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Best Wi-Fi Portable Browsing Device?
foxxo writes "I'm a library worker, so I get lots of questions about our collection when I'm out in the stacks. I'd love to be able to access our online catalog and give patrons more comprehensive guidance without directing them to the reference desk. What options are available for a portable device with Wi-Fi connectivity, full-featured Web browsing, and (most importantly) no cellphone-style activation and service fees? Size is important, too; I need something I can carry in my pocket, not a micro-notebook with full keyboard. (And I am a library worker, so low cost is key!)" One device that sounds interesting in this category is the GiiNii Movit (not yet released, but shown off at CES). What can you recommend that's out there now?
Somebody who's just pulling up information might not want a keyboard. In which case the N800 makes more sense.
On another note, I think this is where Amazon really missed the market for the Kindle. If it had wifi, and had a web browser, then the kindle would be one of the greatest pieces of hardware on the market, and perfect for this type of application. Of course if it had wifi, then Amazon would certainly lose revenue on book sales and would not be able to pay the cell phone bill that currently allows wireless delivery.
In any case, there are a number of option out there, but wifi without cell phone there is no choice, and most other options are twice the price fo the touch.
"She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
http://openpandora.wordpress.com/
should be available cheap, put on the opera mobile browser
and you are all set to go.
Think the question missed an important point: does she want to be able to search from a web-enabled OPAC or does she need to use Windows in order to access a ILS system? As an example: Sirsi uses software called "Workflows" to access the actual ILS (Integrated Library System) in order to search the catalog, place, holds, order items, etc. The only approved OS's for this software is Windows XP (and Vista... just barely). This discludes just about any Android or Linux enabled device, but her mileage may vary by what ILS her library relies upon. If that's the case, then you can find examples of this at libraries around the nation. As an example, South Lyon Library in MI has "Roaming Reference" capability through the use of Tablets. Some of the newer Netbooks are likely more than capable as well, if not quite as portable.
Put in a cheap WiFi Router in the Library (set for 802.11b only; the Palm can do 802.11g), and WEP for security (if you must; why not let others use the same database?). Cost: About $35 Now, buy a used Palm Tungsten C from eBay (about $75), and make sure the seller guarantees the WiFi will work (many don't). Now you have, for roughly $125, your own link to the network, and no further monthly expenses. I've got lots of clients where we do this; I use my Tungsten with those system almost every day.
There's an option for "Device Stays Lit" that can be set to either "when charging" or "never"... but it still turns on the display, only to block almost all of the screen as black and show the text "charging" along with an animated icon. Apparently, this can even cause it to lose power while attempting to charge by USB.
The belt holster is the pocket protector of the 21st century. But don't worry retro-nerds, the GP assures us it fits in your shirt pocket.
The belt holster is also the pocket protector of the 20th century, used by millions of geeks to carry their slide rules and later their HP calculators.
I am not a crackpot.
Use the Touch with Google's free search app, and you can SPEAK your search term into the system. Works extremely well.
Any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so.
Actually, I have balls and I sort of agree.
SD cards are large enough to get cracked, scratched and broken when I keep them in my pocket. Micro SD are small enough not to be subject to the same damage.
"I've got more toys than Teruhisa Kitahara."
That's something I've never heard of, but according to Wikipedia people really walked around with slide rules on their belt.
And I was one of them. Having a belt holster for a straight slide rule (10-12 inch) was fairly standard among engineers then. I still have a couple of old slide rules at home: a good slide rule is something you don't easily part with.
Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire