Most here use some form of software that has a mobile version, but many prefer to write their report back at the office rather than on location. Personally, I do a little of both. I use a tablet most of the time and carry a small notebook and pen to hand write notes for myself, then finish everything back at the office on the desktop. The tablet I use is a Samsung Galaxy Tab A, and it works for me. The pens I carry have a stylus on the end and they come in handy when my fingers are dirty or wet.
I tried the talk to text thing myself when I first got the tablet and my “stupid” phone, and like others, spent more time proof reading and fixing… I can hand write a short hand note and type it on a reg keyboard much faster. But that is me… LOL. I have an old friend that has a painting company. Last spring we met up to go fishing, and he sounded like a robot when he talked. When I brought it up, he said that was how he had to talk to his phone to have conversations via text message, and it turned into a habit for him. LOL. I just told him to stop texting and get a blue tooth for his phone so he can just talk to people w/o touching his phone and getting paint on it. His response was “What’s a blue tooth?” He seriously had no idea. Too many years of huffin paint fumes I guess… LOL.
Ron’s Q: “Anyone have any suggestions on a good, fast, & simple to use I-pad/tablet to purchase?”
And someone else mentioned to be sure the software works on your device. True that.
You may not want to hear this, but you asked: I would not use a tablet. They are awkward on ladders, in attics, crawlspaces, etc., and get broken too easily. I recommend using Spectora software, T-Mobile network, and a Ulefone Power Armor 18T - UNLOCKED. with a case and belt clip. To “hold” the phone: I use the belt clip when NOT inspecting, and use one of the snug pouches in my electricians tool belt bag when I am inspecting. The whole thing works great!
For those of you who are not familiar with the Ulefone Armor “T” phones…* I recommend looking them up. BEFORE you spend thousands of dollars on a IR camera. Compare the specs on the FLIR camera built into the Ulefone to what FLIR is selling you when you go to IR training. With Ulefone you have only one device, one charger, no WiFi needed because the phone IS the IR camera. And you always have your IR camera on you! You can’t beat it. No, I don’t own stock in Ulefone, but I should. I’ve been using them since the 11T. Never broke one. Always just bought the newer version on eBay** when it came out, for the better IR and regular cameras. The old ones are still working. I use them as a back-up inspection device (using WiFi at the office… they are not connected to a network) and for training devices for new inspectors. Because new inspectors usually come with nothing, not even a clue.
Be sure to know: 19T is cheaper than 18T because the 19T is only 4G. The 18T is 5G.
** They are a Chinese company but have roots in Great Britain. Ugg, I know, but tell me which laptop, tablet or phone is NOT built in China. Also, it does not matter where you purchase a Ulefone device: Ulefone direct, eBay, Amazon, etc. just shop for price, because once you get to the “shopping basket” they all say the same delivery date and shipping… from the same place in China.
Battery life is one day of inspections, three days of no inspection. Depending on the number of photos and videos. It’s in a holder/charger while in my truck, and in another holder / charger while at my desk. Battery is never a problem. We use Spectora. It took us a while to fine tune the residential template, but now we can do, review, and publish a simple inspection at the site. Took almost a year to get to that point.
Too many years of huffin paint fumes I guess… LOL.