Scientifically Oriented PDAs?

Froze asks: "This is the beginning of my seventh year in school (yes, I am a grad student) and I am looking for the most cost effective solution in a scientifically oriented PDA. A strong compatibility with Linux is a must. My background is in Physics and Mathematics, so it would be nice to have some way of handling mathematical input (like the Zaurus). An on-board language would be a plus as well, something along the lines of bash, Perl, or Java would do."

"I have looked at some of the Linux PDA's out there like Sharps Zaurus and Agenda's VR3 (which is discontinued, I think) and generally liked what I saw. Ultimately, I would like to have the following features:

• Software that can handle math input
• The ability to compile code for it
• An attachable keyboard (close to full size)
• Full Linux compatibility
• Vibrating alarm (things that beep annoy me)
• Pricing that a student can afford

Not all of these are a must. I figured that Slashdot would be the perfect place to ask, with its compliment of intellectual types (yes, I know flattery will get me nowhere *grin!*)."

Comments

TI-92

[Apreche]

You don't want a PDA, you want a calculator. TI has had the TI-92 for a long time. It will solve all of your on the go math needs. I think they also have some new calculator that is better than the 92. Check Texas Instruments' website to see what their latest offering is. While it doesn't run Linux itself there is a great deal of linux software that allows you to interface with the calculator. Other than that I believe this device will suit all your needs. It is also very reasonably priced compared to palm devices.

Re:TI-92

[NickVS]

There's a C compiler for the TI-89 and -92 called TIGCC; I've never used it, and I don't think that it can be loaded on the calcualor itself.

If you want to look at calcualors, the HP-49G might be worth a look. It has a clock and a beeper, a formidable CAS, an on board or 3rd party support for ASM, SYS-RPL, Reverse Polish Lisp and HP-BASIC. It also has a wealth of high quality scientific/mathmatical applications. There are a few computer linking programs avalable (Kermit and a few others).

None of the calc platforms will fill vary many of the compatiblity requiremints as far as I know.

FYI:
http://www.hpcalc.org/
http://www.ticalc. org/
comp.sys.hp48

Re:TI-92

[cpex]

I have an ti-89 I believe it is the exact same claculator as the 92 minus the keyboard and missing a few geometry apps. I love this calculator especially for all those pesky integrals that can come up. There are tons of apps on the net you can download or purchase. I think i even saw spice ported to the ti-os. It does have a C compiler but I never tried it. No you cant code c onto the calc you have to use a computer but who would want to code directly onto the keypad anyways. You can make the ti do anything you want.

Easy

[PhysicsGenius]

Buy a TI-89 or TI-92. Calculator.

I have the TI-89 and it handles math and physics beautifully, including pretty-print output, "spreadsheets", function/parametric/3d/polar graphing and the greek alphabet. It is programmable (in a BASIC type language) right on the device. You can buy a keyboard to make this simpler (though the 92, which is functionally identical to the 89, is more PDA-shaped and won't need one). If you buy the GraphLink cable you can upload and download files (including programs in ASM). People have written games and PDA-like functions for things like address books. The only feature missing on your list is an alarm.

Price: $100 (+$15 for the cable from WalMart).

PocketPCs with Linux?

[zmalone]

Why not look at the PocketPC machines? Quite a few people have gotten them working with serial chording keyboards (link), you can install Linux on them, and you have many input options, PCMCIA, serial, compactflash, smart cards, etc.

Of course, the Zaurus is a very similar device, and it comes with Linux, but you mention it in the article, so I assume you've already looked into it.

The Freehand Formula Entry System and DRACULAE

[t]

What ever you get, this to me is the ultimate system: ffes in a pda/ultra small laptop.

To the people who are suggesting some kind of calculator, please realize that mathematics does NOT equal +-*/=[0-9].

seven years? newbie! ha!

t.