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ArborTrail - System Requirements
ArborTrail runs on the Windows Mobile operating system (versions 2003, 2005, 5, 6) which is used on many handheld computers, PDA’s (Personnel Digital Assistants) and some smart phones. It has been tested on the following hardware/software combinations but unfortunately, due to a limited budget, I am unable to guarantee its function on any other system. It’s a case of trying out the demonstration program to see how it fares!
ArborTrail was created within the Microsoft .NET framework so it is essential that you have the .NET system installed on your Handheld. You may already have it installed, it depends on whether you have any other programs which need it in place. The .NET framework can be downloaded free from the Microsoft website (see section for download).
I have tested ArborTrail on the following platforms and it has worked without problems.
| System | Windows | Screen Size | Processor | Memory | Extras |
| Dell Axim X51v | Version 5.0 | 480x640 | 416 MHz - PXA270 | 64MB SDRam 128MB Flash | Bluetooth |
| Dell Axim X51 | Version 5.0 | 240x320 | 416 MHz - PXA270 | 64MB SDRam 128MB Flash | Bluetooth |
| HP iPAQ 2210 | Version 2003 | 240x320 | 312 MHz -PXA255 | 64 MB SDRam 64MB Flash | Bluetooth |
| Acer N35 | Version 2003 | 240x320 | 266 MHz - Samsung S3C2410 | 64 MB SDRam 32MB Flash | GPS |
| SPV M500 Smartphone | Version 5 | 240x320 | 416mhz Intel | 64mb | Bluetooth |
| HP iPAQ 6915 | Version 5 | 240x240 | 416 MHz -PXA270 | 128 MB rom 64MB Flash | Bluetooth, GPS, Phone, Keyboard |
| HP iPAQ 214 | Version 6 | 480x640 4" scrn |
624 MHz -PXA310 | 128 MB rom 256MB Flash |
Bluetooth |
Generally the higher the available screen resolution then the higher
the quality of its graphics. The Ipaq 214 and the Dell Axim X51v (the development
machine) features a 480x640 screen resolution and is excellent for
displaying the drawing plan in detail. However, a screen resolution
of 240x320 is perfectly usable, but will just not be as crisp and
detailed. I would recommend that a screen of 240x320 is a minimum
resolution you should consider if you intend to use its map mode
(anything higher will be better).
WARNING: Some smart phones are appearing with Windows 6 but without a touch screen (so they are purely keyboard driven). These will NOT work with ArborTrail.
ArborTrail requires a touch screen and a stylus.
If you are buying new hardware aim for a 480x640 screen size. If you are considering a Dell Axim the little ‘v’ after X51 represents VGA graphics (i.e. the 480x640 screen size - but note that Dell no longer makes PDA's)! The Ipaq 6915 is a good PDA for the surveyor, with built in GPS, a qwerty keyboard and it takes a SIM card so will become your cell phone! (beware, it worked fine with my vodafone sim but not my T-Mobile sim, so you may have to get a sim-pda unlocked)!
I purchased a refurbished Ipaq 2110 for £70 on Ebay and it works fine, maybe very slightly slower due to an earlier processor but is perfectly usable and very cheap!
At the time of writing (17/4/08) I recommend buying the Ipaq 214, it has the latest windows, a large screen (ideal for surveying), lots of memory and most importantly is relatively cheap to buy new (at around £200).
An SD format removable memory card is highly recommended as a storage vessel for your data (see image below). They are very cheap and can be used as an easy way to transfer data between handhelds and also between a PDA and your Laptop (some have SD slots built-in otherwise use a USB adaptor).
Ipaq 214 - Recommended |
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| Ipaq 6915 |
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| Dell X51v |
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