[pct-l] Digital Journals - What Device to use

[Erik The Black]

Hi Roger, 

One modern alternative to the Pocket Mail is the Peek email device:

http://www.getpeek.com/

It is like a smart phone that only does email (with better battery life)

Most smart-phones (Blackberry, Droid, iPhone, etc.) can be used for
electronic journaling, but the drawback is that their battery life is
usually poor.

I will be using my Motorola Q Smartphone. But I have purchased two extended
batteries, which I hope will be good enough to last ~5 days between resupply
stops. I will leave the phone turned off during the day and plan to use it
for only 30 minutes to 1 hour per night.

One reason why cell phones suck up the juice so quickly is they are
constantly searching for a cell signal. If you put your phone in "airplane
mode" or "flight mode" you can type your journals and use all of the tools
your phone offers and it will not attempt to connect. I believe this will
help extend your battery life.

Happy trails,
Erik the Black

Check out my new Backpacking Blog: 
http://www.blackwoodspress.com/blog/


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-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Binschus [mailto:roger_pct at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 3:52 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Digital Journals - What Device to use


>From what I have learned the Pocketmail device I used back in 2005 is no
longer in commission. I am curious what electronic devices people are using
now for trail journaling?

Blackberries? Cell phones? ..... some device I haven't heard of?

I am taking off for a 2010 thru-hike, and am looking for a device that is
comparable to the pocketmail in function and battery life span, any help
would be appreciated.

Thanks
Roger "Psycho" B.