brian@cs.wvu.wvnet.edu (Brian Dean) (03/29/91)
I'm currently in the market for a handheld computer for use in a laboratory environment. The computer is to be used to collect data and control experiments and must be mobile. Some requirements are: * should have serial interface * accessible ports (I/O lines) for interfacing with custom devices (at the very least a bi-directional parallel port or accessible bus) * low power requirements * processor type is not critical * modest amount of memory ( > 128K ) * preferably small size (smaller the better) * price < $300 (approximate) The computer will be used to interface with various commercial or custom constructed equipment such as A/D converters, stepper motor controllers, etc. Cross-development is to be done on a seperate machine (UNIX based), and the ability to download programs to it via some means is required (serial port, etc). The computer will need to be operational away from the laboratory for short periods of time (battery power). I don't really care what kind of processor it has, though availabity of assemblers, compilers, etc. are a concern. I realize that there are probably fifty zillion products that fit this description. If you have used or are using a device similar to what is described above, I'd appreciate any comments (good and bad) you may have about it. General price range is also helpful. Also, I'm interested in a slightly less capable machine which is correspondingly less expensive (hopefully < $100) as several of these may be purchased. Basic requirements are serial interface, low power, memory approximately 32 to 64K, I/O lines available. All responses are appreciated. Feel free to e-mail me directly. If others would like a summary, let me know and I'll post it. -- Brian Dean Dept. of Stat. & Computer Science (304) 293-3607x5 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 26506 INTERNET: brian@cs.wvu.wvnet.edu