Which PDA for Field Firing Solution?

[Mr_Happyface]

Trying not to spend a fortune.

I'd like the ability to run off of regular batteries as well, if that's even possible.


Any ideas that won't break the bank?

 

[KR1]

Here's an Ebay auction with NightForce already on it. Bid is currently only $9.
Long Range Nightforce Ballistic Calculator Scope Dot | eBay

 

[bogeybrown]

Truthfully, I think most of us have gone to smart phone apps instead of dedicated PDAs. There are a ton of apps that all cost less than a PDA would.
If you're going to REALLY spend money, then the Kestrel with either Horus or Applied Ballistics on it is a nice tool. I still like the convenience of an iPhone interface for range cards etc but the kestrel with integrated ballistics/atmospherics is a hell of a tool.

 

[mcmillanman5]

I have a Trimble nomad to run FFS. They come up for sale here from time to time and you can find them on eBay for decent prices if you keep an eye out. As for not breaking the bank I guess that just depends on how much you are wanting to spend. I purchased my nomad lightly used and went with an 800 instead of the 900 to save a few bucks, no regrets here.

ETA: Here is an adapter to use AA batteries in a Trimble, no personal experience though as,I just use the supplied battery.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TDS-Trimble...2921?pt=PDA_s_Pocket_PC_s&hash=item5d275afcd9

 

[LawnMM]

Trimble Nomad 800s can be had for around 500, I guess it depends how important the newer gps on the 900 is to you. I have messed with the program a bunch, its quite powerful and I'm by no means an expert, BUT...

The gps is mainly tied to creating firing positions with gps coordinates and bearings attached. Its a useful function when you revisit the same spots but I don't know if I'd consider it so important as to suggest its worth the extra cost of a Nomad 900. You still have gps on the 800 its just not as quick or whiz bang as the 900. The processing power and memory are the same and the program runs just fine on the 800.

My advice is get an 800 if you want to run FFS. If you are military or LE and its going to be used on flesh instead of steel or in conjunction with a PLF-15c and a cable then spend the money on the 900 because if you are buying that setup you have the cash. For the rest of us I think the 800 is more than adequate for 25% of the cost.

 

[Pinecone]

For smart phones and PDAs, there is a setup from iGo.

1) They have a charger that also has in internal battery, so you can recharge//run your phone off it.

2) They have a unit that takes 2 AA batteries and will recharge/run your phone.

3) By buying extra tips for the charging cord, you can use the same devices to charge pretty much ANY phone, PDA, eReader, etc. Also charges off a USB port. And they make cigarette lighter units also.