[PLUG] An apology needed? - was [Re: Wanted: handheld data collection device with Linux OS]

Richard Owlett rowlett at cloud85.net
Thu Nov 15 14:32:29 UTC 2018


On 11/13/2018 07:46 PM, Russell Senior wrote:
> On Tue, Nov 13, 2018 at 1:26 PM Richard Owlett <rowlett at cloud85.net> wrote:
>>
>> I know I have *WEIRD* preferences.
>>
>> How should I pose questions in a manner that they would be taken
>>    _ *EXTREMELY LITERALLY* _?
> 
> You should pose it knowing that you may get answers that don't fit
> perfectly. You are responsible for wading through the responses and
> extracting the value you can. They may be the best answers available
> from the people you are asking. Learn to live with that.
> 

ROFL? Don't know if I should laugh, cry, groan, or inspire a SNL skit ;}
Been "living with 'it' " for ~half a century :}
Who? Me? Strange world view? <snicker>

More seriously, compared to other fora this one has a better track 
record of answering the questions actually asked rather than the 
question that some wished I had asked.

You have to see the humor of this thread.

1. I state I'm interested in current production.
    It is suggested I buy decade old units on ebay.
    Some came closer by mentioning things that barely made it out of
    a crowd funding phase before ceasing production.

2. I specify *"physical form factor similar to a Palm Pilot"* and
    having USB connectivity.
    I can't have that as USB did not exist in Palm Pilot era.

3. I specify a "Linux device" and " *NOT* be shipped with Android OS".
    I'm told that is unreasonable as ~"everybody uses Android".
    [One person did point to a device shipped with Linux dual booted. It
     meets my underlying requirement on not having to deal with Android.
     It is unclear if it has yet entered production &/or ships with my
     preferred mix of options. I'm tracking it.]

I've had requests for justification of some of my specifications.

My physical environment strongly influences my choices:
   1. due to >70 years of wear-n-tear my doctor would like data.
   2. pen and paper is non-viable.
   3. I'm on an exercise program which would benefit from records.
   4. walking with a pair of forearm crutches which introduces
      portability issues.

I specify Linux for choice of installing only relevant software
and is easily customized - in my case by Tcl/Tk scripts.

Android is not acceptable due to personal experience. A few years ago
Lenovo had a cell phone available in three configurations:
   1. with sim card and a cell phone carrier.
   2. with no sim card installed making cell connectivity optional.
   3. *without* possibility of installing a sim card.
I bought one of the later discovering:
   1. primary source of _free software_ was Google who required an
      unacceptable amount of personal info for "free" software.
   2. it placed unreasonable barriers to installing a preferred OS.

I referenced Palm Pilot due to it's form factor and capabilities:
   1. nominal size 6" x 4" x 1" would be good - thinner better.
   2. as an example of minimal capabilities.

Cell connectivity serves no useful purpose and gives manufacturers
unreasonable justifications for restrictions on user modifications
to their personal property. Current discussion of E911 connectivity
requirements without a sim card points out possible undesirable
unintended side effects of unintentional 911 calls.
unreasonable range.

Specifying availability from U.S. retail vendor handles some personal
preferences.

A long winded post. But ... ;/

Owl ducks fer cover.







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