PDF'S and other files in backcountry

[subman]

Hey everyone, this is my first thread i am not sure if it is done rite but here goes. I have read so many great ideas on this site especially some of the instructions on different subjects. I am printing out as many as i can but incase i dont have the hard copies or they are lost or damaged I was thinking about a Iphone to download all the multipage threads i may need to recall one day in the backcountry even first aid instructions and such. I have a Solio charger to run the Iphone but I am not real tech savy. any ideas on how to carry all the PDF files and other downloads with us. Thanks in advance everyone!!

[Rednekdaddy]

You can save them on one of those small external drives I think they are called Zip drives!

[HileTroy]

Good thread. Reminds me that this is an area that I need to shore up. One could print out tons of documents on various subjects, but that is just more stuff to carry and store. But if one can have a device, be it an iphone, or an ipaq type device that has all those docs stored on it in digital form and you can charge the device via a solar charger then that may be a good option. small lightweight device with tons of searchable info. Thanks Sub for reminding me of this option. I will look at finding my old ipaq tomorrow and seeing what I can do.

[avking]

You may want to consider how fragile these devices are. They often do not survive a simple drop from a desk onto the floor. Not exactly rugged. And reading the small screens in a tense situation is not going to be easy. If you have to rely on tech, look into a ruggedized tablet. But better yet, create your own Cliff Notes versions of what you think you will need, then print and laminate them.

[prkchp76]

they make well constructed construction grade zip drives as well as construction grade laptops

[avking]

A laptop is probably a bit big and heavy for the application. But, a small tablet would work. Several manufacturers make them to milspec and can take a good beating. Make sure to get the solid state hard drive, or you will regret it.

I have a Dell Rugged Notebook. Same unit they are using over in the sand box. Works very well, but way to large and heavy for a BOB. I use it primarily in my garage for working on the vehicles and take it offroad with all the service manuals on it. I also use it at the range for my range logs and bailistics and trajectory information. Touchscreen, waterproof keyboard and can take a big hit or fall. But, they are not cheap.

[subman]

Good points Avking about the fragile nature of these types of devices. I have so many files from the manuals for my firearms to first aid procedures and all types of survival secrets like wild foods to find in the woods. Maybe a padded case would help. If you were in a tense situation and had a problem reading some of the small screens that would be a problem but the device has to be solar rechargable and that limits you to a small device. great ideas everyone lets hear of some more ways to carry our info with us!!!

[avking]

Good points Avking about the fragile nature of these types of devices. I have so many files from the manuals for my firearms to first aid procedures and all types of survival secrets like wild foods to find in the woods. Maybe a padded case would help. If you were in a tense situation and had a problem reading some of the small screens that would be a problem but the device has to be solar rechargable and that limits you to a small device. great ideas everyone lets hear of some more ways to carry our info with us!!!

My Brunton Solaris 26 can run my laptop and charge it's battery at the same time. It would have no problem doing the same with a small tablet. The Brunton can be daisy chained and coupled with the external battery as well. I chain three Solaris 26 units and it generates enough power to run my 12v Engel cooler and charge the Sola15 battery pack that runs the 12v cooler overnight.

[hubste5]

SD memory cards are small, cheap, and available up to 32 gb, (probably more), but 4gb or so would hold all of the docs you could need. I have thought of this many times, and though I am not convinced of the actual device I might want, I think that archiving the docs on SD card(s) is a good start. Many different devices can access these cards, as they are the industry standard. I like the idea of hard copies/laminating, but also having the docs archived on the SD would be a good choice for a backup, and for the docs that are not so mission critical.

[hubste5]

... more

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_N800

This device will read (display) pdfs and accept SD cards, as well as wifi. I have not used one, just got intrigued by the thought of a sustainable catalogue of ebook type files. Now there are too many reasons NOT to use one of these ITSHTF, such as available power, spare batteries, general ruggedness, spare parts, etc. But the thought still intrigues me. It might be better to have it and not need it ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Reader

This is a Sony version... reader only.

[subman]

Great ideas everyone i will put together some photos of my kit when its done. next week or so and post them along with charger and pouch to keep all the accesories in. We have a lot of info and instructions to carry with us to much to remember especially in a stressfull time. thanks all!!

[revisualize]

Have you looked at netbooks or mini's? Wikipedia Netbook (I can't post URLs yet.)
If you have the extra $$ there is also the OQO. These will be more powerful that the devices that are specifically just readers and give you more options.
Also an iPod Touch could be an option as well. It will give you access to lots of things additionally the internet when you are at a free wifi spot. I use my iPod to hold videos and podcasts mostly. You could hold several videos of things that you find online that you can play on the iPod. You may need something bigger than the 64GB of storage that is available. That is where I'm thinking a netbook may come in handy.

Just some options. You really want to look at things that give you more options that just one simple function. Example: Kindle vs Netbook .. Kindle doesn't have color nor can it play video. Nor can you do a lot of other things with it. Yet, for almost the same amount of $ you have more functionality with the Netbook.

[cwi555]

Need hard copy. Every single electronic device is subject to failure. No matter how well built.

[cbprice797]

get a Walkabout tablet. The two models are the same inside with minor differences to the casing. THe leat expensive one has aircraft aluminum case and is dust proof and water resistant. The more expensive version is made of magnesium I believe, firestarter anyone?, and is dust proff and can actually be SUBMERGED in water with out damageing the elecctronics.

THese things are like a Timex used to be... They take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

Also these little babies can be recharged with one of the small solar chargers as well.

[cwi555]

get a Walkabout tablet. The two models are the same inside with minor differences to the casing. THe leat expensive one has aircraft aluminum case and is dust proof and water resistant. The more expensive version is made of magnesium I believe, firestarter anyone?, and is dust proff and can actually be SUBMERGED in water with out damageing the elecctronics.

THese things are like a Timex used to be... They take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

Also these little babies can be recharged with one of the small solar chargers as well.

All of which will die in one solar flare/emf burst