Hello all,

Given the recent responses on handhelds, I wanted to add another query to
the combined experience of list members....

Symbol (www.symbol.com) makes a barcode scanner that snaps right into a Palm
OS-based Handspring Visor (www.handspring.com).  We are in the process of
evaluating barcode scanning systems for inventory and storage/tracking
purposes in the collections.  This has been a long process and I have
already talked to some companies about the more traditional barcode scanners
and their costs but I am intrigued about the possibility of using a PDA.
The cost is less ($300-$400 for the PDA, $159 for the scanning module
plug-in) than a more traditional handheld scanner w/keyboard plus, you can
use the PDA for other things - digital camera, graphics display, wireless
network access, general organizing, etc. - not just as a barcode scanner.
That flexibility for that cost is enticing.

Has anyone used a PDA for a collections application?  Has anyone used the
Visor w/barcode scanner or the Palm w/barcode scanner (also made by Symbol,
the SPT 1500 or 1700)?  If so, has this been difficult to interface with
your collections software?  How much did the programming for the PDA app
cost you and what functions were included?  How much did you have to pay the
company of your proprietary software to access their code to HotSync
inventory data with the Palm OS app?  Any tips, comments, suggestions?
Thanks.  (Before you ask, no, we don't have a techno-geek on staff who can
handle some of these questions.)


Elizabeth


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----

Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore, Curator of Collections
Virginia Museum of Natural History
1001 Douglas Avenue
Martinsville, VA  24112
[log in to unmask]

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).