Design Engineers: What Smartphone do you use?

Don't rule out the N900 either, I have one and it is very versatile as it runs on Maemo Linux operating system so it's more a mobile computer more than a phone, and the web browsing is second to none.

Applications are coming in thick and fast, and being Linux is totally open source for all you programmers out there!

The N900 has a great screen too.

Update 4/23/2010:

Android:  2 users

iPhone:   1 user

WebOS: 1 user  (My phone)

WinMo:  1 user

Other:    1 users

I use a lot of web apps for development, but detaching from the workstation is nice. But really, aren't our phones becoming workstations? I found, which working in a lab, I had my phone out looking up particular information on the project, while having a capacitor lookup app running as well.

The Sprint Evo 4G has a kickstand for propping up in landscape mode, which would be great in using all those engineering apps. Wouldn't it be great if it would run an oscilloscope program too?

Cabe

iPhone O-Scope app: http://www.faberacoustical.com/products/iphone/

I've recently switched from a Palm Pre to an HTC Evo 4G.

I thought I would find better engineering apps on Android. I was mistaken.

Cabe

Hi Cabe, what kind of features would you look for in your ideal mobile engineering app?

Matt.

Matt,

Late in reply, but ideally I would like to see a suite of apps. Most I have toyed with were simple calculators, lookup tables, charts. Although useful, just not enough for me to use everyday. What I would like to see is an app that works similar to LTSpice or Multisim. I want this app to reference a large database of real world parts, not just ideal models of the basic components.

I assume those companies will make an effort to port their software over to the mobile market. I hope soon too, I have an Android Tablet on the way.

Why do you ask, by the way?

Cabe

Cabe Atwell wrote:

 

Why do you ask, by the way?

I'm the developer of the e14 mobile app so it's useful to know what features everyone is looking for & what to prioritise for future versions.

Mcollinge,

The E14 needs the following:

1. The ability to read all of the replies on posts. Right now I can only read the main post.

2. The ability to post/reply in the app. With video/audio is need be.

3. An option to follow certian members of the site. IE: Cabe, Ben Heck, etc. Only see posts by them, in other words.

4. Video streaming.

5. Engineering knowledge database.

You might want to post this as a separate question. Since this is only about what cell phone people are using.

Cabe

Mcollinge,

The E14 needs the following:

1. The ability to read all of the replies on posts. Right now I can only read the main post.

2. The ability to post/reply in the app. With video/audio is need be.

3. An option to follow certian members of the site. IE: Cabe, Ben Heck, etc. Only see posts by them, in other words.

4. Video streaming.

5. Engineering knowledge database.

You might want to post this as a separate question. Since this is only about what cell phone people are using.

Cabe

Hi Cabe,

I'm working with Matt on the mobile apps now, so I thought I'd revive the conversation.

There is now the ability to view the whole discussion post thread and reply so I think that takes care of #1 and #2.

I think #3 is an interesting idea and will think about how that could be implemented.

For #4, I believe there are technical issues with being able to play the element14 hosted video on mobiles, but I'll have to followup with Matt.

Could you elaborate as to what type of information would be helpful to be accessible in an "engineering knowledge database" (#5)?

Thanks,

Drew

Drew,

I have actually explained #5 to your associated on numerous occasions, you could ask them for any of the material or notes I gave them.

It is a lookup of all things engineering. I said this in a letter to them, "It is like the entire engineering pocket handbook available through the app."

Like Wikipedia, new content is added all the time.

Cabe

Ok thanks, I'll ask.

John,

I had a Samsung Galaxy s2 for Sprint for a little while, and it really is a great phone. However, I had issues with the GPS and email app, so I returned it. I think the $500 dollar price tag (bought off contract) was the main reason for the return.

I think the Sammy GS2 is a the perfect platform for development and usage in a lab environment, very stable. My other Android phones would open apps slow, operate on a hit or miss basis, and overall unreliable for engineering.

Here is a list of engineering apps for cell phones.

The coolest add on for Android phones, the Oscilloscope.

Cabe

Exciting!  I can't wait to be a full-time Android user.  I've been running a port on my N900 but too many peripherals don't work for me to be able to be booted into for more than just when testing apps.

I have never found a use for tablet or cell phone in engineering. Don't get me wrong, I am trying as hard as I can to make it work.

Whichever mobile OS is able to run a full featured CAD program, like SolidWorks, will take over as a workhorse. Too many casual users could not care less for such software, which makes the companies stay casual.

Some day...

E

My main interest right now lies in being able to browse the web and read PDFs effectively while not sitting at a computer.  I don't see mobile or tablet truly replacing a laptop/desktop yet.  Having played with a couple 10" honeycomb tablets, I liked how much more easier it was to really access and interact with websites than I'd experienced on smartphones I've used.

I think it will be awhile before "real" software like you describe, which has a high-level of technical functionality, will be available.  Or maybe such functionality will eventually come to mobiles & tablets via web-based apps.  For example, Upverter looks promising for some EDA tasks.

Cheers,

Drew