I just received my new Juniper Archer 2 data collector yesterday. I have not set it up and taken it to the field, but my first impressions are not very good. I thought the screen would be a little bigger. It appears to be same width as the original Archer and a little longer. Tapping the screen with my finger seems sluggish and using the stylus is not much better. Maybe it's me. Does anyone out there have some experience with one of these devices they would like to share?
jmfleming -
I am by no means a huge Juniper or Archer fan personally. I have used a lot of their stuff in the past (Allgeros/Archers) and it has always worked for me, just not as good as some of the other products out there.
That being said, I recently ordered two Archer II's. I also wanted a bigger screen but was very impressed with the "glow" of the new screens. It is extremely easy to see outside, on par with many of the smartphones. As for speed, I am not seeing that on either unit. I am wondering if you got a bad unit, or something with a bug. If I were you, I'd send it back and get a replacement. Like I said, mine are not sluggish at all. I was actually impressed with the speed compared to some of the others.
It isn't that the unit is slow. What I meant by sluggish was the different technology it uses to touch/tap the screen than the first Archer unit. It just seems a little more difficult to use than the original, and had some trouble touching the precise position on the screen with the stylus. Seemed a bit awkward and troublesome. It will probably be fine after some getting used to. Also, I was looking forward to having a keyboard. But it's only numeric and I can hardly see the numbers/symbols on the keys. So, just wanted some input before mailing out a [rather hefty] check to Juniper.
I have used Carlson software with Juniper hardware for my field computing over the last 10-15 years. Maybe there are some other DCs and software I need to know about before upgrading. Hopefully, some guys will tell me about some other much-loved DC setups out there.
Have you tried doing a screen calibration?
I have recently upgraded from a TDS Recon to a Carlson Surveyor+ (same as a Juniper TK6000) and I am liking it. It's nice to have a full keypad again.
I figured it could use a screen calibration. But have not had time to do it.
I also have a Juniper Allegro CX, which is the approx size of the Carlson Surveyor+. It is a little older unit. Yes, the full keyboard is nice.