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Solutions for Industrial Computing

The Solutions for Industrial Computing Blog is the place for conversation and discussion about industrial computers, systems and controllers; communications and connectivity; software and control; and power strategies. Here, you'll find everything from application ideas, to news and industry trends, to hot topics and cutting edge innovations. This blog is inspired by the Solutions for Industrial Computing newsletter from GlobalSpec, which you can subscribe to here.

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Handhelds or Smartphones on the Job

Posted July 10, 2009 7:56 AM

These days, lots of jobs require answering e-mails, text messaging, Web surfing, quotes, and more. And to handle this functionality away from the office, many are opting for the optimum in portability with a pocket-sized device. Numerous employers now require employees to answer e-mails ASAP. Some companies actually give employees handhelds to do their job better. Even if you had to pay for it — perhaps getting credit for a non-reimbursed employee expense or not — would you do so for the added portability?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Solutions for Industrial Computing, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Solutions for Industrial Computing today.


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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 139
#1

Re: Handhelds or Smartphones on the Job

07/13/2009 12:49 PM

I use an AT&T tilt for this purpose, a non-reimbursed buisness expense, and my wife has one too, un-related to her job. The tilt runs Windows Mobile Pro 6.1, a little buggy, but works great. It syncs with my company exchange server, so my emails are viewable on the tilt and my laptop. I installed the internet sharing app for the tilt and use it to connect my laptop to the internet, thereby getting rid of an air card. The 3G speed where available is reasonably fast and is more secure than a WiFi hotspot. The tilt also has a gps antenna built in, so it functions as a gps also, I use Google maps mobile version and also Windows Live Search for directions, maps and areas of interest. I store my music on a 4 GB storage card and connect it to my aux jack in the vehicle for music on the road. The 3 megapixel camera makes good pictures when I am in the field and need to take a pic of piping or control room layout or such. I like it because you can surf the internet, send an email, send a text and talk to someone all at the same time, when you have 3G service. It also has the walkie talkie push to talk feature, that I have never used on this phone, but I have used it previously, but found it inconvenient to have someone call me on it while in a meeting.

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#2

Re: Handhelds or Smartphones on the Job

07/17/2009 2:10 PM

I have been using a Palm Tungsten E2 for years. I like the older operating system- much cleaner and less bells and whistles to interfere with real work. I carry a separate telephone and camera- trying to put everything into one package just complicates things, and creates problems when, say, talking on the telephone and trying to review notes or look up a telephone number. A separate camera gives me better photos...

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