Hardware choices

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1

Originally Posted By: rfoster1
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New member, first post.


Am looking to digitize my on site reporting system. The first thing I need to determine is what kind of hardware works best in the field. I will want to present a bound report book on site (as I do now), or present a hard copy of Summary only (with report to follow via email or upload to website), or…? This is what I’m thinking about hardware:


Notebook: Powerful, reasonably priced, keyboard entry, print directly, awkward to carry around, really heavy.


Convertible: All the characteristics of Notebook and Tablet PC. Durability?


Tablet PC: Full page view, easy to navigate, easy to print on (large printing area), print directly, heavy (approx. 3 lbs.), really expensive.


PDA: Small, light, easy to carry around, relatively inexpensive, print directly, small screen, difficult to navigate, easy to lose track of where you are at, difficult to print on (small print area).


What has been your experience with various hardware configurations and printing/emailing models? Brands, models, print on site or email, handling photos, etc. Am open to all comments and discussions.
This is a great website! Thank you.

2

Originally Posted By: rfoster1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


No replies? I guess I am expected to read all the other posts. That’s fair. I have. I still have the same questions. Rather than wait two more weeks for no replies, I am moving forward with a Motion Tablet.

3

Originally Posted By: mboyett
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Ray,


You did get 19 responses to your poll so that’s not so bad. You can even extrapolate some information from it too. I started, last year, using a paper form then transferring the information to a laptop at the end of the inspection then printing on-site. I found this to be very difficult, taking 45 minutes to an hour to get all the digital photos input, the wording just right and also input and then getting the report printed out. Two things, one the Realtor & client usually got antsy while waiting and two, the mental pressure on me to get everything right in a very short period of time was frustrating. I decided to move away from on-site reports and provide ‘same-day’ reports now. I e-mail/fax the report before the end of the day then deliver or FedEx a binder with the hardcopy report, summary, invoice, service agreement, etc the next day. I have not noticed any issues or complaints with that method and it gives me as much time as needed to get the report right the 1st time. I’ll still offer on-site reporting but will probably charge $20 or so extra for the hassle.


I cannot see myself using a PDA, laptop or tablet PC while actually doing the inspection. I just don’t think it would work for me. I’ll stick with paper/pencil then transcribe it.

–
Mike Boyett


Capital City Inspections


Austin, Tx


www.capcityinspections.com

4

Originally Posted By: rfoster1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Michael,


Thanks for the input. I could certainly use the time away from the site to coordinate my thoughts, no question. I started using a hybrid checklist/narrative type report from the beginning and so like not having to deal with any work related issues once I’ve left the job, I just want to continue to make it work. Photos, I think will be the time consuming part. I am imagining including only those that have some useful meaning, in part, to keep the extra work to a minimum. Same-Day reports are valid, for sure. I may end up there. For now, I’m going to give it a try and see if I can make it work.


Good business to you, Michael.

5

Originally Posted By: mboyett
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Ray,


Regarding the photos, yes, I do the same thing, only include those that have some relevance to the report. I end up usually with about 12-15 in the body of the report. I also usually take 50-60 photos during the course of the inspection, but again only 12 or so of those get used. I format all of the photos to fit a typical monitor (760x800?) and burn those to a CD that include with the binder that I send the client. I even put a CD label on the CD with a photo & address of the home. A lot of my clients are out of town and appreciate having all of the photos to remind them of various things, how big a window or wall is, what the back patio looks like, etc. All in all, I probably spend an extra 15 minutes or so on pictures & the CD that I could eliminate if need be.

–
Mike Boyett


Capital City Inspections


Austin, Tx


www.capcityinspections.com