Pocket PC Handheld battery life - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

cliche · 05-16-2004, 12:32 AM

Hi,

I'm trying to set up a system for our hospital involving handhelds wirelessly linked to a central database. Whilst the wifi connection probably wouldn't be permanently active (I'm envisaging data being automatically transferred when people walk past base stations), it would be useful to have it switched on all the time, looking for stations in range.

What I'm wondering is what kind of battery life I can expect with today's handheld's doing this? (ie normal usage but wifi turned on all the time, wifi active only rarely). Does anyone know of any particular makes that are better? Are the ones with builtin wifi likely to outlast ones with CF/SD card wifi?

Thanks for any opinions and data.

Cynthetiq · 05-16-2004, 06:49 AM

the wifi doesn't transmit all the time so you should get a good day's worth of use.

here's some write up to get you started on looking at some of the systems that are currently deployed. Maybe you can contact Sarasota Memorial directly. I think that Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC is also participating in a program like this one.

flamingpeach · 05-16-2004, 08:53 AM

Our HP ipaq 5555 can last up to 7 hours.

cliche · 05-16-2004, 03:08 PM

Thanks for the help!

Cynthetiq - was there supposed to be a link in your reply? I've googled Sarasota Memorial and there seems to be plenty of information about their healthcare systems; do you know anything specific about what devices they're using?

flamingpeach is that with the larger battery? and wifi turned on? It's starting to sound like I don't need to be so worried about it as these things will only have to last a 13hr (max) shift, and hopefully will be turned off for much of that time.

Thanks again

flamingpeach · 05-16-2004, 04:15 PM

wifi isn't always on, and the ipaq isnt always in constant use either. When its just sitting there it turns its screen off and goes into a stand by type mode. It will last 3-4 hours if we are using it constantly. This is all with the standard battery it came with.

05-16-2004, 12:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
cliche Rookie Location: Oxford, UK	Pocket PC Handheld battery life Hi, I'm trying to set up a system for our hospital involving handhelds wirelessly linked to a central database. Whilst the wifi connection probably wouldn't be permanently active (I'm envisaging data being automatically transferred when people walk past base stations), it would be useful to have it switched on all the time, looking for stations in range. What I'm wondering is what kind of battery life I can expect with today's handheld's doing this? (ie normal usage but wifi turned on all the time, wifi active only rarely). Does anyone know of any particular makes that are better? Are the ones with builtin wifi likely to outlast ones with CF/SD card wifi? Thanks for any opinions and data. __________________ I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones. -- John Cage (1912 - 1992)

05-16-2004, 06:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	the wifi doesn't transmit all the time so you should get a good day's worth of use. here's some write up to get you started on looking at some of the systems that are currently deployed. Maybe you can contact Sarasota Memorial directly. I think that Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC is also participating in a program like this one. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

05-16-2004, 08:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
flamingpeach hip mama Location: redmond, washington	Our HP ipaq 5555 can last up to 7 hours. __________________ I've eaten my veggies all my life so bring it on, I am educated and strong for the revolution.

05-16-2004, 03:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
cliche Rookie Location: Oxford, UK	Thanks for the help! Cynthetiq - was there supposed to be a link in your reply? I've googled Sarasota Memorial and there seems to be plenty of information about their healthcare systems; do you know anything specific about what devices they're using? flamingpeach is that with the larger battery? and wifi turned on? It's starting to sound like I don't need to be so worried about it as these things will only have to last a 13hr (max) shift, and hopefully will be turned off for much of that time. Thanks again __________________ I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones. -- John Cage (1912 - 1992)

05-16-2004, 04:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
flamingpeach hip mama Location: redmond, washington	wifi isn't always on, and the ipaq isnt always in constant use either. When its just sitting there it turns its screen off and goes into a stand by type mode. It will last 3-4 hours if we are using it constantly. This is all with the standard battery it came with. __________________ I've eaten my veggies all my life so bring it on, I am educated and strong for the revolution.