Device size and keyboards are other obvious form factor considerations that deserve extra attention. While everyone seems to want the smallest, lightest and most compact device possible, there are times when these characteristics present application impediments. Form factor issues may appear simple but they re not always obvious. If you re going to make a wireless device an integral part of someone s job be sure you look at the choices and options from their perspective. Batteries Everyone knows wireless devices can t run without them but odds are you haven t given batteries more than a passing thought in your device selection process.
Devices offer a variety of application lives based on their batteries.
For example, wireless PDAs may get a few weeks worth of use, cell phones a few days and two-way data devices somewhere in between. How these average battery lives complement your application is something to evaluate but what happens when batteries die is the more pertinent question. Field service representatives can t afford to have an application quit on them during the course of their day. But it s a tolerable risk if popping two new alkalines puts them back in business. Rechargeable batteries offer similar survival benefits - as long as they retain their charge until required for duty.