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Recommended Devices for Data Collection¶

KoBoCollect can run on any Android device, whether tablet or phone, as long as they run Android 2.1 (which was released on January 2010) or above. Web forms will run on any device, including Apple iOS devices and laptops. This article is about choosing the right mobile device for field data collection and applies to both Android devices and non-Android devices.

Recommending devices for field data collection is difficult due to the large number of available devices, each with different features and advantages. When choosing a device you need to weigh the importance of screen quality, durability, battery capacity, camera (consider whether you’ll need front-facing, back-facing, or both), internal storage and memory, internal sensors (GPS, movement), connectivity options (WiFi, cellular, BlueTooth, …), weight, etc.

Phones vs. Tablets¶

An important choice early on is whether to choose a phone or a tablet. Phones have the advantage of also having cellular data connectivity, which a lot of tablets don’t support. This allows synchronizing data while cell phone service is available and not depending on WiFi networks. Cell phone service is not an option in many remote field settings, of course, though this may be attractive when working in urban locations or areas with high cell phone service coverage.

In general, try to achieve a good balance between acceptable pricing and choosing devices that can be re-used in the field for multiple deployments. The same reasoning as for choosing other IT equipment should apply.

When choosing a cell phone, ensure that the chosen model supports the frequencies available in the country of deployment. Choosing phones that are unlocked and that use multiple frequencies (quad band) are ideal for this purpose.

Pricing¶

Mobile devices for field data collection do not have to be expensive and it is not necessary or recommended to choose latest-generation phones or tablets (which often range above $400 for tablets and over $600 for phones). These devices tend to be equipped with all the latest technology which means that they will not be outdated technologically for a long time. However, their high costs also makes them a bigger inventory risk for potential theft or damages.

Likewise, it is best not to choose among the lowest tier of devices from little-known manufacturers or fake brands (available for less than $100), often sold in emerging markets. These devices may present serious drawbacks in terms of their durability which can negatively impact data collection.

  • ← Collecting Data with KoBoCollect on Android
  • HIPAA Compliance →

Getting Started

  • Welcome to KoBoToolbox
  • Quick Start Overview
  • Which Server Should I Use?
  • Is My Data Safe on Your Server?
  • Didn’t Receive Activation Link After Signing Up
  • Resetting Passwords
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • KoBoToolbox Training Materials in Arabic
  • KoBoToolbox Training Materials in French

Creating Forms

  • Creating a New Form
  • Editing Forms in Excel using XLSForm
  • Importing a XLSForm via URL
  • Overview of All Formbuilder Functions
  • List of Question Types
  • Using the Question Options
  • Adding Skip Logic
  • Limiting Responses with Validation Criteria
  • Rating vs Ranking Question Types
  • Calculate Question Type
  • Advanced Calculate Question Type
  • Video Question Type
  • Question Matrix Response Type
  • Including Responses Inside Another Question
  • Limits on Number and Text Responses
  • User-Specified “Other” Responses for Multiple-Choice Questions
  • Adding Various Types of Media
  • Adding a Custom Logo
  • Adding Cascading Select Questions
  • Grouping Questions and Repeating Groups
  • Restricting Text Responses With Regular Expressions
  • Including P-Codes in the Output Data
  • Creating Unique Serial Numbers in Forms
  • Pull Data Functionality in KoBoToolbox
  • Audit Logging Meta Question Type
  • Signature Question Type
  • Adding Another Language in the Project Dashboard
  • Adding Another Language to your XLSForm
  • Form Settings and Meta Questions
  • Encrypting Forms
  • Custom Formatting in Web Forms
  • What Are Enketo Web Forms?
  • Using Alternative Enketo Web Form Styles
  • Using HXL Tags
  • Lowering the File Size of Collected Media
  • Deploying a Form to Start a New Data Collection Project
  • Using the Question Library
  • Select One or Many From External File Question Type

Collecting Data

  • Overview on Data Collection Tools
  • Recording Entire Interviews
  • Collecting Data through Web Forms
  • Collecting Data Offline
  • Collecting Data with KoBoCollect on Android
  • Recommended Devices for Data Collection
    • Phones vs. Tablets
    • Pricing
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Troubleshooting KoBoCollect Android Application
  • Troubleshooting Enketo Web Forms
  • Manually Uploading Submissions
  • Collecting GPS Locations

Managing Projects and Data

  • Project Summary
  • Record Validation
  • Deleting a Project
  • Exports Stuck in Pending State
  • Exporting and Downloading Your Data
  • Archiving and Unarchiving Projects
  • REST Services
  • Managing Permissions
  • Viewing and Creating Custom Reports
  • Mapping, Sharing, and Exporting GPS Data
  • Pulling Data Into Excel Power Query
  • Editing or Deleting a Single Submission
  • Downloading Photos and Other Media
  • Recovering Data From Previous Form Versions
  • Converting Data into SPSS and/or Stata
  • Excel Analyzer User Guide
  • Pulling Data Into PowerBI
  • Exporting and Uploading Data to GIS Software
  • Row-Level Permissions
  • Using the API
  • Data Storage

KoBoToolbox on Your Computer or Server

  • Software Architecture
  • Installing KoBoToolbox on a Local Computer
  • Installing KoBoToolbox on Your Own Servers

Questions from the community

For issues, questions, ideas, or to read anouncements on new releases, please head to our community forum

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