken place. Computer history tells us that the trends will continue, with more manufacturers producing

low cost, ruggedized computers capable of meeting the demands of Forest Service field personnel. Recently,

new models of pen-based computers are appearing that offer features that make mobile computing in harsh

field conditions possible, while maintaining the functionality of desktop computers. Field ruggedness,

compactness, low power consumption and user-friendliness have become the focus of many of the

manufacturers.

Components of a real-time pen-based data collection system

1 2 ... 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 ... 67 68

Keine Kommentare

C Technologies Mobile Information Collector C-Pen Bedienungsanleitung Seite 24