Using Palmtops and Pen Windows on the Farm Dr. Michael Stachiw

The evolution of the computer on the farm The best place to start, is with:

At first, the portable computer was used in the field.

Portable/Laptop Computer

Problems:  Heavy  Awkward to use  Not “rugged” enough!

To overcome problems of the portable computer, “ruggedized” portables were developed with various data collection tools.

Hardened” Portable Computer “Hardened” Portable Computer

Problems:  Expensive!  Often limited capacity/capability  Screen usually downsized  Heavier than user “liked”

“New” pocket computers were used in the field

Pocket Computer

Problems:  Really limited in capabilities  Keyboard became too small for users  Not small enough to be truly “bound” to the user

To overcome keyboard problems, increase screen size, improve data entry, pen based computers developed

Pen Computer (Laptop size)

Evaluation:  Very rugged  User like  Powerful (386/486/Pentium)  Big display  Pen writing somewhat awkward  A little big to be “bound” to the user

To improve the usefulness of the computer, size was decreased, and less flexible pen writing recognition adopted

PalmPilot

PalmPilot

Evaluation:  Computer is tightly bound to the user  Most software well “linked” to desktop PC  Light weight, battery life very long  Programmable

Pen Computing Works best if.....  Used mainly as reader of data, not collector of data  Think of “shopping lists” when designing software for the pen environment

Pen Computing Works best if.....  Limited CPU is not “stressed” into intense numeric calculations  Most input is check boxes, buttons, or pick lists  Limit “freeform” input to a minimum

How are Palmtops & Pen Windows being used on the Farm?

Examples: Cow/Calf herd management. “Cowboy” has a PalmPilot loaded with herd data. As they ride around the herd, all breeding/calving information is at their fingertips. “Cowboy” has a PalmPilot loaded with herd data. As they ride around the herd, all breeding/calving information is at their fingertips.

Examples: Operations: All maintenance records for equipment and building is recorded in a central database, that is downloaded into the PalmPilots. Maintenance crews have history in their pockets.

Examples: Swine Farrowing barns: As piglets are born, their weights, and sex are recorded, then uploaded to a central database.

Examples: DNR Compliance: Location of wells, lagoons, spray fields, and other disposal sites have been geolocated, and maps downloaded so manure wagon operators know where to operate Location of wells, lagoons, spray fields, and other disposal sites have been geolocated, and maps downloaded so manure wagon operators know where to operate

In order to utilize Palm or Pen based computed, acceptance of the limitations is required.

The End FeedDealer.Com Kahlmeyer Dr. St. Louis, MO (314)