Windows Tablet with GPS

[StevenMenefee1]

We are going to begin developing a web application to collect fire hydrant locations in the field using a tablet.  However, we haven't decided on what tablet to use yet (but our IT dept is leaning towards a windows OS).

I was hoping someone could share some of their experiences with using a tablet to collection GPS points in the field.  I'm curious to know what kind of tablet you're using and how accurate the GPS is.  Any information would be much appreciated, thanks!

[AkhilParujanwala]

I use Windows computers/tablets.

Laptops:
Panasonic CF-52
Panasonic CF-30

Tablets:
Trimble Yuma (no longer used in the field)
Panasonic U1 (still used in the field but will be replaced by the ToughPad)
Panasonic ToughPad (currently purchasing the Windows version)

The internal GPS has a 3-5 meter accuracy, they are OK, but my client wants more accuracy.
Instead we disable the internal GPS and stick a Trimble ProXH or a Garmin Montana depending for on-foot or vehicle use.

The goal of the ToughPad is to replaced both laptops and tablets, because the laptops are great in a vehicle but are too heavy to carry on-foot. The existing tablets are too small for vehicle use but are great for on-foot use. The new ToughPads should solve both cases and leave me with less computers to manage.

Of course the ToughPads are expensive but they are rugged for the type of data collection I am doing. They also offer the flexibility in components that I require. For example a WAN port, second USB port and more.

Plus tablets like the ToughPad have a touchscreen, which should make operating my application easier. I am designing my interface to work with both computers with a mouse and keyboard but also so that the buttons can be clicked on with a finger.

I hope this helps.

[WilliamSands]

We use 3 Trimble Yuma 2's on foot out in the field. Our only gripe is that we would love a 10inch touchscreen instead of 7 inch, but it sounds like your needs are far simpler than ours so a 7 inch screen would be fine. Specs and battery life are great.