The Mobile Office

mobile devices are transforming the face of farming.

Mobile phones and advances in technology has completely transformed the way people communicate. These devices such as smartphones, iPads, and laptops are equipped with so many applications; tasks that once confined you to a desktop computer can now be accessed on these “minicomputers” anywhere you are.

As technology has evolved, so have the users, including those in agriculture. According to the Economic Research Service, about 60,000 farmers used handheld devices (cellphones/smartphones) to connect to the Internet in 2008. Armed with information at their fingertips, producers are able to tap into weather forecasts, find nitrogen recommendations, monitor how much water is in the soil, or market gain from the seat of a truck or tractor.

“Mobile Technology holds the potential to transform the way industries like agriculture function,” said Neil Mylet, creator of the LoadOut application, Indiana farmer, and Purdue graduate. “There is so much potential lying in the palm of your hand.”

Shopping Tips

Before you start looking at the devices, make a list of things you know you will be using the device for, when you  are researching online for the right product or going to purchase the device, keep this list handy and refer back to it. Another word of advice would be to ask friends what kind of devices they use. Ask them how they like them; are they easy to use; do they do everything they want it to.

Sorting through the various models of technology, as well as the different service plans, is a mind-boggling talk; but it is necessary for matching your needs with the right device. Here are nine key points to keep in mind while shopping for a new device.

Service Provider

While most of us are tempted to pick the cool gadget first and then worry about the particulars later, Andy Kleinschmidt, Ohio State University Extension educator, suggests doing the exact opposite. “My advice would be to pick a carrier first and a device second. If you go with a carrier that has great coverage in your area, you will be in a better position to enjoy the full services of a smartphone. If you pick a carrier based on the device, you may be let with a neat phone that has limited functionality,” he notes.

With several different options and service levels, where should you start? If you already have a service provider, check into what they can offer you. If it is not quite what you are looking for, then you may want to consider the competition.

If its a wireless internet connection you are looking for, make sure that your residence is within the service area of the company you are already with, or research other companies that serve your area. Also, many farmers and ranchers have turned to using satellite internet in those hard to reach corners of pasture.

Operating System

The operating system (OS) determines the functionality of your device — its capabilities, for instance, and ease of use — and shouldn’t be ignored. Each OS has its own character and varies widely in the number of applications available.

Memory

There are two types of memory to pay attention to; RAM, and the overall storage for files. A suggested minimum of 256 MB of RAM is a good place to start. The second is file storage, a minimum of 8 GB is recommended for smartphones and other hand-held devices, and a minimum of 160 GB for a laptop or PC. Another important consideration when it comes to memory is whether the device supports memory cards, the type of card is supports, USB cables, jump drives, and external hard drives.

Display

Ask yourself how large of a viewing space you need. hand-held devices generally have screens anywhere from 2-5 inches, laptops generally range from 13-17 inches. Resolution is also important, lower resolutions make it difficult to read Web sites without zooming in. It is also important to keep in mind what  you are planning to display and to whom- if you are using the device for personal use, make sure it fits your wants and needs; if you are using it for presentations make sure it has the necessary connections to hook it up to a projector and audio systems.

Battery Life

The more a device does, the more power it will need. Learn about the battery’s potentials by checking the MAH and manufacturer’s stated battery life measurements. If the device will be used a lot, look at purchasing an extra battery or alternative chargers.

Keypad/Keyboard

When it comes to keying in information, ask yourself how it will work for you. It is important that you are able to type and communicate effectively and efficiently with your investment in a device.

Handhelds with touch screens have software that produces a keyboard you can type on. Other devices offer a keyboard that slides out from the phone, but that may make the device thicker and heavier. Some models place the keyboard on the front of the device.

Laptops come with a wide variety of keyboard options. Refer back to your list of what you will be using it for, are you going to be satisfied with just a the alphabet and the numbers in a row at the top; are you going to need a 10-key pad; do you need to have a wireless mouse that will make navigating easier for you than the touch-pad.

Warranty

Typically, a device is covered under a warranty from the manufacturer as well as the carrier; But what about additional insurance? Providers say it is one of the main things overlooked in the purchase of a device because most customers don’t realize how expensive a device can be if it has to be replaced. If you do opt for insurance, remember that some providers won’t necessarily give you a brand-new device, but a refurbished, repaired one.

I know for me, I occasionally drop things, throw them in my backpack, sit on them and many other things that are probably not good to admit, so insurance on all of my devices has truly paid off, especially on my hand-held devices. Plus, why would you want to risk the chance of dropping it in the pig pen, it getting stepped on by a horse or cow, it falling off the seat of the pickup, or the dog deciding its a chew toy?

E-Mail

Your device should be able to deliver e-mails quickly; but the better devices help you keep multiple accounts current with the ability to support attachments. Also, look for a device that offers push delivery, which keeps the device from wasting battery life by continually checking for new messages.

Applications

As advances continue to be made in hand-held devices, the applications continue to grow. With the evolution of social media, it is important to know what mediums you will be using to connect with the world. Whether it is blogging, Twitter, Facebook, or another medium, or you are checking the weather, the days yield, current market prices, or one of the other apps specifically geared toward the ag industry, it is important to know the applications available and the limits of your device.

When choosing a device, keep in mind that technology changes daily. That is why it is important to do your homework before you make your big buying decision.

**This article was inspired by an article published in Successful Farming Magazine in May 2010.**

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~ by rebau on May 10, 2010.