Handicapping with Handheld PDA

[nucsub]

I am considering a future revision of my programs that would feature the Handheld PDA's?

I have a laptop, but I don't like bringing it to the track.
I just started investigating the limitations associated with the "palm" pilots. My first concern is the limitations associated with the screen resolution. However, I was considering at a minimum, let the desktop perform the analysis and then download all the report templates to the PDA.

Anyway, your thoughts would be appreciated!

www.beatthepublic.com
www.jzambuto.com

[ranchwest]

It would be interesting if you could somehow build in some scratch adjustments.

[KyRacer]

I'm surprised that there hasn't been more handicapping programs available for the PDA's. Besides a handicapping program, having trainer, jockey, pedigree and bias stats available for look up might be of use to pencil and paper cappers. One of the data suppliers should look into suppling this type of download. Also having a program to recorded your bets for later upload to a program like "Better Keep Track" would be useful.

A program that had a power rating and betting line would fit well on the small screen. Lugging a lap top with limited battery life and being tied to a plug to the track never really appealled to me, but a small device might be attractive. I prefer the Windows CE to the palms. HP makes a handheld (HP Jornada) that has a wider screen and a nice keyboard that I think would be perfect for the handicapper on the go. The Jornada has a version of MS Access on it and can run a dos emulator to take some older programs to the track. Tie everything to hot keys to pull up information. Someone is going to do it, might as well be you. This is the HP link:


http://www.hp-expo.com/uk/eng/products/jornada/f4356a.html

http://hpshopping.speedera.net/www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/images/products/f4356a_150.gif


KyRacer

[Dave Schwartz]

The reason that there is no hcp software for these machines is the same as why there is none for the Mac... It means a separate program (in a separate language) for a small market share.

In the case of some programs, it would mean a different program, with less features because of the limitations of the environment.

Start a poll. Ask how many on this board would be willing to buy a second copy (at full retail) of their favorite software to run on a PDA. (Or, in the case of "free" software, how many would be willing to pay double for the downloads in order to have it on a second "kind" of machine?)

I think you will find that the typical user would "think it should be free."

Regards,
Dave Schwartz

[ranchwest]

I do think there have been some good ideas already in this thread.

Handhelds can accept Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, so it would be nice if a Windows (or DOS) program could output to a file that would be formatted for the smaller screen. That's not very much to ask.

Being able to record wagers for upload to the home computer is a good idea, too.

[nucsub]

Thanks everyone for your comments!
KyRacer:
thanks for recommending a specific hand held. I will look into the different types and I also understand the Windows CE is a better choice over the PALM.

What I am looking for is the development software so that I can perform some conversion of my programs and tailor them to the new hand held environment.

I dont know why there would be a need for any additional downloads - just a conversion package?

Anyway, I think this has a lot of potential.


www.beatthepublic.com
www.jzambuto.com
j.zambuto@verizon.net

[Lefty]

A friend showed me his handheld (Toshiba I think) yest. at the racebook and he had downloaded some ATM picks or something like that into it. I think the idea of letting desktop do the work but getting the reports into the handheld is great idea. I think the scratch routine would be good too but if not possible, a handheld holding reports from prgm would be great and wouldn't have to lug my 7lb laptop to racebook.

[nucsub]

I have already obtained the development environment to create programs for the windows CE pocket PC 2000 platforms.

I think the windows based systems would be the most compatible (at least for my programs).

I looked at that HP Jornada 728...great hand-held, The screen resolution would be great but for ~$900 I think its too much for what I would want to spend.

I am going out this afternoon and look around for a PDA handheld. I think ~$300-400 is what I am thinking. Bottom line would be the operating system compatibility at least for what I will be developing.

I'll keep you updated as I progress....


www.jzambuto.com
www.beatthepublic.com
j.zambuto@verizon.net

[Tom]

Originally posted by Dave Schwartz

.....I think you will find that the typical user would "think it should be free."

Regards,
Dave Schwartz

Of course it should be free! the FIRST copy of the software should be free, too. After all, we're all friends here. <G>

I still use my Sharp handheld, loaded with Energy, my version of TPR using Beyers, and a program to do APV. Carry it with me on the road. Never know when you might pass by a track. I would be interested in using a PDS or other hand-held with more power.

[socalsportsbook]

NUSCUB

This is a great sounding idea but it just is not feasable. I did some consulting for a major client who was looking at the idea and the conclusion was the market--today--is tiny and I do mean tiny.

A lot of major people are looking at the idea including the tote suppliers. I believe there is an outfit in Fla. who has developed something.

Reality is that most horse players are not computer people. This board and others like it are the exception. The "new fan" will be computer literate and they would be your market. The so-called "new fan" has yet to emerge.

What should happen is you should be given a PDA by the track. No program. A PDA with all the handicapping info and the ability to actually place your bets with the machine. Try getting that one past the tellers union.

Good Luck and keep thinking. Don't let people like me tell you it can't be done. If I knew anything I wouldn't be sitting here waiting for the first race at Tampa Bay and reading other peples new ideas.

[rrbauer]

To run older MS-DOS programs under Windows CE you can use the emulator described here:

http://www.pocketdos.com/

I believe the full version is $40.

For DOS emulators that will run on other platforms (Mac, Linux, etc.) check this one out.

http://dmoz.org/Computers/Emulators/Intel_x86_Architecture/

You should check out the HP Jornada 680 or 690 models as less expensive solutions than the 720.

I used to run my MS-DOS programs w/full screen graphics successfully on the older HP 200LX. It did get tricky with some programs because of memory limitations when program A would spawn program B....wasn't enough room in memory for both of them.

All of this has become pretty much of a non-issue now that I watch and play from home. When I do go to the track, I take a laptop with me, but its 3-hr battery life gets me through the day by using the "resume" feature to turn it off when I'm not using it.

I agree with David S. regarding the hassle of keeping source code current with Op System platforms given the limited market for horseracing related products....not to mention support issues that arise when numerous different versions are part of the installed base.

[bobbyb]

I am presently using a Cassio 115E with the following tools:
Dosage Calc (which provides me with a Speed and Stamina value (excellent); Will Pay Tool; Ml or your odds line with Scr. option for re-distribution of odds/percent prob'(that takes care of late scratches, and recal's my odds line - user adjusts takeout info; Hedge Tool - variable percent option (excellent); Dutch Tool; Pick 6 calculator; Excel spreadsheet for BP/BT/BL/BC/Exotics/ My Edge Percentage Factor (+-3) (NOT ROI) for on the spot entry. I say not ROI because I'm only interested in my edge percentage using variance.

The tools I mentioned above are fully functional, problem free, on this specific Pc - but remember your input - garbage in/garbage out. Battery & Power excellent - file transfer/active sync smoothly. These simple tools have made my life a whole lot easier.
Pocket Pc cost - check out e-bay (Cassiopeia E-115 (only) My cost was $340. incl tools above.

Additional information Del Mar site - under Wagering Tools -
(Thank You to Miles M for making my purchase of the Pocket PC & wagering decisions so simple!)
more info? e me
batmanbobby

[ranchwest]

At LS you can rent a hand-held wagering device and place wagers at your carrel or whereever. I haven't tried it, but I think that's all it does, place wagers.

[nucsub]

Everyone: Thanks for your comments thus far!!

I consider myself a part of the "NEW" Fan, although I know what you mean. Years ago as a kid, I use to go to aqueduct with my father and watch a lot of guys (they looked like old, burnt out bums) with their last $2.00 looking for a big score. That's the image my wife still has of "us" handicappers.

The market is very, very tiny. If it wasn't for the passion for the sport (and action), I would be building cookbook programs, or day planners, or what ever would be more attractive to the larger audience. But, here we are....

The idea of the track offering the "PDA" to handicappers is a great idea. But the potential better would probably be listening to MP3 songs, or doing something else with this new toy and forget to make a bet....

Yes, the market is small but that's ok. All that I have done was first for my own track advantage. The hand-held at least for right now seems like a good way (for me) to compromise between a clumsy, expensive laptop and paper reports.

Betting from the computer...well that is the best way to go. But the social need for the track (or simlcast) and the fact that I spend too much time in front of a computer now...

Anyway, to those of us using desktop computers, laptops, and soon to be (for me) pocket computers...think about it...we are the pioneers, the 1st generation of the new market. I wonder if they handicapped on the spaceship "enterprise".


forgive me for the humor...

j.zambuto@verizon.net
www.jzambuto.com
www.beatthepublic.com

[NormanTD]

DELL is now offering a couple of handhelds ranging in price from $150 ($200 with a rebate) up to about $300 ($350 with a rebate). Probably Dell.com has more data.

I've heard and read that these are two of the best PDA's on the market today. I'm even looking into the $150 for other activities.

[GameTheory]

I think Palm-type PDA's are on the way out. Organizer, calendar functions, etc. will all be taken over by the new breed of cell-phone. So you'd definitely want to target the PocketPC type device that has a full keyboard and decent screen.

[rrbauer]

RanchWest

You're probably referring to the Autotote "Tiny Tim" terminal. I've seen them at several venues. They are convenient for betting but unless you make arrangements to get reports printed for you there is no hard copy record of your wagers. The other hassle is with getting an account set up and funds credited to it before you can use it. If I'm at the track and I don't have a few tickets in my pocket, I feel naked!

[nucsub]

Well, I bought a Pocket PC - Toshiba e335. I have the development software and I am in the process of developing basic database/report viewing.

I will be providing updates on my progress here and at my website for those that are interested. Thanks for all the comments/recommendations.

www.jzambuto.com
www.beatthepublic.com
j.zambuto@verizon.net

[GR1@HTR]

Nucsub,

Good luck w/ the venture...For those interested in the micro laptop, check out the old school Liberetto on ebay made by toshiba or the newer sony picturebook. The picturebook is as powerful as modern type laptops and is about 1/2 the size. Or if you want to go to the other extreme, check out the 17 inch laptop made by Apple. Mini Me seems to prefer it over the traditional sized box.

[Larry Hamilton]

will Access run on a mac laptop?

[JustRalph]

I can say that as of Late 2001, there was no Access for the mac.

Microsoft released a product called "Office 2001 for Mac" and they left access out. It appears that it is still left out. See this link for the latest.

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/officex/default.asp?navindex=s16

All of the other office programs are in the 2001 product, but Access is no-where to be found. Looks like its still a no go based on the link above.

[LOU M.]

Could the TLC report be put on a hand- held possibly with a scratch option to recalculate?

[GR1@HTR]

Kinda...If you can use word or notepad on a PDA you can create a .txt file or word file when using the "print to file". Then email it you yourself on the PDA.

[nucsub]

I have completed some development on the "Pocket PC".

Checkout the webpage at

www.beatthepublic.com
www.jzambuto.com

[nucsub]

Well,
I finished the first release of my Pocket PC software. Essentially,
I have created additional databases that are created when the desktop databases are created/modified.

Also, the program generates HTML formated reports, so that the Pocket PC Internet Explorer can read them. This is much better than a text file since you can retain the fonts, unlines, etc. I have found that changes in color, underline, etc are important to help with the human factors of the small viewing window. I have been using at the track and its not too bad. It beats waiting for the printer to printout the reports. No more paper and ink issues.

Anyway, I have put some screen dumps on my website for those who are interested.



www.BeatThePublic.com
www.Jzambuto.com
J.Zambuto@verizon.net

[JustRalph]

Originally posted by NormanTD
I've heard and read that these are two of the best PDA's on the market today. I'm even looking into the $150 for other activities.

I got to play with the Dell when it was in development, very nice!

What other activities could there be?