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

[Peter Shaw]

Erik is right on, if you use it "smartly" you can maximize a smartphone's
life between charges. I used a Blackberry Bold last year with one extra
battery. With careful power management, i.e., keeping all the radios (cell,
Bluetooth and wifi) and the GPS turned off unless I wanted to use them, I
managed to eke out five to six days per battery. I used it as my camera and
for daily journal. That meant I got through the Sierras (Kennedy Meadows to
Vermilion Valley) and had enough power (just) to take lots of pictures and
to keep the journal up to date. I kept the screen on the lowest power
setting and it dimmed after just a few seconds of inactivity. Also, I was
very careful about transmitting, especially photos, as these were power
hungry tasks that I reserved for wifi or good cell coverage locations where
I could recharge batteries as well. In areas where cell coverage was
marginal, if I needed to get an occasional "I'm OK" message out, I found
text messaging was reliable and quick, thereby using minimal power.

I think the bigger decision on what to take on the PCT is a personal choice
on how you like to type data into it. Like most smartphones, the Blackberry
has a full QWERTY keyboard, but you have to learn to be "thumb dexterous" as
it's not possible to use your fingers effectively. If you want a bigger
keyboard then there are other options, maybe even the new iPad. The
technology is moving so fast that whatever was great last year is now
outdated.

Peanut Eater

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Erik The Black
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:32 AM
To: 'Roger Binschus'; pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Digital Journals - What Device to use

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.



      


      

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