We develop software for the PalmPilot pocket organizer that allows you to collect data in the field, then dump it back to a database on a PC.

The hardware and software makes it easy to fill in custom forms in the field without retyping it into a PC.

We have had a few sales to arboriculturists using the software for tree surveys. Is there a strong demand for this sort of product in the arboriculture industry?

Reply to post by Ivan Phillips, on February 11, 1999 at 19:23:21:

Ivan, I think there is more need for this than anyone realizes. I've been using the PalmIII since last summer, with JFile and FileMaker on Mac. I have done a few inventories this way, and it works amazingly well. Pendragon looks quite versatile, too.

The Palm can allow the user to collect all field data electronically, and transfer it to the desktop at the office. The low cost of the Palm (under $300 now) makes it ideal- low investment cost and low risk if it becomnes a casualty in the line of duty.

Will you have a Mac version of Pendragon? Look at recent iMac sales before you answer.

Reply to post by Ivan Phillips, on February 11, 1999 at 19:23:21:

Campus tree survey was done by grad student in '92/'93, using Excel spreadsheets and CAD for generating maps. Data was collected on about 1300 trees. I'll bet he wished he had a palm unit! I am involved in trying to build a working maintenance program, attempting to use as much of the gathered data as possible. It is full of errors and omissions. I think Access may help me to mold this into something more than a time-consuming record. A palm unit might really make data collection and transfer easier. Cost, of course, is always a factor, as is the effort to learn how to use something new. I will keep this in mind. Thanks for the idea.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on February 11, 1999 at 19:23:21:

Though recent Mac sales are encouraging, the development is twice as difficult/expensive, and the user base is still a tiny fraction of the size of the Windows base.

I think we would develop a Mac version as soon as it was an economically viable proposition for us. Unfortunately, we're not quite there yet.

Reply to post by Ivan Phillips, on February 11, 1999 at 19:23:21:

I do a lot of inventory work with villages, working with their local personnel. Usually we do the ground work on paper, the enter the data later. This system has the advantage that there is a hard copy backup from the start that can register all sorts of information not finally entered in the program.
We have tried using a laptop and Excel spreadsheets during windshield surveys, but that is cumbersome. I would be very interested in hearing more about your products, and would think there might be a good market in the municipal arena.

Reply to post by Ivan Phillips, on February 11, 1999 at 22:07:01:

Thought I would mention to anyone contemplating a plamtop, they use a lot of battery power. Was out today doing inventory work with my HP360lx and had to replace the AA batteries once. Recommend taking two spare sets along with you, and check the condition of the backup battery regularly. Great fun to use, but if you loose the data, it's back to square 1, but like snakes and ladders, and that big snake can cost a lot of time. Spare batteries are cheap insurance.

Julian

Reply to post by Julian Dunster, on February 12, 1999 at 10:24:38:

Julian, you got the wrong kind! [g] The Palm III that I have uses 2 AAA batteries, and I generally change them about once every 6 weeks. I do always carry a spare set, though. I know I used it continuously for over 4 hours on one day, and used maybe 10 percent of battery charge, according the little indicator.

You can use the NiCad rechargables, and the lithium rechargables. Either will help cut battery cost.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on February 16, 1999 at 21:11:52:

I must be using some cheap imported batteries - just goes to show what free trade has done for me!

JD

Reply to post by Julian Dunster, on February 18, 1999 at 00:45:27:

Maybe you got some of those cheap American ones. [g]

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on February 16, 1999 at 21:11:52:

Okay Russ,

You convinced me. I ordered the PalmIII w/ auxilary keyboard and Pendragon Forms Software. Think I got a good deal at $409 for all. Now if I can learn to use it to show the students. You may be getting some late night calls.

Thanks, Bob U.

Reply to post by Bob Underwood, on February 18, 1999 at 00:45:27:

Russ,
I got the new "toy" this afternoon, with the keyboard and Pendragon Forms 2.0.
It is very simple to use. I have a small data base with entries that prints reports to MS Word already.

It is simple enough even for me!!!!

Bob