Jim Kelly wrote:
Marc makes good points, to which I would add:
1. Remember that it helps to not change your focal length such
that the outside view is out of focus. Folks over 45yrs or so
will apparently have difficulty in this regard.

For a lot of pilots, that puts the PDA quite far away. I don't need
glasses for distance, but I do need reading glasses. "Sunreader"
sunglasses combine nonprescription sunglasses with bifocal areas low on
the glasses; additionally, the bifocal area has very little tinting.
This arrangement is perfect for PDA use in a glider. Cheap, too, at $25.

Pilots needing prescription sunglasses could get them with the bifocal
area, preferably with very little tinting. More than $25, of course!

In any case, definitely look at the PDA you are considering, and do it
in the sunlight. Their screens differ markedly in visibility, and some
of the older ones are better than the newer ones. I use a 3835, which is
noticeably better than the newer 2210 I first purchased.

2. You need to be able to use your pointer finger easily, and
sometimes to eject the stylus.

I suppose this varies with the software you use, as my finger works fine
in flight using SeeYou Mobile. On the ground, for entering tasks and
other fiddly things not needed in flight, I do use the stylus.

--
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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA