What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

High Binder

High Binder

Resident Tribologist
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 18, 2008
495
25
Occupied Colorado
#1
Hey guys, I'm getting tired of dragging dope cards around and guessing when conditions (temp wind ect..) change. Being that I just added a new rig (Grendel) with 3 new bullets and loads I thought now would be a good time to upgrade my dopes as well. Currently I run solutions on Sierra Infinity 6 and am on paper most of the time at 1300 yards with the .308 and hope to be there with the 6.5. Anyway I'm looking for a hand-held device that I can use specifically for that and that can store info for at least 6 bullets. I don't wanna sped a ton but something in the $400 or less range would be nice, a little more is ok too...

Thanks for any advice guys!
 
#2
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

iPod Touch 32gb ($270), Ballistic FTE ($20), Pelican case ($15-$20)

On a side note, this subject needs a sticky for one of the better threads mentioning it. It comes up all the time, and some of the most experienced shooters are tired of answering it. Time to head to the FAQ section...
 
#4
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

Density altitude is a single-number indicator of air density, computed from atmospheric pressure, temperature, and moisture content of the air.

Since those are the factors which every ballistic program uses to compute air density, you don't need a program in the field which uses density altitude - just enter those values.

Density altitude is mostly useful to print a dope card which can be used in the field without a computer. See:

Making Ballistic Cards Using Density Altitude
 
#7
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Density altitude is a single-number indicator of air density, computed from atmospheric pressure, temperature, and moisture content of the air.

Since those are the factors which every ballistic program uses to compute air density, you don't need a program in the field which uses density altitude - just enter those values.

Density altitude is mostly useful to print a dope card which can be used in the field without a computer. See:

Making Ballistic Cards Using Density Altitude
</div></div>

Rodger that, Lindy. I've actually been shooting with D/A for a few years now based on info from you!
smile.gif
 
#9
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

If all you are going to use it for is your firing solution. A 8gig I touch is all you need plus the ballistic app you chose. I have bullet flight and like it plus if you have a kestrel wind meter you will good to go
 
#10
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DirtDart</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If all you are going to use it for is your firing solution. A 8gig I touch is all you need plus the ballistic app you chose. I have bullet flight and like it plus if you have a kestrel wind meter you will good to go
</div></div>

So bullet flight is a program for the i-touch right? Can I put bullet flight on an iphone and will it work once I cancel the at&t service instead of buying an i-touch? I've got a few kestrels so no prob there.
 
#11
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

An Android phone, Droid, Droid X, etc...and the $9 Shooter software. It does density altitude, allows you to create load and rifle profiles, etc...everything that the other programs do, and it does it just as accurately from everything that I've read and experienced using it. Not to mention it will pull the weather data from the nearest weather station (if you have cell service). It also uses the GPS in the phone to get altitude and lat, long info. I know it's not as good as a kestrel right next to you, but it's better than licking your finger and sticking it in the air.


Shooter Thread
 
#12
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDeadeye</div><div class="ubbcode-body">An Android phone, Droid, Droid X, etc...and the $9 Shooter software. It does density altitude, allows you to create load and rifle profiles, etc...everything that the other programs do, and it does it just as accurately from everything that I've read and experienced using it. Not to mention it will pull the weather data from the nearest weather station (if you have cell service). It also uses the GPS in the phone to get altitude and lat, long info. I know it's not as good as a kestrel right next to you, but it's better than licking your finger and sticking it in the air.


Shooter Thread </div></div>


AWESOME! Thanks SD!
 
#14
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

Shot in The Dark
I don't know about using a iPhone once u cancel your service If any app you have will still work. The shooter app for the droid is set up well just never used it in the field.
Importing the phones weather is a nice feture but if you have no cell service you will not be able to import the curent weather also if the station is not close to your ao. The weather data may not be the same, so your final firing solution will be off.
 
#15
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TrooperBrian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How would you say the iPod idea compares to say...Field Firing Solutions and a cheap PocketPC? </div></div>

I have teh FFS Delta IV running in a HP iqaq 211. Works extremely well. Wouldn't call the HPiqaq 211 cheap though.
 
#16
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

You might also consider an older Palm product with Exbal. You should be able to find a used one cheap and they are pretty rugged and foolproof in my experience.
 
#17
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

The new Kestrel coming has a ballistic comp built in but price is around $700, a 4500 with a ipod touch isn't as waterproof but has a camera and wireless ability, along with everyday use and being a cheaper combo. Plus there several apps to run on an ipod. Just throwing that out there. How about a different pda that can use the bluetooth with a kestrel?
 
#18
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J.Myers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The new Kestrel coming has a ballistic comp built in but price is around $700, a 4500 with a ipod touch isn't as waterproof but has a camera and wireless ability, along with everyday use and being a cheaper combo. Plus there several apps to run on an ipod. Just throwing that out there. How about a different pda that can use the bluetooth with a kestrel? </div></div>

Forgot to mention, the same developer that makes Shooter, makes an app that allows the kestrel with bluetooth capability to sync with the phone and transfer weather data that way. If you want to buy the kestrel also.
 
#19
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

If that shooter app so so good a really nice device for it would be the Motorola Defy. It's not out yet but looks good and rugged. Gorilla glas ip65! So best rugged aindroid consumer phone I think. I really like it

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m5sNzlmF0wQ"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m5sNzlmF0wQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

PS i am not from motorola!!
 
#20
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

I just picked up a used pocket PC and Nightforce software (Exbal) and it seems like a pretty good program. It will take a little testing to see for sure, but initially it is more accurate than the free Trijicon spreadsheet software I was using, and more thorough.
 
#21
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DirtDart</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Shot in The Dark
I don't know about using a iPhone once u cancel your service If any app you have will still work. The shooter app for the droid is set up well just never used it in the field.
Importing the phones weather is a nice feture but if you have no cell service you will not be able to import the curent weather also if the station is not close to your ao. The weather data may not be the same, so your final firing solution will be off.
</div></div>

Thanks Dirt, my wife has an iphone and we're about to collectively get new phones so I'm hoping it's work once we cancel service on that phone. I'll check with the at&t jokers before I install/buy that app though.
 
#22
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just picked up a used pocket PC and Nightforce software (Exbal) and it seems like a pretty good program. It will take a little testing to see for sure, but initially it is more accurate than the free Trijicon spreadsheet software I was using, and more thorough.

</div></div>
That's more like what I'm looking for how much was it and where did you buy it?
 
#23
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

The iPhone is a little computer. Every app on it is still going to work (and those that can use wi-fi will connect to the Internet) regardless of whether or not you have cellphone service or a contract with AT&T. You already have it and can buy Ballistic for $10 or the FTE edition for $20. It will do all that you want.
 
#24
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just picked up a used pocket PC and Nightforce software (Exbal) and it seems like a pretty good program. It will take a little testing to see for sure, but initially it is more accurate than the free Trijicon spreadsheet software I was using, and more thorough.

</div></div>
That's more like what I'm looking for how much was it and where did you buy it? </div></div>Bought it here in the for sale forum. It was cheap...

Keep your eyes open, they pop up from time to time with Exbal loaded on, and the price is usually right- $100 or less.
 
#27
Re: What's a good handheld computer for solutions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azimutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Ballistic for $10 or the FTE edition for $20. </div></div>

Which one is better? Can I manually input info from my kestrel? Will it be able to store 6 different custom loads?
 
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