Mike Roberson
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« on: June 07, 2008, 08:59:08 AM » |
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Im currently doing the "shall i get a PDA/LAPTOP/TABLET to run HIP on? "
Currently I am taking notes and entering them in on my desktop. Seems like double duty to me.
Any Imput?
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #1 on: June 07, 2008, 03:19:25 PM » |
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Well, first you don't want a PDA as the program doesn't run on a PDA, the screen's too small (2.5 inch). What is you want if you want small is called a UMPC. You can see a bunch of them here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&SubCategory=628&N=2030260628&SpeTabStoreType=3 and at http://www.clearanceclub.comUMPC's are full working computers running Windows but with 5-7" screens. Quite a few of the guys are using these, especially the Samsung Q1. Don't bother with a laptop. They work fine but data entry is MUCH faster on a Tablet as that what's the program was designed for, quick tap entry. A tablet screen swivels and lays flat, or flips back up just like a laptop. Check out the HP and Fujitsu models. The Clearance Club website I mentioned above has new and refurbished models at good prices. I'll let other guys comment on what they are using! |
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Jay Markanich
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« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2008, 06:29:12 AM » |
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That's a nice link, Dom, but I would need TWO sets of glasses to do reports on any of those...
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2008, 12:03:03 PM » |
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Yup the 5" and 7" inch screens aren't for those with bad eyesight. But there's enough guys who ask about doing reports on a 2.5 inch PDA screen that it's definitely worth mentioning the 7" Q1's. They have a Dual Core model due out soon too. There's quite a few guys using the Q1 and a few using the Fujitsu model and they're happy with them. I need to get them to post some reviews on here.
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Jay Markanich
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« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2008, 12:20:18 PM » |
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I am going to Toshiba.com because there is a 20% discount if you customize your own laptop. What should I get in a customized unit? I don't care about gaming, but enough power to do my inspection stuff and internet is important. Also, XP or Vista? I assume some things come automatically with any unit, but what specifically am I wanting when I customize? Thanks, Dom...
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2008, 01:21:46 PM » |
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Hey Jay,
If you go with Vista make sure you have 2-3 gigs of ram. If you're using this for inspections I'd recommend you get a tablet, not a laptop as it's MUCH faster to perform an inspection using a tablet, plus they swivel around to laptop mode when you want. As far as all the other features, I'd get at least a dual core processor 2.0 ghz or more. 120 gig hard drive is fine if you don't do video editing, otherwise go to 250. What else do you plan on doing with the machine?
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Jay Markanich
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« Reply #6 on: June 25, 2008, 06:46:28 PM » |
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Radon tests (template) and thermal reports (program). Internet with a card for when I travel. Everyone I have heard from hates Vista - have they fixed it?
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #7 on: June 25, 2008, 07:29:25 PM » |
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Vista works great, you just need to turn off UAC (user account control). I've been using it on several machines for more than ayear. Only issue were some driver problems early on.
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Jay Markanich
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« Reply #8 on: June 26, 2008, 03:31:41 AM » |
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When the time comes you will have to show me how to turn off the UAC... thanks.
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Julian Benton
Location: Santa Rosa, Sonoma County CA
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« Reply #9 on: June 26, 2008, 03:57:19 PM » |
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How about the iPhone? It has a 3.5 in widescreen display.
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Halcyon Home Inspection http://www.halcyonhomeinspection.com"Not Knowing Can Be Stressful"Proudly performing Home Inspections in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Windsor, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and surrounding areas of Sonoma County, CA. |
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #10 on: June 26, 2008, 04:27:43 PM » |
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Screens to small. A few guys have the Fujitsu U810 - http://www.clearanceclub.com/categories/1020-Tablet which has a 5.6 inch screen and they've said you definitely don't want to go any smaller. The whole idea around our software was speed, which means seeing as many comments at once as you can. |
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David Macy
Location: Broadview Heights, Ohio
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« Reply #11 on: June 26, 2008, 05:16:09 PM » |
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I purchased a Samsung Q1 the same time I started using HIP. The one I have operates on Vista. I used to use a Toshiba Portege in the field but it is to large. The Q1 is working well for me. The 7 inch screen is perfect. When I get home I use a thumb drive to transfer report to desktop or laptop. The best way to use the Q in the field is to have as much pre defined info inserted in your template. I have a clipboard with one sheet that I use to map the house. On the other side I make notes to edit template or report when I get home. I have to adjust the brightness often as it always wants to dim to save battery life. The battery holds up for about 3 hours. I plan on having a backup battery. I also want to purchase another stylus pen as today it was in the toilet.  I am very happy with HIP and the Q. It is the way to go. I have been looking for this setup for awhile. |
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David Macy http://www.hshinspections.net/ Home Safe Home Inspections Performing Home Inspections in Parma, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton, Strongsville and surrounding areas. |
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #12 on: June 26, 2008, 06:10:03 PM » |
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Hey David, You can change it so that it doesn't dim in your control panel under performance settings. Glad you like the Q  |
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David Macy
Location: Broadview Heights, Ohio
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« Reply #13 on: June 26, 2008, 06:20:31 PM » |
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Dom
It has a few options.
For battery it is set for 5 minutes to Turn off the display
Put Q to sleep 15 minutes and it is set about half way for brightness.
What do you think about the turn off and sleep settings?
Thanks
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David Macy http://www.hshinspections.net/ Home Safe Home Inspections Performing Home Inspections in Parma, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton, Strongsville and surrounding areas. |
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #14 on: June 27, 2008, 03:28:30 AM » |
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Keep it at full brightness when you're not on an inspection and see how long it lasts (let us know).
Brightness really depends on your tastes. I always like things at full brightness.
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Doug Cossar
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« Reply #15 on: June 30, 2008, 07:36:32 AM » |
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I have been using the Fujtisu 4215 for about a year now I didn't go smaller cause I wanted a burner for photos. I print the report on site and burn the photos to a cd. works great for me and NO HOMEWORK  |
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #16 on: June 30, 2008, 02:25:08 PM » |
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No homework is always nice How many photos do you take on an average inspection? |
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Doug Cossar
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« Reply #17 on: June 30, 2008, 07:50:42 PM » |
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Well that depends on the house but anyware from 15- 40
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #18 on: June 30, 2008, 08:00:26 PM » |
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You should try inserting them within the report then. It would only take about 5 minutes with that number of photos. I've heard numerous times over how clients and agents love the reports with photos within it MUCH better and get rave reviews about it. At least try it once or twice and see how it goes. Couldn't take longer much longer than copying and burning the photos.
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Doug Cossar
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« Reply #19 on: July 01, 2008, 04:47:47 AM » |
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Yea why not- I'll give it a try.
Cheers
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