SANParks.org Forums

Hey all - I see that this subject has been covered before, albeit that it was in 2010. Yet, technology changes fast and I need advice.

I was finally convinced a year or so ago to go the Blackberry route (migrating from my loved Nokia). Now I want to get the Roberts 7 PDA eddition. Yet, I have found out that the Blackberry sortware for Roberts 7 may only be ready late in 2012. As I want to carry the PDA version with me on upcoming wilderness trials, I need advice on the following:

Do I go ahead and get another smartphone that can handle Roberts 7
Do I rather get Roberts 7 for Ipad and invest in that direction
Do I look at other PDA options, and if so, which make should I go for.

Any help will be GREATLY appreciated

I can not see into your wallet, but Ipad? They are extremely expensive compared to other tablets. Though I suppose you can find a secondhand one for a fair price, especially with version 3 of it coming out tomorrow.

If the Roberts is also available on Android you may want to have a look at for instance the Archos tablets. Way cheaper, more functionality.

Hi Etienne

The day the guys that writes the software for Roberts mobile wake up and smell the new age of technology, I will let you know.

Until then, you will have to try and get an older windows mobile phone, or PDA to load the roberts software and don't believe that it will be ready this year. In 2010 they have told me it would be ready end 2010, then in 2011 they told me middle 2011.

If you have already made up your mind regarding the software, which is very good, then I would suggest buying a second hand PDA and keeping it solely for birding purposes. I think it will work out way cheaper.

Just check out the website @ www.sabirding.co.za they will give you some ideas on which PDA's will work.

Thank you for the solid advice guys.

DotDan I like you idea of a second hand PDA dedicated to birds and given that I am looking for something light and small to use in the bush - and to carry with me for three days while walking. The Ipad will come, but only later.

Not that I can be too choosy on second hard PDA's, but do you know of any preferred brands. I have checked out the options on SABirding, but they don't highlight which are better.

Hi Etienne, I will send you a PM to where you can go and ask for advice on the PDA's if you don't get it here. I unfortunately don't have a PDA myself.

hey guys, the software roberts offers, can it run on any bb??

No Brogan - they say that it is being adapted for BB, but I was told that this will only be available late in 2012. Apparently they have been promising it for some time though.

an alternative while they get the software for roberts sorted is to just load the sasol app on your BB it is fairley basic but works well and at R200.00 a good app to carry around for those odd id's when u dont have a book with you

True Story, I went to search for the Sasol birds app on BB app world, and found it for R177.oo wish they could take it off my airtime rather than via paypal or credit card...