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.

So why not the Zaurus ???

[TibbonZero]

What's wrong with the Zaurus? It seems to fit the bill for the most part.
The Ti calculators are good as well. Even the TI-83 if I remember right has scientific probes and anaylzing software that you can get. It's pretty cheap too.

Vibrates?

[TibbonZero]

The Palm 705i and simalar are the only ones I know of that vibrate. This seems a little useless however, depending on what type of research you are doing.

Imagine: Pouring NitroGlycerine into a vessel, the scientist deciedes to measure the temperature, putting the probe, someone IMs him, or he has an appointment alarm, BUZZ, BUZZ, it hits the Pyrex glass, and disturbs the liquid, and it falls to the floor, boom!

Not too pretty, I think that should be the last thing that you want. I can see why you would want it, but I see it as being annoying in a lab.
Use your science PDA for science, and your day to day PDA/phone for elsewhere, but that's just my opinion.

Thank god you aren't an English major

[wackybrit]

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 )."

You mean complement, of course. In fact, that's a mathematical word and you got it wrong, so you should certainly fail your course.