Thanks Yaw and Clint. Price point is certainly a concern, especially given the fact that these will be used for smallholder cooperatives which will require multiple devices per group. I think that Symbol is a bit expensive for these purposes, we're certainly more focused on appropriate smartphones. Netbooks could be an option, but we would need some sort of protective skins and power/charging is another concern as these villages are off the electricity grid. Given your understanding of the power consumption of netbooks, do you think it would be realistic for them to operate for 6-8 hours per day while also powering a scale / printer? Are there reasonably priced solar options which could provide a sufficient power source while the sun is shining? Thanks again for the thoughts. Cory -----Original Message----- From: Clint Tseng [mailto:cxlt@cs.washington.edu] Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 8:52 PM To: Yaw Anokwa Cc: Bush, Cory; change Subject: Re: [change] Digital scale / transaction recording device I'm not sure about the scale part, but I was down at Marination Mobile the other day and they had a really slick looking point to sale app on an iPhone that talked wirelessly to a small battery powered receipt printer; might be a better price point and form factor depending on whether you can get it unlocked, etc. —Clint On Dec 10, 2009, at 9:35 AM, Yaw Anokwa <yanokwa@gmail.com> wrote:
for ruggedized mobile devices of the kind you are describing, your best bet is http://www.trimble.com or http://www.symbol.com.
you could also try a netbook with a gsm slot paired with a usb receipt printer and a usb scale would get you 90% of the way there. the netbook could likely power both of those devices. you could likely swap the netbook for a smart phone (say android running open data kit) but phones with usb master support are hard to find...
On Thu, Dec 10, 2009 at 01:18, Bush, Cory <CBush@tns.org> wrote:
Greetings all,
I’m trying to scope a solution for coffee cooperatives here in Rwa nda that will enhance transparency into the sale of coffee at small community-level collection points, and would appreciate any thoughts / ideas / device recommendations. Basic requirements would include:
- A digital scale capable of weighing up to 30kg
- Ability to capture transaction information including: ID#, price per kilo, KG delivered, coffee grade, collector ID#, payment type (cash/ bank)
- Ability to generate a paper receipt
- Ability to transmit transaction information in real-time if mobile data network available or store-and-forward batches if data network unavailable
- Ability to generate daily/weekly/monthly reconciliation or summary reports
- Ideally the scale, transaction device, and printer would be integrated, but not necessary
- Device(s) should have low power requirements, and be able to function for a full day between charges or be powerable via standard batteries.
- Device(s) should be rugged enough for use in rural settings
Thanks in advance for any insight,
Cory
Cory Bush RW Mobile: +250-788-309287
RW Office: +250-252-580414 Skype: corycbush
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