Based on several field seasons of success by my colleagues with this set up, I'm going to implement field data collection on iPod Touches this summer. iPod Touches are relatively cheap and the functionality for what I need is good. I think glare might be an issue we will have to deal with. The package of hardware my colleagues use is an iPod Touch ($200, http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/) with a GPS cradle ($85 http://www.gpscradle.dualav.com/) and they take these into the back country, charging them on solar chargers ($100 http://store.solio.com/Solio-Store/Solar-Chargers/CLASSIC2-Solar-Battery-Charger-S13-AF1RW ). It all fits into a sturdy Pelican case ($20 http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1050 )
They also recommend this database application with forms that can be easily customized: HandDBase ($10 http://www.ddhsoftware.com/handbase_iPhone.html ) -Lindsay From: David Inouye <ino...@umd.edu> To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Date: 05/16/2012 09:51 AM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Used a tablet for field work? Sent by: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news" <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU> I'd like a way to replace data entry on paper in the field with an electronic alternative. Ultimately the data end up in a spreadsheet, but sometimes using formulae (e.g., 3*5 + 4*2 + 6, for numbers of inflorescences with different numbers of flowers). Has anyone used something like the Blackberry PlayBook, an Android tablet, Nook, iPad, etc. with spreadsheet software? Recommendations for or against particular solutions? I have also considered a ruggedized PC and a ruggedized tablet (Motion F5V), but they are a LOT more expensive than other tablet options would be. David Inouye
