Mobile Devices in the Field

[jtylec]

I'm doing some research on what content (speficially designed for use on mobile devices) would be useful to contractors in the field. Does anyone have a mobile (iPhone, Blackberry, Palm, Treo, other) that they are really happy with? What network are you on? What do you use it for (text, e-mail, web research, spreadsheet management, scheduling, calculators, or other tools/applications)? Which best hold up to the rigors of work in the field? Are there any current limitations on your device?

Is there any information that you can't currently get on your device that would be helpful (NEC or other codes/regulations, power conversions, spec sheets, parts ordering)?

 

[~Shado~]

Hi jtylec,

The main thing to consider is what you would personally need in the field.

I have had a Treo 700w...the first WM for Palm.....for a few years now. It has served me perfectly, aside from memory limits, it has taken several tumbles, not broken, tough enough for me. Newer ones are better. I will be upgrading soon to a new model.
I am on Verizon, which is the strongest network here.
I have several apps on it and use it for weather, scheduling, quick photos of jobs, texting, etc.

Applications Used/Purchased:
- PhatPad - which allows me to actually write on it, draw mini prints or layouts, notes, etc...
- AutoFile Plus - tracking vehicle info, mileage, fuel, maintanence, etc
- Pocket Quicken - Business & Personal accounts
- SpB Mobile Shell - cleaner user interface
- SpB Diary - basically an organizer that works with Outlook
- MemMaid - utility tool
- SBSH Pocket Weather - obviously weather
- Excel - a few spread sheets for inventory, panel schedule creater, etc..

I really enjoy/prefer the all in one factor...instead of carrying phone, PDA, camera.

Hope this helps...

Dave

 

[360Youth]

We have Alltel and I have the HTC Touch. It is as much a toy as it is a tool, but it is great tool. Internet connections for the ability to download specs and a good camera. Yes you can buy a separate camera, but having a single device is nice. Plus, most everybody already has their phone with them as opposed to, "My camera is back in the truck/shop."

 

[quogueelectric]

I'm doing some research on what content (speficially designed for use on mobile devices) would be useful to contractors in the field. Does anyone have a mobile (iPhone, Blackberry, Palm, Treo, other) that they are really happy with? What network are you on? What do you use it for (text, e-mail, web research, spreadsheet management, scheduling, calculators, or other tools/applications)? Which best hold up to the rigors of work in the field? Are there any current limitations on your device?

Is there any information that you can't currently get on your device that would be helpful (NEC or other codes/regulations, power conversions, spec sheets, parts ordering)?

I have had a palm treo 700w for 2 + yrs now it comes in very handy for researching say a particular belden spec cable out in the field so you can get diameter and best price quote.

For sizing pipe runs acording to spec sheets on the cable. I used to have tennants and I had outlook ms where I could keep track of rent payments and collection efforts on the run and most of them did run when they saw me coming.

I am not happy with this as it is painful to use this device for complicated web use. It is just easier to get a laptop connection and use the phone as a phone and the computer as a computer.

My plan is up in march and I am going to give the I phone a try. They have a new plan for 99 bucks for unlimited everything. I am paying almost twice that now for a verizon plan that never works right when I need it.

 

[Fulthrotl]

I have had a palm treo 700w for 2 + yrs now it comes in very handy for researching say a particular belden spec cable out in the field so you can get diameter and best price quote.

For sizing pipe runs acording to spec sheets on the cable. I used to have tennants and I had outlook ms where I could keep track of rent payments and collection efforts on the run and most of them did run when they saw me coming.

I am not happy with this as it is painful to use this device for complicated web use. It is just easier to get a laptop connection and use the phone as a phone and the computer as a computer.

My plan is up in march and I am going to give the I phone a try. They have a new plan for 99 bucks for unlimited everything. I am paying almost twice that now for a verizon plan that never works right when I need it.

as i recovering treo user, i feel your pain. it was expensive, and it didn't work.

i especially liked having to remove the battery when it would freeze up.
currently using iphone 3g 16 meg.... works excellently.

i'd suggest the 16 gig, even tho it's $100 more....

it'll push email, and ms outlook direct to the phone if you wish.
you will really appreciate the 3g option, even if it's more, go for it.
you do need the 3g option... i think it costs me $10 extra a month.
i have two iphones, a bucket of minutes for them to share, texting,
3g, the whole poopy, and i think it runs $140 a month. extra minutes
roll over.

i use the iphone bluetooth headset for cable pulling and similar stuff...
i don't much care for bluetooth, but it works really well with the iphone
setup, so i'll live with it.
i keep it in the smaller klein cellphone pouch, and it doesn't get beat up.
if i put it in top down, and screen facing inward, so you can hear it ring.

the map program does google maps, does turn by turn directions,
works just like the gps in my car, showing your position moving.
gps is accurate to probably 30'. pretty amazing for something that isn't
a dedicated gps unit. it also show traffic flow in areas that offer that.

as for apps, pretty much anything you can imagine will be there shortly
if it isn't already there. i wonder when the NEC will be available... a
searchable one on my iphone would be nice to have.....

hm... on the app store is a referigerant reference for hvac guys... $2
and an angle finder for the carpenters..... free...take a picture, and you
can measure angles of what you photographed....

sparkys need to start writing some apps....

randy

 

[220/221]

I just want a phone that I can read the display.


And one with bigger buttons.

And one that can take some abuse/dirt.

And one that I can hear the ringtone when it's in my pocket.

And one that doesn't ring when I'm on a ladder with both hands full.

 

[resistance]

I just want a phone that I can read the display.


And one with bigger buttons.

And one that can take some abuse/dirt.

And one that I can hear the ringtone when it's in my pocket.

And one that doesn't ring when I'm on a ladder with both hands full.

and one that's not over $150 bucks (with the nice features) without a contract
Heck, I can't afford an iphone!!
We like to answer the phone in the field, so having a very expensive phone isn't the best idea! Abuse is guaranteed!

 

[LarryFine]

You guys really need to invest in a Bluetooth earpiece. I didn't like the Borg look at first, but I gotta tell ya: the convenience is incredible.

There's no problem hearing it, since it tweets in your ear, you just tap the main button to answer and hang up, and you can redial with a double-tap.

There's volume up and down, you can set the phone for auto-answer if you need both hands too much, and many phones have voice-operated calling.

 

[ceb58]

and one that's not over $150 bucks (with the nice features) without a contract
Heck, I can't afford an iphone!!
We like to answer the phone in the field, so having a very expensive phone isn't the best idea! Abuse is guaranteed!

And it also needs to be heavy enough, when you throw it at the GC, to hurt:smile:

 

[sparkyjim]

Switched from Blackberry to the iphone (went in to get a new BB) . The iphone was cheaper, the data plan is cheaper. With a swift double tap I can make the text larger, google maps is amazing, and the e-mail push system works great. I got an otterbox for it and the only thing I would change is the battery life. I have a jawbone bluetooth, but use the stereo-headphones quite a bit (calls come through them too) when I get to stay on a job-site for a little while.

 

[Greg Swartz]

I just want a phone that I can read the display.


And one with bigger buttons.

And one that can take some abuse/dirt.

And one that I can hear the ringtone when it's in my pocket.

And one that doesn't ring when I'm on a ladder with both hands full.

My phone is a phone, but it has everything you want except bigger buttons.
It's the Casio GzOne... it is the Casio G-Shock of phones... drop it, kick it, stand on it... put it in water, drop it in the pool... while you are talking. Throw it in the sand... It rings loud, and rings and vibrates, or just vibrates...
It is one tough phone...

Mine has taken over 300 drops, and several throws... (an anger problem that I am (not really) working on)

The newer one has push to talk too, and micro SD slot, and bluetooth capabilty... and still has all the above features...

But, it's not a palm... It doesn't want to be one either.

IT IS ONE TOUGH PHONE!

 

[Greg Swartz]

And it also needs to be heavy enough, when you throw it at the GC, to hurt:smile:

Definately the Casio GzOne!

All the way... And you can pick it back up and dial 911 because you just knocked him unconscious... and it will still work...

 

[grich]

You guys really need to invest in a Bluetooth earpiece. I didn't like the Borg look at first, but I gotta tell ya: the convenience is incredible.

There's no problem hearing it, since it tweets in your ear, you just tap the main button to answer and hang up, and you can redial with a double-tap.

There's volume up and down, you can set the phone for auto-answer if you need both hands too much, and many phones have voice-operated calling.

My boss gives me crap every time I walk in wearing mine.

My wife bought me the cheap $20 Plantronics one. It's not very comfortable in my ear when worn for a long time. However, I can hear in noisy environments like a transmitter room very well. And I've ran over it once...still works.

 

[LarryFine]

My boss gives me crap every time I walk in wearing mine.

He'll get over it. You don't wear it for him, anyway.

My wife bought me the cheap $20 Plantronics one. It's not very comfortable in my ear when worn for a long time. However, I can hear in noisy environments like a transmitter room very well. And I've ran over it once...still works.

Mine is the Plantronics Voyager 510. It's a behind-the-ear model, and it's so comfortable, I occasionally have to check that it's still there.

 

[SmithBuilt]

does anyone know of an earpiece that is for both ears and still has a microphone? I would like to listen to music or podcasts and still be able to answer the phone.

 

[Cold Fusion]

Mobiles? I've got:
Jeep Wrangler (F150 backup)
HP-42
08 NEC softbound
RGB .5mm Uniball Vision

I've never sent a text message. Have not yet seen the need.

Personally think that having a cell phone ring or covertly talking to one's blue-teeth in a meeting, should be a jailable offense.

Blue-Teeth, yuk. Why can't people clean their dentures?

cf

 

[tonyou812]

Definately the Casio GzOne!

All the way... And you can pick it back up and dial 911 because you just knocked him unconscious... and it will still work...

Casio GZOne is the Fashizzle. I love mine. Mine has fallen into a toilet, sump pit, mud puddle and it still works like a champ. And I cant even count how many times its fallen. It even survived a 12 foot drop. And when it hits the ground it hits it like its mad at it and doesnt skip a beat. I challenge any phone to do that. It looks like this phone will acually outlive its contract. I think the insurance was unnessacary considering what a "warrior" it is. My favorite feature though is the built in LED light. Its helped me out many times.
When I get to the point when I need to start supplying "troops" with phones this one will definatly get my vote.

 

[tonyou812]

Im not a big fan of blue tooth only because when someone is using one the sound quality kind of stinks IMO.

 

[MAK]

Im not a big fan of blue tooth only because when someone is using one the sound quality kind of stinks IMO.

I hear you there. I like the convenience of blue tooth but every time someone calls me using one it sounds like they're inside a trash can.