Windows Tablets For Fieldwork

[Randall Garrett]

"For your reading pleasure...", but more importantly, for your consideration. That is, wait to read more reviews using benchmarks that matter to you, not just synthetic benchmarks deemed to be essential for bloggers, etc. As you know, your many years I have been recommending that fieldworkers should lean toward fan-less designs for what should be obvious reasons (basically, eliminating dust & debris from getting inside the miniscule air vents in tablets with fans, etc.) In years past, that generally meant that these Windows Tablets would be less performant than those with faster CPSs, etc. (which needed cooling, throttling or both.) Thios was especially important for those who (unrealistically IMHO) insisted that they expected near-desktop device performance. Of course, the main reasons were because legacy appraisal software suites were very bloated, inefficient, etc., and that some users wanted to pare down to one main machine - i.e. carry their main system with them in the field. I understand all of that - I have my own (non-appraiser) version of those desires myself, LOL. Anyway, I sincerely believe that these new devices deserve a serious look, whether it is a tablet or a laptop. I will be...

Article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/tech...S&cvid=4c0bd945270a453188549136605d3a1e&ei=51

(Also - keep in mind that there are already versions announced that don't necessarily have the "AI" stuff built-in. Regardless, I still like the more powerful CPU variant.)

Hope this helps!


+Randall Garrett+
Madeira, Portugal

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[OSU Beavers]

I have a gut feeling that the new mobile UAD flexible forms will be tailored for iPad.

 

[Randall Garrett]

I have a gut feeling that the new mobile UAD flexible forms will be tailored for iPad.

Maybe (probably?) but that would limit their adoption, albeit by perhaps a small percentage IMHO.

Limiting the product to iPads only is not the best for the end user. There is no technical reason why they should be for iPad only - it would likely be done mainly out of convenience/financial reasons by lazy (IMHO) developers and for (dubious?) financial expediency since a "web capable" app that runs in one of many popular browsers in arguably & demonstrably (again IMHO) more robust. (Note, I did not say "web dependent!)"

----- /begin rant/ -----

Note that I am no longer in control of Apex products and thus have no real ability to influence things, but FWIW about a year or so before my departure, I put Apex on the path of such software. It was a "skunkworks" move that took a while to get buy-in by reluctant developers & the "bean counter" types, so I have some experience with the "lazy/greedy" monikers used above .)

I am, however, super happy and proud of Brian & Wayne who persevered and developed their improved version of my earlier visions and had the gumption to develop & demonstrate a "Proof of Concept" on their own time! They still had to circumnavigate a few "legacy" programmers and push management curmudgeons not only internally, but also among the eventual purchasers of my company to recognize the obvious benefits (again IMHO)... I believe there is still some resistance by some individuals who are dependent of their old, crappy (IMHO) applications, but FWIW, if I were still running the company any paying for everything, Wayne & Brian would be out front and reaping the rewards of their efforts!

----- /end rant/ -----

Anyway, we'll see about the developers of the "new mobile UAD flexible forms" react - in THEIR best interest or YOURS...
My bet is to look at their past efforts I hope I am wrong...


+Randall Garrett+
Still at sea, approaching NYC
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[OSU Beavers]

LiDAR is the reason why.

 

[Randall Garrett]

LiDAR is the reason why.

Yeah - I get that.
FWIW, I've had fun with that for a few years and I understand folks pushing that, but for my money, "The juice isn't worth the squeeze." - at least not yet, anyway...
And, of course, YMMV


+Randall Garrett+
Finally back in TX - for a while, anyway ;-)

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[OSU Beavers]

Property Data Collectors are already required to use iPhone Pro and CubiCasa for their "reports". This is going to be shoved on us eventually.

 

[Randall Garrett]

FWIW, I read the article below and largely agree with the main points. I was able to take an SP 11 out on loan while on a trip, and really enjoyed it. One can always wish for improvements, but for me, and I suspect for a lot of readers here, the SP 11 is a vast improvement overall to previous models. I would recommend anyone who thinks a Windows Tablet could be something that could make their lives better, should try one - at least for the length of time when you can return it if not satisfied.

Article: https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/surface-pro-11-review

Hope this helps!


+Randall Garrett+
Orange County, CA at present
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[Randall Garrett]

File this under "Reliable (?) Rumor" for now...

I am being told by "insiders" I've known for many years now that we may see a few meaningful improvements to Surface devices in 2025. One can find reports of these things on various commercial sites but what means more to me with respect to reliability is the sources, which are again known to me.

Anyway, the most meaningful for field inspector types includes (IMHO) the return of an anti-reflective screen and a smaller (11 inch?) tablet - may or may not be the new Surface Go? - and, of course the yet-to-be-announced bump to the Snapdragon X SoCs.

FWIW, I have been pleased with the current X Elite SoC performance, so I'm looking forward to any improvements. I just wish someone would offer a true Transflective or RLCD screen option instead of just boosting raw brightness on OLEDS (!)... I think it's safe to say we all want better battery life and better visibility outdoors!

Hope this helps! I'll report back when I have some confirmed info.


+Randall Garrett+
-Currently back in TX-

/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

Sorry for the lack of info here lately. I was away for a while with somewhat sub-optimal Internet connections, but the main issue was that I've just been tied up with other projects. My apologies!

Anyway, just thought I'd drop a tease... I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Surface device(s) reveal. I've seen 2 different reported engineering samples and have some credible info, but as usual, I'll wait for the actual specs to be released (this week?)... Besides, all the public announcements will be on several sites. Even so, I suspect the hard/specific/meaningful(?) info will be a little obfuscated, especially given the uncertainties of production & delivery factors ATM. Of course, the "buzz" is mainly centered around whatever flavor of AI that MS ends up (finally?) settling on. That said, based on what I have from some old trustworthy sources, flavor me somewhere between "interested" and "excited." What I remain skeptical of, though, is any major improvements in outdoor screen performance. I have NOT seen any actual working samples with new screen technology. What I have seen is closer to "incremental" improvements. The results are probably in line with screen improvements in other mainstream devices. I feel MS (as well as others) are really missing an opportunity to deploy any one of a very few viable screen techs which would make outdoor viewing better for all. FWIW, I run some pretty high end monitors in my personal office, and I appreciate each one for what they deliver, but screens for outdoor WORK devices really do deserve different technology to improve readability along with contributing to increased battery life! What's not to like about that? OK, <old rant not set to "OFF"> ;-) One good thing was observed - you can pretty much count on a marked improvement in battery life, due mainly to tighter integration in the CPU/GPU designs. I appreciate the drive toward AI builds (I have had a few new ones built lately, for myself and some relatives "in the biz"), but I'm not really sure at "field inspector-types, that we are "there" yet with regard to it being NECESSARY while in the field... Desirable, maybe - necessary, probably not - yet... (?)

I've obviously been out of the game for a while, so I'd be interested to know what you folks think...


+Randall Garrett+
Still in TX
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