28% How to choose—To choose the components of a mapping and mobile GIS system, first consider the accuracy level required by your GIS. Then determine whether your crews need real-time accuracy while in the field. Once you’ve decided on the field computer that meets your requirements, you can choose supported field and office software to suits your needs. Use the table below to put together a system that’s optimized for your working environment: Field Computers Operating system Processor Memory (RAM) Screen size Screen details Data storage CompactFlash slots SD (Secure Digital) slots Alphanumeric data entry Integrated Bluetooth Integrated Wireless LAN Weight Battery life Ruggedness Environmental Operating temperature Trimble Recon handheld Windows Mobile 6 400 MHz XScale processor 64 MB 8.9 cm / 3.5" Portrait TFT color touch screen
240 x 320 pixels (QVGA) 256 MB 2 0 Soft input panel (SIP) on screen keyboard, Transcriber handwriting recognition Yes Yes 0.49 kg / 1.31 lbs: Includes integrated battery 12–16 hours with default display light settings Withstands 1.2 m / 4 ft drop IP67 sealed against accidental immersion in water –30 ºC to 60 ºC
–22 ºF to 140 ºF Trimble Ranger handheld Windows Mobile 5.0 516 MHz XScale processor 128 MB 9.7 cm / 3.8" Landscape TFT color touch screen
320 x 240 pixels (QVGA) 512 MB 2 1 (SD / SDIO) 57 keys including full alphanumeric keypad and Soft input panel (SIP) on screen keyboard, Transcriber handwriting recognition Yes Yes 0.95 kg / 2.1 lbs: Includes integrated battery 30 hours in normal use Withstands 1.2 m / 4 ft drop IP67 sealed against accidental immersion in water –30 ºC to 60 ºC
–22 ºF to 140 ºF