perfect PDA for pilots?

Hi!

I wonder if it's possible to say what PDA would be best for pilots? On
what platform is the most valuable Software available? (Pocket Windows,
Palm?)
For car navigation, there is good software (with bluetooth GPS) - is
there something similar for aviation?
By the way - Pocket Windows exists for several different hardware
brands/cpus. Is there some emulation layer in pocket windows or do you
need each software to be compiled especially for the target system?

regards

Patrick
--
http://www.sirdir.ch

In a previous article, "Patrick Kormann" said:
I wonder if it's possible to say what PDA would be best for pilots? On
what platform is the most valuable Software available? (Pocket Windows,
Palm?)

Depends on what you want. For Pocket PC there are some incredible
packages that will combine GPS, weather and even an artificial horizon on
a head up display - for a total package price up around $10,000. However,
Pocket PC was not an option for me, because it only works with Windows
computers and I care too much about my privacy and security to use
Windows. Plus, I've been a long time Palm user for over 6 years. For
Palm, there are a few GPS packages, like Fly from GPSPilot.com, and many
flight planning programs. The best of the flight planning programs (in my
slightly biased opinion) is CoPilot, which you can read more about at
http://xcski.com/~ptomblin/CoPilot/


--
Paul Tomblin http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
"Whoah, whoah! A fat sarcastic Star Trek fan? You must be a devil with the
ladies!" - Simpsons

Paul Tomblin wrote:

Depends on what you want. For Pocket PC there are some incredible

I dont' have any idea what exists. I imagine it would for example to be
handy to have a map that shows terrain in red that you might hit when
you keep the current sink rate or something... But as I'm only learning
to fly right now and didn't even have my first flying lesson yet
(because of bad weather) I'm not so sure what I'll really need. To get
the whole AIP in there and all the Check lists won't be possible, I
guess

packages that will combine GPS, weather and even an artificial
horizon on a head up display - for a total package price up around
$10,000. However, Pocket PC was not an option for me, because it

You really mean head up display? That would explain the price. Anyway,
not a good option for a rented plane, I guess.

only works with Windows computers and I care too much about my
privacy and security to use Windows. Plus, I've been a long time

If that's your only concern, there are ways to get that, for sure.

Palm user for over 6 years. For Palm, there are a few GPS packages,

Well I have a Palm as well (U.S Robotics back then) - but I never really
enjoyed that unit. The new ones may be better of course.

"Patrick Kormann" wrote in message


But as I'm only
learning to fly right now and didn't even have my first flying lesson
yet (because of bad weather) I'm not so sure what I'll really need.

In my opinion, I would recommend that you not spend the money on these
"toys" until you have assurance that you'll get solid utility from them.

soapbox
I don't think you'll find a good use for these tools until at least your
cross-country phase of solo flight. Even then, I recommend not relying too
heavily on technology for these flights. Rather, my opinion is you should
be focused on learning pilotage. Electrical systems fail and batteries
die - and if Murphy has anything to do with it, they'll both happen at the
same time. Knowing how to fly effectively without the technology will save
you a lot of anxiety in that case.
/soapbox

With all that said, I am a former Palm user converted to PocketPC. They
both have their advantages, but PocketPC offers greater
compatibility/integration with my Windows desktops than Palm does. I also
prefer the general user experience and operating system features on the PPC
device. Also, I haven't found a Palm device with a color screen as readable
as my iPAQ.

On the other hand, I find that Palm software is much "snappier" in most
cases. (Having developed software for both platforms, I can offer some
insight into why that's the case.) Palm still has a larger market share and
that generally equates to a greater selection of software.

If you can, try both platforms to see which environment you prefer. There
are various hardware models to choose from for each platform, but I'd try to
focus more on the OS features first, then branch out to hardware features
(like expansion ports, expandable memory, etc.).

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_s...veloperid=4415
____________________

In a previous article, "John T" said:
device. Also, I haven't found a Palm device with a color screen as readable
as my iPAQ.

You should have a look at my new Palm Tungsten E. It's amazing.


--
Paul Tomblin http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
The Code Red virus hasn't caused the widespread chaos earlier predicted.
Mainly due to the use of a security product known as 'Patch'.
-- Radio report, 28/11/01

John T wrote:


I don't think you'll find a good use for these tools until at least
your cross-country phase of solo flight. Even then, I recommend not

Don't worry - I will learn navigation the very old way - I don't think
I'll be allowed to use all those tools during the checkrides.
But as I'm quite keen on computers, I need an excuse to buy a PDA for
sure
I'll serch around in the hints you nice folks gave me. I hope there's
something usable for Europa as well.

regards

Patrick

"Patrick Kormann" wrote in message
...
| Hi!
|
| I wonder if it's possible to say what PDA would be best for pilots? On
| what platform is the most valuable Software available? (Pocket Windows,
| Palm?)

No PDA at all. They really are not all that helpful. They encourage you to
keep your eyes in the cockpit.

| For car navigation, there is good software (with bluetooth GPS) - is
| there something similar for aviation?

Of course. Check out http://www.anywheremap.com/

| By the way - Pocket Windows exists for several different hardware
| brands/cpus. Is there some emulation layer in pocket windows or do you
| need each software to be compiled especially for the target system?
|

As in everything, it depends. But most vendors will tell you which machines
their software runs on. The thing you are most interested in is an extremely
bright screen, so you can use it in full sunlight in the cockpit.

C,

They encourage you to
keep your eyes in the cockpit.


So do most other instruments there. So what?

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

"Thomas Borchert" wrote in message
...
| C,
|
| They encourage you to
| keep your eyes in the cockpit.
|
|
| So do most other instruments there. So what?

Perhaps I did not make myself clear. Most aircraft instruments do not
require two hands to operate them, but the PDA does. I have seen many pilots
claim that their PDA can be operated with one hand or that it is easy to
use, but watching them actually try it demonstrates that they are only
kidding themselves. The PDA cannot be located where it is convenient to see
without obscuring other instruments. It greatly adds to cockpit clutter and
creates a disorganization problem. The more time you spend futzing around
with stuff the less time you spend flying the airplane.

"C J Campbell" wrote in message


Perhaps I did not make myself clear. Most aircraft instruments do not
require two hands to operate them, but the PDA does.

Why would this be a problem during cruise flight with either a properly
trimmed plane or autopilot engaged? I use this scenario because it's the
only time I would encourage two-handed use of the PDA.

The PDA cannot be located where it
is convenient to see without obscuring other instruments.

I beg to differ on this count. There are several variations of mounts
available that make it trivial to put the PDA in an easily viewable position
without blocking any instruments.

It greatly
adds to cockpit clutter and creates a disorganization problem.

Guilty. There are tricks to minimize the clutter, but adding anything to
the cockpit by definition adds to clutter and "disorganization". This
applies to carrying extra charts, backup equipment, etc. As with most
things in life, it's a matter of balancing compromises.

The
more time you spend futzing around with stuff the less time you spend
flying the airplane.

No doubt.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_s...veloperid=4415
____________________