what do your maintenance guys use for information? i mean when they're out in the hangar, climbing up on your aircraft, i know that if they need something, they're not gonna climb down, walk back to a computer, get the info, then go back out, so i imagine they have something on the order of a tablet that they carry up on the aircraft with them. what do they use, and are they generally happy with it?
i ask, 'cause i'm getting tired of having to walk back n forth constantly here at the shop, when i need diagnostic info. it'd be nice to have something i could take to the car with me, but a laptop is a little too bulky.
I'm not eagl, but I am almost an A&P (got the P half done, working on the A). I know that if you don't have some approved documentation with you when working on a plane, and the FAA inspector happens to come by, you're in some kind of doo-doo. The airlines all have their own system which basically involves some kind of job cards with very, very detailed instructions that are printed off for each job then filed after they are signed by the technician and inspector. Or if it's some kind of structural repair that is not in the structural repair manual, they have to call the manufacturer and get them to make up an approved repair plan for them (which isn't cheap)
In GA stuff most FBOs have software that has all the manuals for every certified airframe and engine out there, and they will just print off the applicable pages/checklists for the repair or maintenance or inspection they are doing and take it with them. In the case there is nothing in the manual then they can use other approved data like FAR part 43 or AC 43-13-1b. Or there is the mythical FAA field approval, which I don't believe ever happen anymore.
I have put some textbooks and study aids in PDF format on my Kindle which is pretty handy.
Back on topic, I think that $99 Kindle touch looks pretty sweet, but I'll have to be content with the one I got. I'm not about to get caught up in the latest and greatest craze, that a good way to waste money methinks. I was just shocked since I had heard absolutly nothing about a new Kindle coming, and then one day, BAM... here's not one but 4 new Kindle products with no warning or hints that I know of.
Also I wonder if that $199 tablet will compete with the Apple and Android tablets. They sure have a competitive price point. I guess the quality of the product remains to be seen though.