Is there any application that would work on an IPAD that would enable one to run a download program? For example, Trimble data transfer. I do not have such a device, but am considering buying one. It would be much easier than hauling a laptop around. But, I would need to be able to download GPS units.
Or maybe I have to wait for Windows 8 on a tablet...
There isn't one that I know of, John.
Additionally, the iPad/iPad2 is a bit limited in that it does not have a USB port. It does have Bluetooth, though.
Having said that, I use my iPad2 in the field daily. I hAe AutoCAD WS installed and rely on it and Google Earth extensively.
Oh, for being an Apple bashed for the past 34 years, I just got an iPhone 4S, too!
If you are thinking about transferring via bluetooth, I've had no luck. I can't even get my Ipad to sync and transfer photos with my Samsung phone. Steve Jobs was really into having his products operate in their own universe. I just checked the Apple store and there doesn't appear to be any bluetooth apps that communicate with anything other than apple products.
That's one of my biggest dissapointments with the Ipad ... Apples refusal to play nice with others. Steve Jobs blocked out Flash, so I can't watch most videons on it. I didn't know this when I bought it, but I can't even print from it through my network printers. There are no print options. I had visions of relaxing on my sofa and send internet job research to my printer ... can't even print a webpage. There are apparently some special "AirPrint" printers that work, though ... not my network printers, though.
Seems like it should be simple enough, but it's not.
I've been using a Fujitsu Tablet PC as a DC for almost 9 years now. You might have seen them in the McDonalds drive thru during rush times. Or at the 7-11, when they are doing inventory.
It's a computer, it's a DC. I can surf and e-mail wirelessly. Run ACAD or any PC software.
IPad is bound to catch up and may even surpass Fujitsu in this market. We'll see.
:tv:
I have never been able to convince myself to buy any apple product (at least not for me-my two adult kids both have iphones, one that I bought and the other bought her own). I liken it to the fact that I have never bought a Japanese branded automobile either. Something my father drilled into me. Nothing against foreign cars-I have owned a number of German and Italian cars over the years, but I have so far not succumbed,
Anyway, I was resisting the ipad phenomena, but when Steve Corley showed me the HP41 emulator WITH surveying I pack on it, I was very interested. Also, an aviation app that I use on my android is much more useful on the ipad. And my wife has been bugging me to get her one. She is 90% computer illiterate, but her friends have them, so of course she needs one.
I guess Trimble would have to develop an app for it to be able to download their units.
When I do photo or Lidar control jobs (about 50% of my work), I use my laptop on the seat next to me to navigate around, seems like the ipad would be ideal for that.
That looks like a very useful tool. I have a Fujitsu scanner and it's absolutely bombproof. Tell us more about this device. How long does the battery last, screen visibility, etc.
> That looks like a very useful tool. I have a Fujitsu scanner and it's absolutely bombproof. Tell us more about this device. How long does the battery last, screen visibility, etc.
2 computer batteries will last all day. But they wear out quickly, in about a year or so. It can charge from a cigarette lighter, and we have them on the ATVs. This way 1 battery will last at least all day.
The visibility is great in low light conditions, but somewhat of a pain at high noon.
Touch screen works great, with supplied pen.
The computer is very rugged, we have been impressed by their longevity.
When working near a wifi hotspot, we can communicate with the office and internet.
There is a wireless keyboard if need be, I use the "onscreen" keyboard 99.9% of the time.
I hope that there will be more applications for the IPAD for Surveying in the future. I have used my Iphone when surveying to get documentation. When I set a TBM, I can load up Google Earth, and soom in on the GPS location, and capture a screen shot to document the location, use the camera to take a closeup picture of the TBM, and some local pictures, usually looking at the TBM from the North South East and West, then use note pad to write a description. The IPAD does not have the GPS buiolt in and only the IPAD2 has a camera.
I have aprinter APP on my IPAD and can print to my WiFi HP7200 printer. That is very handy.
Another thing I have done is load the PDF manuals for Instruments, and other documentation into the e-reader app. That way, if I need to make a change to an instrument setting in the field, I can pull up the manual for reference. I also keep a copy of the COE Engineer Manuals Concerning surveying, and the Safety Manual on the IPAD, for refference.
