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Data collectors, CE versus PC, and the future

big-al · 2012-09-27T01:19:45Z

I've got a TDS Nomad that I've been running for years with Survey Pro 4.8.5. Works well. A little buggy in some respects (bluetooth), but it works, and I know how to use it. 2 things have happened that are making me want a new data collector:1) I want a keyboard. I haven't really used one in the field, but I just think stylus entry is cumbersome and inaccurate, and I have a feeling that a keyboard would make things quicker, and 2) I need GPS functionality on the data collector.TDS, now Spectra Precision, does not allow me to remove the software from my device and install it on another device, at least that's what I've been told by their reps. So, when the device dies, so does my software. I can buy the GPS module in Survey Pro for $800 I believe, which is a reasonable price, I suppose, but considering that investment will die when the hardware dies (or becomes obsolete), I'm feeling like its not necessarily a good investment.Plus, I think I want to move away from the Trimble/Autodesk empire and in the direction of Carlson. I've had great experiences with them so far, and I've heard nothing but good things about them from other surveyors. But, so far, haven't had much experience with Carlson software in the field.Now, considering both the form of the device/hardware and software as well, where is the data collector market headed in the future, and what is the best investment in a data collector to make now? Alot will depend on personal preference, and there will no doubt be multiple opinions on that subject.Windows CE seems like a clunky operating system, perhaps on its way out? It pales in comparison to what can be done on such ubiquitous consumer grade devices as the iPhone/iPad. That said, as far as I know, there are no fully functional surveying softwares made for the iPhone/iPad/Android, and so our options are limited to what surveying software companies decide to produce. Are our options going to change in the near future? Will we have fully functioning surveying software which runs on the iPhone or Android within the next ten years?How about surveying software on Windows XP, like SurvPC, running on a tablet? Hardware like the Yuma, Panasonic Toughbook, and Carlson supervisor, all boast bigger processor speeds, larger touch screen sizes, and loads of memory. You can DO MORE IN THE FIELD, but then again, it comes down to a question of size as well. How big a device do you want to hang on a pole, and how much are you actually gonna do in the field?Seems like Windows CE data collectors are still the most popular, running on a handheld, and the main choice is whether you want a keyboard or a touch screen...I'd be happy to hear any thoughts on this subject.Al

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Strictly Surveying

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ashton

(@ashton)

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For the windows solutions, would you check for Windows 8 compatibility?

Posted : September 28, 2012 9:35 am

big-al

(@big-al)

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I was wondering if you made that bracket. Now, I know. Thanks.

Posted : September 28, 2012 10:36 am

Ralph Perez

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> Its Carlson pc . Same as Carlson ce except it running on a win xp device. I also have Carlson survey . I carry a mouse in the truck and can do some basic cad or cogo stuff . Comes in handy. For me the big screen is what I like .

I carry a rubber keyboard and a mouse with my algiz 7

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And unike what has been said on this forum before, Trimble doesn't play well with Carlson.

Ralph

Posted : September 28, 2012 12:37 pm

amdomag

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As it is an ArcGIS application, Leica MobileMatrix should support the Windows 98 in my opinion.

Posted : September 30, 2012 6:01 pm

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Data collectors, CE versus PC, and the future

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