Trimble Nomad

The Trimble Nomad 800B / 900G

History:

The Nomad 800x series has been avaialble since around 2006, but was replaced by the Nomad 900G series in November 2010.

The Nomad line is a strictly numeric only keyboard model with 22 keys.  There is no A/N keyboard model.

TTS Use of the Trimble Nomad Line of Handheld Computers:

We started selling the Nomad 800 line in September 2008 when the recession hit.  We were looking for a cheaper alternative for customers that wanted a handheld unit but could not afford a more expensive full-keyboard model.  In the 2 1/4 years that we sold this unit, we sold only about 50 units.  Even though the customers liked the lower price, they were not happy with the key size and the lack of the full keyboard.

In January 2010, we replaced the Trimble Nomad 800 line with the Nautiz X7 handheld unit.  It still had the same style keyboard, but the keys were better spaced; and you got more features for your money.  For those still budget conscious, I would not consider buying a spare Nomad 800x or 900g model, since the Nautiz X7  (with a better screen, more features, and a 3-year warranty) is a much better deal.

After Market Value:

The Nomad 800 series came in so many configurations it is hard to tell you what these units are worth.  The basic model, the 800B, came with Bluetooth and a color screen and retailed for $1,495 for most of its life and was discounted to $1,295 when it was discontinued in November 2010.  The addition of a scanner, GPS, and WiFi in other combinations added about $250 per feature.  Anything over $750 for the basic model is too much, and no unit is worth more than $1,250 even with all of the features.

Problems and Trimble Knowledge Base:

The Trimble Nomad has had several Pocket DOS-related problems, but we have found solutions to most of them.  If you have a problem starting Pocket DOS, ie., you get a blank black screen when starting, shut down Pocket DOS by clicking the 'x' in the bottom right corner of the screen, then reboot the computer, and then try and restart  it again.  Most of the time this fixes the problem.

Customers have also said that the unit use to lock up, ie., the number keys no longer worked.  The problem was normally that the user took the numeric lock function off and the keys acted as arrow keys, as are normally found on a PC or laptop numeric keypad.  Simply press the FN key and the keys will return to their normal meaning.

The unit itself has been virtually problem free.  In 2 1/4 years, we have yet to have one repaired.

For Trimble support issues, click Knowledge Base.  For another source of information from Handheld US, click Handheld-US Knowledge Base.   Questions and answers that you are looking for that are not covered in these knowledge bases might be found in our General Questions section.