[PLUG] Wanted: handheld data collection device with Linux OS

[Larry Brigman]

I think these requirements are about 20+ years too late.  Even when there
were PDA devices to they didn't have standard USB connections as the
connector was too large.

The retail market is Android or iPhone these days.
To get something close you would probably need to start searching in the
industrial area.  Those devices will be very expensive.

20+ years ago, I set up a data collection system.  It used a handheld
terminal with a hardwired serial connection.
The system was driven from screens via database coding.

Adding custom software to any device should be the norm even for Windows
devices.  You would just need to learn the SDK to write it yourself.

Devices with cell phone communication are required to have an Airplane mode
to turn the radio off.

On Sun, Nov 11, 2018, 6:35 AM Richard Owlett <rowlett at cloud85.net wrote:

>
>
> I'm looking for a current production Linux handheld data collection
> device {aka PDA} similar in form and function to a Palm Pilot
> (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PalmPilot).
>
> A major justification of Linux OS is to allow custom software.
>
> Specification:
>    be currently available from U.S. retail vendor.
>    have a physical form factor similar to a Palm Pilot
>    should have provision for using a USB/Bluetooth connected keyboard.
>    be able to read/write a USB flash drive (preferably FAT32 or ext2).
>    *no* cell network connectivity .
>    must *NOT* be shipped with Android OS
>
> Yes, this thread resembles one from a year ago.
> I'm renewing by search first done a decade ago.
> I kick myself for not having purchased a Palm Pilot back in the day.
>
> My web searches have turned up "we're working on it" type answers and
> crowdfunding appeals.
>
> Any suggestions other than putting up with a smartphone?
> TIA
>
>
>
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