PDA with ballistic software suggestions

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Tarvis

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Recently thought about getting a PDA with software for tinkering/shooting targets. I have zero knowledge on either, so I'm tabula rasa (blank slate) and looking for ideas and suggestions.

Thanks.

EDIT: What I'm looking for is suggestions on what software I should use and/or what PDA I should/shouldn't use.
 
I can't make a comparison for you, but can tell you that I use a Palm Tungsten E2 (work issued) that synchronizes with a PC. I download Palm type freeware off the net and then it syncs into the Palm. Some of the freeware is ballistics programs. I've tried several, and the ones that I don't like, I just delete, and the ones I do, I keep. My advice would generally be to by a capable, popular PDA with some form of download capability - then you can play with a lot of software. It's really neat to have while shooting at the range.
 
you plan to use it in the field or just at the bench/range?
 
Exbal is a thorough piece of software that is available for the following platforms:

PC (Windows)
Palm
Pocket PC (HP Jornada and others)

If you use it only at home, the PC version is the best, IMO. Full-screen, print capability, etc. If you want to use it in the field, the other two run on PDA's.

I have an old Palm Zire 21, but I haven't tried the Palm version of Exbal. I guess I'm content with the desktop version.

Here's a link to their site -

http://www.perry-systems.com/
 
palm

I like this one alot its free and does a great job but a little hard to figure out all its features. http://www.freewarepalm.com/calculator/pocketssf(sharpshooterfriend).shtml
there are 2 other free balistic programs at that sight also that are good but don't have a data base for rifles and bullets like ssf. At 68k size it doesn't take much room. It gives a mildot reading for windage and drop very quick to use (also moa total adjustments and adjustment from previous shot).
 
the reason i ask is that i've migrated from a PDA/software solution to one of the 5.11 watches with the ballistic calculator in it. it's waterproof, doesn't reboot when you drop it, doesn't need recharged every day, and you can see it in bright sunlight. it's not as feature rich, but it does a nice job of calculating come ups
 
taliv,

sounds like a good idea... will the nightforce offering of exbal version 8.1 run in the "watch" format?

if not--anyone have suggestions for a RUGGED PDA for this program?

pls forgive what may seem stoopit questions here. writer is digitally illiterate, but trying to learn best option for recently acquired program.

gunnie
 
Gunnie -

I don't know what OS the "watch" runs, but there is a rugged PDA that runs Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC, and Exbal runs under that.

It's expensive (around $1200), but it's for field technicians and others who work outdoors, so it can get rained on and dropped onto concrete. While it doesn't look like a "tactical" product, I imagine it would work quite well for civilian applications where muted colors aren't a requirement.

Here's the link -

http://www.ruggedpcreview.com/3_handhelds_tds_recon.html

(I haven't gotten this serious yet. The closest I have is a "splashproof" laptop made by Panasonic. Based on my many needs for a computer, I need full capability rather than hand-held. However, technicians often need something that fits in one hand.)

OK, I looked up 5.11 watches and I got -

http://www.511tactical.com/index.asp?pageID=watchinfo

This says the watch runs Horus Vision ballistics software. I don't see any provisions in this watch for downloading different software. It isn't a PDA, just a watch with a ballistics calculator.

IMO, if you really want all the bells and whistles of Exbal, you have to have either a PC (laptop or desktop), or a supported PDA (Palm OS or Windows Mobile OS.)
 
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Go with a Palm

Palm is the Linux of PDAs. There's way more freeware development on the Palm OS than in Windows Mobile. I think you'll find lots of cool stuff besides ballistics if you look around a little. I can't make any recommendations on ballistics software, though, sorry.
 
I had a T||E for a while with Exbal. I broke the T|E in a couple months just doing regular everyday stuff. Shooters have attempted to run PDAs in field matches and they are always slower than having a data card.
 
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