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Hardware question: Field Tablets and which do you prefer?
Posted by steven-metelsky on June 30, 2022 at 12:16 pmThe laptops we have are for basic use, but the specs on them are horrible. We use them primarily for uploading and downloading from the field. I would like something that can open large PDF file sets and TrueView without my guys getting frustrated because the computer is too slow.
What type of computers are you using to compliment your field work outside of the data collector? I prefer a tablet interface. Is the Microsoft Surface with an environmental something I should consider?
jaccen replied 1 year, 8 months ago 9 Members · 12 Replies- 12 Replies
I have a Surface Book – Very happy with it for jobsite trailers and sitting in the truck.
Tablet can be detached, but the keyboard is like a real laptop base so better in some respects to a Surface Pro configuration.
Never thought I would use the turning the tablet backwards option, but I do all the time.
Cladding it in an enviro case may be complicated/awkward though.
Yuma2 kinda suck if the IT department locks them down, otherwise worked well for us.
Microsoft Surface LTE Verizon, inside of a Mobile Demand hardened case with Gorilla(?) glass works for me for about 4 years without fail. Also, have SurvPC, Fieldgenius and Trimble Access which runs our Leica GS18 base/rover(UHF radio), Trimble R10/R12 base/rover(internet), and Carlson BRx7 base/rover(internet) units.
Panasonic fz-m1. Faster than a taxi and still going strong after at least 4 years. 2.5 years I’ve used it daily.
I tried to get it loaded with Trimble Access and get their radio module to use with the s5 but the boss didn’t want to take a chance on something untested as the tsc5 already didn’t work out, he just had it swapped for a tsc7.
I just got one. Still playing around with it but so far impressed. Obscure enough that nobody knows what the hell you’re talking about when you mention one, yet good enough to have a cult following.
There are a few ways to make PDF’s a little more user friendly. I dealt with similar issues recently.
I’ve only used it a few times for this so far, but with a program called “PDF XChange Editor” (I know it sounds hokey), using an “optimization” feature, I was able to make slow PDF’s load much faster, even in other PDF programs (BlueBeam). PDF XChange isn’t an ‘all-in-one’ solution as the editing features are terrible and navigation will likely have you ripping your hair out. It’s a shame because otherwise the program is so smooth. I’ve only used BlueBeam and that program. It’s worth noting that newer versions of BlueBeam (I’m not sure which year specifically) run much faster than older versions. PDF XChange navigates all but the gnarliest PDF’s fluidly (even ones with 100+ pages).
On the FZ-M1 running Windows 8.1 there’s next to no lag with single page (but graphically heavy) PDF’s (in Microsoft Edge of all things).
Note that where practical, I separate PDF’s into single sheets if I ever anticipate using them in a field scenario.
Faster than a tsc7, autocorrect got me in my last post and I just noticed it now. I do need to run the windows debloat script on the tsc7 though, that might speed it up significantly.
We use the Carlson RT (ie. rebranded Mesa). It is a pretty good tablet. It sucks in the rain, but we solved that by using a ziplock bag. I suspect turning off the touch and using the $500 USD addon keyboard eliminates that problem, but the “bean counters” won that argument.
We regularly use it to VPN into the company server. We set up a cell hotspot and pull PDF’s of plans, deeds, fieldnotes, markups, etc. and CAD, calc/control txt’s, etc. It makes it easy to pull old fieldnotes from an adjacent site if they are not in the file. Or to have someone send you updates, additional info, etc. We zip up our data and download it within 5 minutes of starting to pack up on site. If your data is not in EOD, you are getting a phone call. It also makes it really easy to help junior crews. We just screenshare and help them. Instead of 1.5hrs of driving to the site or 30 minutes on the phone, it’s 5 minutes on my laptop (ie. “The base isn’t talking to the rover,” “This resection seems off,” or “My bluetooth isn’t working”).
While I’m sure there are better, it is “good enough” for us. I have used DC’s with screens from 2″ to 10″. The RT4’s size is a good compromise (ie. large enough to see plan PDF’s, small enough to huff across site).
There is a small trick to it. We use RAM mounts on the pole. We do the following:
1. Place the RT4 in a good, new, and heavy-duty freezer ziplock bag.
2. Seal the top, but do *NOT* squeeze out all the air.
3. Fold the top of the bag behind the unit.
4. Place within the RAM mount.
It should “puff” out so that when the rain hits the ziplock it just runs off. You can still finger “punch” down the bag to click the screen. We run ours with a screen protector and have found:
1. The screen protector really neuters the fine point stylus.
2. Do *NOT* ever select Rain in the Touch Screen profile (it does not respond to finger pushes at all when you have a screen protector)
3. We use the Fine point when the weather is fine, Finger when it is raining and using the ziplock.
You look a bit odd on site, but it works.
For our RT4 without a screen protector, the plastic one works great. It does not work as well on the one w/ the screen protector.
I, personally, do not bother with the capacitive stylus as it seems to be only as good as my finger. It just seems like something else to lose that’s not really helping.
If I lose my finger, I have far bigger issues 😉
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