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| Page Two of TDS Recon 400 Rugged PDA from Tripod Data Systems |
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The usual software suspects are included as the unit runs Windows Mobile 2003. The Recon we tested came with a 400 MHz XScale processor from Intel. The real bonus is the unit comes equipped with two CF (Compact Flash) slots, yes I said two. One type 1 and one type II compact flash slots. However I was disappointed that an SD slot was not included in the line up of options as it would not have taken up much additional room. Of course with the extra CF slot you could just use a CF to SD adapter. This brings me to another sticking point I have, with all the expansion capability with the two CF slots, extra RAM and the obvious demographic for outdoor mobile use they did not integrate a Bluetooth or WiFi radio into the device. You could argue that the extra CF slot could be used for that, however since the Recon is designed for mobile professional use in a rugged environment I think a built wireless connection is a must. Let’s move on the some system benchmarks. We used SPB Benchmark from Spb Software House.
 While the Recon bests the iPAQ 2200 in over all aggregate score but is hobbled by its slow read/write performance.  Here the Recon loses some ground but can still make up for it in the next slide.  Here we see the Recon soundly trash the competition for Active Sync scores. this makes sense as a remote or field tech you want to synchronize your collected data as quickly as possible. TDS has been in the data collection business for a long time and apparently they know the value of fast data synchronization.  Here we see the Recon suffering from a slightly slower file system . this score contributed heavily in the over system score we saw earlier.  Here is another example of why the Recon is a true champ for the mobile professional. It walks all over the competition in graphics scores and considering the XDA II is a real graphics monster that's saying a lot. In the GIS and Survey fields you need a unit that will render graphics on par with a laptop.  One design innovation I really liked was the standard USB port on the bottom of the unit. No funky proprietary cables, just a standard USB A to B cable, what could be simpler than that? OK, I had to ask, how about adding an old school 9 pin serial port. You got it! This really makes sense as most industrial, medical, networking equipment and other data devices still use 9 pin serial ports so connecting them up to the Recon just got easy; and again no proprietary cables to loose and re-buy. I must admit we tossed this thing around, dropped it, submerged it and even took it to a Puget Sound Handheld Users Group meeting the local Handheld/Pocket PC club here in Seattle and let them abuse it for a couple of hours. This device really can take some serious punishment. All if this performance and durability does come at a price. For the unit we tested with the 400 MHz XScale and 128 Megs of Flash storage it prices out at $1,799 while its trimmed down brother is only a mere $1,499 weighing in with a 200 MHz XScale and 64 megs of Flash storage. The upshot to that price tag is that you should only have to buy one unit and not go through the agony of replacing a consumer grade unit every few months. It looks like Tripod Data Systems has set the bar for rugged handheld devices with the Recon. The Recon provides ample performance, storage, expandability, durability all in a comfortable easy to use design that should interoperate well with most systems. Pros: Comfortable design Great performance Innovative connection and expansion options Long battery life Long battery life – yeah it was worth saying twice Unsurpassed Durability Cons: Screen brightness sub par No integrated wireless Included screen protectors Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Bill Landon -Senior Editor Recon Units Recon 400 Pocket PC - Gray Recon 400 Pocket PC - Yellow Recon 200 Pocket PC - Gray Recon 200 Pocket PC - Yellow Recon Accessories Recon GPS Range Pole Bracket Recon Rechargeable PowerBoot Module Search for more Recon Accessories |
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