The Trimble Nomad

With ArcGIS 9.2, we have been doing quite a bit of work in the mobile area. ArcGIS Server 9.2 Enterprise Advanced offers users the ArcMobile SDK. This is a powerful yet flexible SDK that allows users to built rich mobile GIS applications. The SDK not only allows users to build applications for offline users, but applications that work in a synchronous nature as well. This can be a very powerful feature depending on the use case.

Up until now we have been been using Trimble Juno ST devices for development.

The Trimble Juno ST is a great little device that’s affordable for most users. It runs Windows Mobile 5.0, comes with built in GPS and provides 2 to 5 meter GPS positioning. The Trimble Juno ST is not a rugged device though.

With ArcGIS 9.3, a new application is provided out of the box. ArcMobile 9.3 has been built on the SDK and provides some powerful features for users. ArcMobile 9.3 is fully supported on Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.0. To leverage some of the new functionality of Windows Mobile 6.0 we needed a new hardware device.

As such we now have a brand spanking new Trimble Nomad.

I saw this device showcased late last year at the Trimble/Geosystem’s road show in New Zealand. At the current stage it’s the only Trimble device that offers Windows Mobile 6.0.

The Trimble Nomad handheld has a powerful 806 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, up to 1 GB of Flash storage, integrated wireless capabilities, and a high resolution VGA display. Applications run smoothly and maps are displayed with never seen before clarity. With a variety of configuration options, including integrated GPS, integrated digital camera, and an integrated laser barcode scanner, the Trimble Nomad handheld provides an all-in-one solution for field data collection and inspection activities.

I think the great feature of this device is it’s processor. The 806 MHz processor just rockets. So far running any application on this device has yet to struggle. I have been using the new Trimble Nomad to showcase some of the features of ArcMobile 9.3. The device act’s as a great showcase for ArcMobile 9.3. It’s a powerful device that handles ArcMobile very well. The GPS on board is very powerful along with an integrated camera. The Nomad also comes with a compact flash slow so you can even plug a GPRS modem into it as well. All of this to go with the rugged form factor.

If are you looking for a mobile device that performs, I totally recommend the Trimble Nomad. It’s becoming a very popular device in New Zealand. Trimble and the guys from Geosystems have been very supportive of the ESRI mobile technology and as such we are now using the Trimble Nomad to showcase ArcGIS 9.3 and it’s new powerful mobile features.