The TDS TerraGuide Navigation Package

Tripod Data Systems has created the TDS TerraGuide Navigation Package, a rugged Recon Pocket PC combined with a GPS CompactFlash card and the TerraGuide topographical mapping software. This bundle has so many special touches that it should be one of the first units enterprise integrators should consider for a field-rugged Pocket PC.

A Pocket PC done right

When you first look at the Recon Pocket PC, you can't help but admire its rugged good looks. It not only looks like a prop from a science fiction movie, it's the first Pocket PC that has ever truly fit perfectly into my larger-than-normal hands. Normally, I hold a Pocket PC like a delicate flower on the tips of my fingers; when I hold this unit, it feels like an ergonomic tool designed for real work.

With a unique, rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride PowerBoot module, the system can run for more than 15 hours. It a quick disconnect feature, and the Recon stores enough power internally to allow you to quickly swap out a discharged PowerBoot for a fresh one without losing any information. The unit is completely sealed, so you can change batteries in the rain or in a dusty environment. An optional AA PowerBoot module lets you use disposable alkaline or lithium AA batteries to provide 8-16 hours of additional power when you cannot access a wall outlet to recharge. Another example of the unit's well thought out design is that the COMM (RS-232) and USB ports are mounted on this PowerBoot, not the actual Pocket PC. So, if your device takes a really bad fall and damages one of the ports beyond repair, you can simply replace the PowerBoot instead of the entire device.

On the other end of the device are CompactFlash Type I and Type II slots. The TerraGuide package ships with an Extended CF-Cap, which seals the top of the unit and protects CompactFlash cards and slots from water, dust and sand. Additional optional CF-Caps (Fig. 1) include the Midsize for low profile CompactFlash cards and the Optical for barcode scanners and digital camera accessories.

Fig. 1: The CF-Caps protect the Recon from the environment and come in four versions: Standard, Midsize, Extended and Optical.

But the TerraGuide's innovation is more than just skin deep. TDS created their own soft keyboard for the Pocket PC which includes some truly unique features. Activated by tapping the arrow next to the Input Panel icon and selecting "Recon Keyboard," experienced users will immediately notice the larger size of each key (Fig. 2) which makes typing much easier. The Recon Keyboard can also "float" above the application, allowing you to place it anywhere on the screen simply by dragging and dropping it with the stylus. Finally, the numeric keypad includes Cut, Copy and Paste keys, which make editing text an absolute breeze.

Fig. 2: The Recon Keyboard features larger keys and the ability to place it anywhere on screen.

The TDS TerraGuide software