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

[Johnathan Mantey]

Richard,

I viewed one of the links I provided in the "old devices" thread, related
to this one.  It seems based on what I just read that the *Noodle Pi* may
be very close to your list of requirements.
I also sent another link, which I have not viewed, comparing 5 different
handheld devices (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXNllO79_68)

You hadn't commented on the info provided, so I wanted to add it to this
thread.

On Thu, Nov 15, 2018 at 6:32 AM Richard Owlett <rowlett at cloud85.net> wrote:

> 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.
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> PLUG mailing list
> PLUG at pdxlinux.org
> http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
>