Booting Up
The Recon I received for review was the 400 MHz with 128MB non-volatile Flash storage. It also came with a power adaptor and selection of international plugs, screen protectors, 2 styli, 6ft USB A to B cable, hand strap, Pocket PC Companion CD which included Outlook 2002 and Microsoft ActiveSync 3.7.
To get the Recon up and running I had to install the Battery module and I was ready to work.
I have to admit I found the stylus storage location, behind the handstrap on the back of the Recon to be inconvenient and the hand strap itself required some adjusting to. The handstrap did come disconnected on a couple occasions and made me feel that it could loose its elasticity and require replacement.
The rubberized Compact Flash Cap and Power Boot Module increase the protection the Recon offers mobile workers and can protect it from falls of up to 4ft. Both these items are replaceable if they become damaged or worn.
The battery life of the Recon is quite impressive and mobile workers will find they can work all day and more before recharging. At normal room temperatures the Recon can operate for 15 hours.
Dealing with Data
The software included with the Recon was all that I required for work, but it is good to know that I could have installed third-party programs if needed. Any third-party programs which are designed for Microsoft Mobile 2003 Pocket PC are compatible.
Using the stylus to input data was not difficult and the Recon offers a variety of methods to input text. There is block recognition, keyboard (standard type), letter recognition, Recon keyboard (larger keys) and transcriber.
I found using keyboard and transcriber the most efficient methods of inputting text. The keyboard was handy for working on long documents and transcriber for quick notes or appointment entries. Using transcriber didn’t require learning a new way to write and even being left-handed posed no problems.
Connections & Syncing
The Recon offers mobile workers choices in the method they can use to connect to the Internet or corporate network. They require the use of Compact Flash cards. Connections can be made with the appropriate Compact Flash card for Wireless networks, Bluetooth, Dial-up Modem, Ethernet and VPN.
I was unable to test any connection types at this time due to the unavailability of a Compact Flash adapter.
Syncing the Recon with my desktop was quick and easy. The ActiveSync software poses no installation problems and mobile workers can choose which programs or files to include in the synchronization process. You can even change your selections at any time.
Booting Down
Overall I was very pleased with the Recon and found it a valuable tool for working in a mobile environment. It provided me with a convenient and secure method of working when I had just a few minutes to spare or when traveling (as a passenger).
Its ease of use and the fact I could quickly enter and retrieve data were factors that are important not just to me but other mobile workers. A mobile device that is rugged and can withstand a mobile work environment offers added value mobile workers. Individuals or companies looking for a Pocket PC that can help increase productivity and provide additional security should definitely consider the Recon.
