Tablet decision

[Eric Coates]

I know this has been discussed a plenty...

I bought a CTL 2goPC NL3.  I have had problems.  I am on my 3rd PC and it has problems.  I am working on getting a refund now.  So, I am trying to decide where to go from here.  My experience is that I have used HIP on a Windows machine and I have played with HIP on my Android phone and on an Android tablet.  The Android version seems to be a lot of scrolling and choosing.  The Windows version allows me to go into Edit Comments mode and add a new comment when I run into something new, which seems to be every day.  Is there a way to add a new comment on the Android version?  So, to the Android users, how do you like it?  What tablet would you recommend?

Also, do you take your pictures with the Android tablet?  Is there a tablet with an optical zoom on the lens?  I heard somewhere sometime that a home inspector should not use digitally zoomed pictures because they could not be distinguished from digitally altered pictures, i.e. Photoshop-altered pictures.  Anybody know if that is true?

Dominic,
   Will the IPad version operate like the Android version, Windows version or something different?  Any expected delivery date for the IPad version?

Thanks to you all.

[Dominic Maricic]

Yes, click on the + on the Android version and it adds a new comment that can be edited at the end of the list.

There are no Android devices, tablets nor phones, in the US with an optical zoom. Digital zoom quality stinks.

The iPad version works identically to the Android version. I don't want to give any hard dates as programming is never exact!

Windows is still the best. Check out the HP Slate 2. We have had a lot more guys getting the Slate over the past year than the CTL2Go.

[William Kading]

Does anyone know when the Ipad program will be in action?

Reading the website I thought I pad program was available.

I am moving over from pc and windows to Apple products as soon as I can afford it, I pad is a start.

[Dominic Maricic]

We're close to finishing but the iPad is way down the list of good inspection devices. Since it lacks handwriting recognition (which all windows tablets have) you end up having to set it down to use the virtual keyboard. You're much better off with a Windows tablet or a Windows or Mac laptop.

[William Kading]

It is too bad that we cant use the ipad on site, write our notes on items (to keep inspection moving) and then take it back to office and sink it into the main computer (this way I can have a big screen to look at).  That may be an idea that we can sink the inspection report from tablets back to the main computer?

Will

[Dominic Maricic]

Hi Will,

That's exactly what the Android (already released) and iPad version do. The problem is that the only way to use the iPad to input information is with the virtual keyboard. How are you going to type on a 10" virtual keyboard while holding the iPad in 1 hand? You can't, you have to put it down (or 1 finger type which doesn't work efficiently!)

[William Kading]

We are heading out this afternoon to check the androids tablets. 

My dream is for HIP to develop the system where I can make a perfect inspection template,then when my client books a 2005 house I enter his name information then click on template and voila the report is done.  Now if there were any conditions I can just change those.  Currently that is what I have on my antiquated system.

HIP indicates that other inspectors did not want that set up and thats fine,  they do not have to use it.  I am going to review how to copy an inspection with the HIP guys then use it for most of my inspections.  I have also created older home inspection templates also, which I hope I can do with the HIP program also.

Thank you for everyones help.

Will

[Dominic Maricic]

Hi Will,

It was more of an issue of HIP being so easy to use versus other programs that it takes just as long to deselect items are wrong as time is saved by having things preselected. Plus with so many different types of houses it just becomes a huge ordeal to create a prefilled template for every different type home. It still is a feature we're working on just because we've had enough people ask for it.

[Eric Coates]

I will give you an update on my decision...

I bought a CTL NL3 and had problems with it.  I tried multiple computers but had problems with all three.  It is now on the way back to them for a refund.  I bought a used HP Slate 500 off of ebay and used it today for the first time.  I am VERY pleased with it.  It is much lighter and the screen is nicer and you can use your finger instead of a pen.  I would highly recommend it.  The only drawback that I see is the lack of hard drive space.  So, it will have to be a daily use and then copy everything to the office computer. 

[Thomas J Iovanne]

For what it's worth, I used a CTL2go for a month or two and found it unworkable.  Had 2 1/2 hours of battery life, tops, and maybe I'm slow, but my inspections are 3-3 1/2 hours long.  To save battery life I tried having it cycle down, and that just cost me time revving it back up.  And REALLY don't like Windows.  Sold it on eBay.  I'm currently using a paper template of my own for quick note taking, followed by report preparation back in my office.  Lots more time in the office, but between notes and the photos I take, I can recreate the inspection.  That's why I don't agree that the iPad's lack of hand writing recognition is an issue.  For new or revised comments, I just need to be able to take 'shorthand' notes to myself, saving the process of crafting intelligent inspection-specific comments for the office.  There are some great iPad holders that give a secure one-handed grip, making comment selection and quick notes-to-self easy to do.  Gonna' stick with paper and more time in the office until the iPad version comes out...

[Jeffrey Cohen]

Any body out there have any good recommendations for a tablet to use in the field. I'm looking for one to run HIP on durning the inspection. What has been working good. Thanks

[Thomas J Iovanne]

I know my comment just before yours on this thread indicated that I was going to wait for the iPad version of the software.  But... I ended up getting a Pantech Element.  It's available through AT&T, but I got mine on ebay.  It's an Android machine, but the real reason I wanted to give it a try is that it's waterproof.  I'm in the Puget Sound region where you have to assume the possibility of rain for about 9 months of the year, and I've done exteriors with the Element in a downpour and it works great.  It's an 8" screen.  I also picked up a holder that I found on Amazon that allows me to slip one hand through a strap and hold in easily.

[Dominic Maricic]

Thomas you can get any Android or iPhone and get an Otterbox case. Those make your device totally waterproof. As for the CTl2Go, did you get a used one? Their battery life has always been 6+ hours. You might have had it on high performance rather than battery saver mode though which would chew up the juice faster.

Jeffrey for a Tablet check out the HP Slate 2.

[Mark Bateman]

Would this work on any tablet that runs on either windows or android?
Like the Samsung Galaxy or a Zenithink (says it runs Android)
Just don't have the $500+ to shell out right now so looking for a less expensive alternate.  I know you get what you pay for and am planning on a better unit in the future, but to get me by for now.

[Dominic Maricic]

Yes it'll run on any full Windows device (Windows 8 RT is NOT a full Windows device) Android or Mac. Just remember that the Android version costs $199 but a Windows tablet is already included in the full HIP purchase and you can do more with Windows. Some people still want Android for smaller size devices though which is great.

[Ray Foster]

Thomas, are you still happy with your Pantech Element? What would you change to make it better? Is that an 8 inch?
I am also in the market for a good waterproof data gathering device.

[Ray Foster]

Am wondering how guys are dealing with their devices when it's raining outside and also in crawlspaces and attics. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

[Dominic Maricic]

Otterbox or Lifeproof cases will work perfect. Moisture won't matter!

[Ray Foster]

Thank you, Dominic

[Jon Smith]

How is the beta testing going with the Ipad? I just did some research and the Ipad 3 has an option where you can split the keyboard and use your thumbs to type, and speech to text