Currently I sell the Archos 8" tablets with 3 month service and warranty to Grenada for 400USD (1050EC)
Over the past months we have been looking at this usage of tablets (Google android) devices to conduct surveys (small samples max 1200 Household about 5000 individuals).
A number of attempts ( successful with some challenges) have been realized.
Now we are moving ahead into devices that can add values for larger surveys - this article is based on Cost of tablets mixed with some functionality.
1. Large screen size 7 to 8 inches are good enough for the field using the gocanvas.com software, mixed with Honeycomb (android 3.0 or higher). Honey comb allows the screen to "Zoom" by changing the resolution of devices from 1280X 640 to lower (800 X400) .
2. The weight and dimension of larger devices (10.1" inches) gets the hands weary, and it feel somehow (awkward).
3. Disabling the "Auto Rotate" is a very good idea along with Wifi and GPS. This will help boost battery life, along with a free application called "battery booster"
Using the Archos 80 G9 in the field we got up to 8 hours of usage without any indication of low battery,
4. If devices are to be used for surveys - Install only what you need on the devices.
I noticed that some applications may be taking more processing power (which is also battery life).
So keep you device clean and use it for the intended purpose to get the most out of the battery.
5. Use the battery booster software to calibrate the life of the battery evey month or two, the software will show you how to do this.
6. Getting a good device is costly - but you best invest upfront - in the Caribbean region the GPS takes to long to produce results - during the best time for GPS readings. It took on average 10 minutes to get a location using the GPS from the Archos G80 device between 9 to 12 on a very clear sunny day in Grenada. On the other hand, if the 3G internet is used it does a very qucik reading over google earth to get your location using the internet.
7. Ensure that you device has a back camera (REAR).- a 3.0MP cam will be very adequate for most purposed in the field. Taking photos of buildings, persons, items, trees, objects in the environment.
SUMMARY:
Devices are costly.
Needs:
Prices:
Rec 1:
Kyros from Cody, cost about 250USD in Grenada (Device, shipping, taxes and port charges)
Good
Devices that are durable (from my point of view) will be the Coby Kyros, 7" inches starts about 100USD.
Come with a case
Bad:
No Cam and older version of android...... not the best investment since it does not allow upgrade directly to honeycomb.
Rec 2:
Archos 80 G9 tablet with honey comb, Total Cost of ownership for Grenada 350USD (Device, shipping, port and taxes)
Good
Battery life, screen in 8" nicely design, high end hardware - 2 processors.
GPS present
Bad.
No back cam -
GPS is slow on it own in Grenada,
3G ready- just buy the stick (about 70USD extra)
Need a case ( 30USD extra)
Tablet Cost for Surveys || Cheap Devices - tough decisions to be made.
Over the past months we have been looking at this usage of tablets (Google android) devices to conduct surveys (small samples max 1200 Household about 5000 individuals).
A number of attempts ( successful with some challenges) have been realized.
Now we are moving ahead into devices that can add values for larger surveys - this article is based on Cost of tablets mixed with some functionality.
1. Large screen size 7 to 8 inches are good enough for the field using the gocanvas.com software, mixed with Honeycomb (android 3.0 or higher). Honey comb allows the screen to "Zoom" by changing the resolution of devices from 1280X 640 to lower (800 X400) .
2. The weight and dimension of larger devices (10.1" inches) gets the hands weary, and it feel somehow (awkward).
3. Disabling the "Auto Rotate" is a very good idea along with Wifi and GPS. This will help boost battery life, along with a free application called "battery booster"
Using the Archos 80 G9 in the field we got up to 8 hours of usage without any indication of low battery,
4. If devices are to be used for surveys - Install only what you need on the devices.
I noticed that some applications may be taking more processing power (which is also battery life).
So keep you device clean and use it for the intended purpose to get the most out of the battery.
5. Use the battery booster software to calibrate the life of the battery evey month or two, the software will show you how to do this.
6. Getting a good device is costly - but you best invest upfront - in the Caribbean region the GPS takes to long to produce results - during the best time for GPS readings. It took on average 10 minutes to get a location using the GPS from the Archos G80 device between 9 to 12 on a very clear sunny day in Grenada. On the other hand, if the 3G internet is used it does a very qucik reading over google earth to get your location using the internet.
7. Ensure that you device has a back camera (REAR).- a 3.0MP cam will be very adequate for most purposed in the field. Taking photos of buildings, persons, items, trees, objects in the environment.
SUMMARY:
Devices are costly.
Needs:
- Rear 3.0 or higher camera
- Good battery life at least 4800 mah (up to 6 full hours in the field without GPS or 3G internet)
- 7 or 8 inches screen with Honey comb or higher.
- 800 x 480 can be set on the device.
It is very difficult to recommend a device that is both affordable for the "low income countries" that will at least satisfy 80% of the need to perform surveys and last at least 2 to 3 year so that users can enjoy the ROI from these devices.
These devices are to be treated with CARE. Accessories such as the cases can cost additional 30USD increasing the price.
We need to find a device with case, honeycomb (upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich) for between 180 to 200USD.
If a survey department seeks to use 20 such devices at once, then that will run a cost of (20 * 200) = 4000USD for data collection activities in the field (device only), then design of survey forms can cost up to 3000USD for advance survey forms.
Cost of paying field workers can run 10 to 20 USD per household.
Prices:
Rec 1:
Kyros from Cody, cost about 250USD in Grenada (Device, shipping, taxes and port charges)
Good
Devices that are durable (from my point of view) will be the Coby Kyros, 7" inches starts about 100USD.
Come with a case
Bad:
No Cam and older version of android...... not the best investment since it does not allow upgrade directly to honeycomb.
Rec 2:
Archos 80 G9 tablet with honey comb, Total Cost of ownership for Grenada 350USD (Device, shipping, port and taxes)
Good
Battery life, screen in 8" nicely design, high end hardware - 2 processors.
GPS present
Bad.
No back cam -
GPS is slow on it own in Grenada,
3G ready- just buy the stick (about 70USD extra)
Need a case ( 30USD extra)
Comments
Post a Comment