Allow scanning PDAs wherever IDs are scanned

[Nanako]

For those not aware, you can slot your ID card into your PDA, and then put your PDA into your ID slot. This allows doors to read the ID within the PDA, and open for you if you have access. Doing this frees up your belt slot for a belt, without having to put the PDA in your pocket.

The problem with this though, is that that as far as i'm aware, this is the only function of the ID which is replicated. Several other functions of an ID, such as scanning it in vending machines, laptops, consoles, and ATMs do not work. In order to use these, you have to go through the somewhat fiddly process of freeing up both hands, having the PDA in one, opening it, ejecting the ID (which goes into the other hand), scanning it, and then putting it back It's an annoyance, and i wonder why it's there.

It's never really been a big problem, but i thought i should bring it to light after seeing this: http://aurorastation.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=5514

More uses for scanning IDs means more times you'll have to go through this troublesome process

Is there any reason not to just fix it, so that all cases where an ID is used, can also be done by scanning a PDA?

It would also be more realistic. SS13 is set roughly 450 years in the future. And we already have, right now in the present day, the ability to scan your mobile phone in order to pay for things. A PDA is basically the same thing

More realism, more convenience, less annoyance to players. Why not?

[Feorn]

You can eject the ID into your hand while keeping the PDA in the ID slot.

No idea if there's a verb for it (probably is), but just right click the PDA and select the eject ID option, it'll put the ID into your selected hand if it is empty.

[Butterrobber202]

Object -> Remove id (no caps)

This will plop your ID into your active hand.

[Guest Menown]

Scanning vending machines with the PDA works now, by the way.

[Gollee]

Wouldn't this make the ID item almost entirely useless?

[Nanako]

Wouldn't this make the ID item almost entirely useless?

I'd argue it already is almost entirely useless. most of the uses for it are fiddly, annoying things that people don't do much anyway. Like accessing records computers.

People (who have legitimate access) don't use those enough, making them easier to use might increase participation

[Carver]

I'd argue it already is almost entirely useless. most of the uses for it are fiddly, annoying things that people don't do much anyway. Like accessing records computers.

People (who have legitimate access) don't use those enough, making them easier to use might increase participation

uwot. Security accesses their record computer quite often, just about before then after every arrest in fact. The Detective/Forensics/Heads/IA also quite regularly access the records. If Medical isn't regularly checking and going through records, then there's a major issue among the medical regulars concerning neglect of duty.

[Feorn]

there's a major issue among the medical regulars concerning neglect of duty.

 

Tell us something we don't know.

[Skull132]

Into command bar, type this: "remov", press spacebar, press enter. It should automatically finish it as "remove-id". If it doesn't, then add two more key presses between pressing spacebar and pressing enter.

This will eject the ID form your PDA, as long as your PDA is not contained in your ruck/satchel/whatever. The PDA doesn't even have to be on your person, it can be on the ground as well. Once you're done with your ID, just click the PDA again and voila.

[Guest]

Into command bar, type this: "remov", press spacebar, press enter. It should automatically finish it as "remove-id". If it doesn't, then add two more key presses between pressing spacebar and pressing enter.

This will eject the ID form your PDA, as long as your PDA is not contained in your ruck/satchel/whatever. The PDA doesn't even have to be on your person, it can be on the ground as well. Once you're done with your ID, just click the PDA again and voila.

 

Or set up a macro serving the same purpose. Either way, these are better solutions than completely outmoding the usefulness of an ID, and turning the PDA into the only item a crewmember will use.