Little and Loaded

Whether you’re driving a single truck or running a big fleet, chances are you’re on the road a lot. Which is to say that you’re away from the computer on your desktop-the one you use to manage your business and keep in touch with customers.

The market is replete with truly portable computers that are powerful enough to handle everyday tasks, yet small enough to fit in your hand. And when you return to home base, they’re capable of synching up with database applications on your desktop computer or network server. More and more devices are able to send and receive information wirelessly, making them a functional companion for anywhere from about $400 to $800.

There are two major operating systems in the handheld market: the Palm OS, from the makers of the PalmPilot (www.palmos.com), and Microsoft’s Pocket PC (www.microsoft.com/pocketpc). Palm OS-based devices (made by Palm, Handspring, Sony, and others) control about 85% of the North American handheld market. Applications bundled with the OS include date and address books, desktop e-mail connectivity, a to-do list, a memo pad, and an iMessenger application for sending and receiving wireless messages.

Devices that use the Pocket PC OS have nearly 10% of the market. Several major hardware vendors support the operating system, including Hewlett-Packard, with its Jornada series; NEC Computers, with the MobilePro line; and Compaq Computers, with its Aero.

The latest version of the OS is called Handheld PC 2000, an upgrade of Windows CE. It includes Pocket Outlook (a minimized version of Microsoft’s Outlook contact manager); a Windows 2000 client to synchronize with Windows 2000-based desktop applications; an Internet Explorer-compliant Web browser; and a Windows Media Player and MP3 player application.

Each operating system is powerful and practical on its own, but product developers are working hard to make them more functional in a mobile environment. Some examples:

1. If you think using a landline or wireless modem is a hassle when you check your e-mail, consider the PocketMail BackFlip ($99 US plus $9.95 per month). Clip it onto your Palm, dial a toll-free number on any telephone, and then hold the hardware to the handset for a few seconds to send and receive your e-mail. The monthly fee includes unlimited messaging and lets you work with up to three POP3 accounts (in addition to the PocketMail address you get when you sign up).

2. Palm is collaborating with Delphi Automotive Supply Systems to allow Internet service for almost any new or existing vehicle using a dashboard-mounted Palm-based device.

The system will allow hands-free dialing and surfing via voice commands. It is slated for retail availability next spring.

3. Using an online calendar site it bought in May (www.anyday.com), Palm plans to wirelessly and automatically transmit updates to your calendar and contact list, and keep you posted when changes occur. Say you have to fly on a business trip. Your handheld could forewarn you if there are flight delays. When you arrive at your destination, it would automatically receive timely, local information-such as directions to your hotel and tips on the best restaurants, with the ability to make reservations at the tap of a stylus.

4. Microsoft, meanwhile, also plans to unveil an Internet access system for vehicles. And the company is developing a wireless server infrastructure to complement its mobile devices and provide e-mail, unified messaging, content serving, and instant messaging.

At least one hardware company recognizes the appeal of handhelds for trucking operations. Symbol Technologies-known for its bar-code scanning devices-offers handheld computers based on Windows Pocket PC (the SPT 2700) or the Palm OS (SPT 1700). Both the 1700 and 2700 include a built-in scanner capable of reading both one-dimensional (standard) barcode and the increasingly popular two-dimensional barcode that carries much more information. Both accept on-screen input using a stylus: you can write on the computer screen, which allows capture of signatures.

The 1700 and 2700 include built-in RF (radio frequency) communications over a LAN (local area network). Depending on the type of operation a fleet is involved with, the LAN can be centred at a terminal or on a device in the truck. A driver can be up to 1000 feet from the truck and still send information to an onboard computer instantly. The truck-mounted device, in turn, may be able to transmit data back to a terminal location. The driver can also retain data batch-style in the device itself until it is downloaded when a truck returns-perhaps by a reader device at the gate.

These days, computers don’t have to be big to be good. Power and mobility matter more-as does using mobile technology to make your working life better.