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MOBILE COMPUTING - Civil & Building Engineering
April 2005

Unable to resist the lure of the handheld computing scene, I acquired a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) in December 2000 and have not looked back.  I now use it for Contacts; E-Mail; Diary; Calculator; WORD & EXCEL editor; Memos; Dictionary (English & Foreign Travel); Sketch Pad; Camera; GPS; Wireless Networking.......

The two most common operating systems in use at the moment are 3Com's 'Palm Operating System', and MicroSoft's 'Pocket PC', aka. 'Windows CE'.  Palm based devices are cheaper, and are supported by a massive network of freeware/ shareware developers.  Although Pocket PC devices are more expensive, they offer better data exchange features with standard MS office software.  Both systems allow synchronisation with numerous data sets maintained on the desktop PC - Outlook Addresses, E-mail and Calendar/Diary for example.

In the short term at least, I decided to go for the cheaper/ more flexible option.  I currently have a Visor Pro (16MB Monochrome) from Handspring.  Many Handspring units feature an expansion slot, for which I have a GPS, Digital Camera, Wireless Network, Mobile Phone/Modem; CompactFlash Expansion, and Compact Flash Backup Module - Handspring Modules plug in to the back of the PDA, and are hot swappable.

* The Handspring Backup Module is unique in that it clones the PDA's memory, independant of a desktop PC connection.  A fantastic backup device if you ever need to restore your memory or transfer it to another device, in the event of loss or damage for example.

Buying a PDA need not be an expensive affair.  The second-hand/ refurbished handheld market (some come with 12 months warranty) is beginning to blossom in the wake of huge sale increases over the last two years.  Such units can provide a very cost effective entry level stepping stone in to the culture of handheld computing.

I am specifically interested in PDA applications that can make my work as a civil engineer easier, and intend for this page to serve and link to relevant web resources.

Engineering Applications/ Reference Info. for Palm Handheld Devices:

Other Useful Applications/ Sites:

  • www.WeSync.com - Share your palm diary via the net with work colleagues, your project team, friends, your partner.
  • Dualdate - Freeware to share your palm diary with work colleagues, your project team, friends, your partner.
  • The Pittsburgh Pebbles PDA Project - Using PDAs to remotely control PCs
  • Virtual Network Computing - Using PDAs/ desktop PCs to remotely control other PCs via LAN /Internet.  Similar to 'PC Anywhere', but FREE!
  • Noah Pro - Free dictionary. largest 122000 words
  • The Computer Exchange - Buy & sell used computer equipment.  Great deals on refurbished PDAs (with 12 months warranty)
  • PDA Radio Times - Available as an application for your PDA, it provides UK TV listings on your PDA and can be used as a remote control to control your TV and set the video.
  • PDA Buyers Guide - Hardware & Software Reviews.
  • MemoWare - Electronic books, mostly free
  • Palm Heads - Cool stuff related to the PalmPilot electronic organiser
  • Battery University - Theory of batteries, and how to get the most from them

General Sites - Good Places to Start & Technical Help:

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