Anyone using the Motion Tablet LE1600

[WesGibbs]

Can anyone out there tell me if the Tablet PC is worth the buy, or will it end up like my PDA (desk art)? Should I buy a tablet or just go back with the good ole laptop?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Tom Woolford]

I've been using a 1400 for almost a year, and used an HP 4700 for several years before that. I have been pleased with the 1400 but would like to have a 1700. I do my data collection directly to the URAR running WinTotal, and make free form notes using MS Journal. (deferred maintenance, outbuildings etc.) Sketching is done with built-in davinci. I love it, and would not change a thing. I personally did not like the davinci data collection, but your mileage may vary, depending on your software package. I sync my camera to the tablet when I leave a property just as a failsafe backup for the camera. I used Mirror Folder to auto sync the files back to my desktop for a while, but just was not comfortable with stuff going on behind my back. Now I save the file to a memory stick in the field as well as the tablet, again just for additional file protection. I have never had to use the backups for piturtes or files, but for the few seconds it takes to do it, its nice peace of mind. I say go for it.

 

[BlueDog007]

Tom-

How about the X61? I am soooo close to ordering. I was going to pull the trigger today or tomorrow.

 

[Tom Woolford]

I haven't looked into it, so I cant comment. I do like the layout of the Motions, and they seem to be very durable.

 

[KenRossman]

I have been using a Gateway (Motion) M1300 1M ram, 40 G HD tablet pc for almost five years and love it, it has been well worth the investment.
The tablet runs my form and sketching full versions in XP. Its light enough to carry on inspections with ease and I use it every chance I get.

It doesn't have the view anywhere screen, and outdoor visibility has not been a problem for me, but I would choose that option if buying one today.

I use the hardtop keyboard in the field but also have the docking station and regular Keyboard, cd/dvd etc. for use in my home office as an extra pc and as my primary computer while I am out of town, on vacation, etc...

You need at least 1G ram, if you are planning to use it for photo work

 

[OSU Beavers]

I'm to chicken to carry around anything that cost more than $1,000.

 

[josephdifranco]

Looking back

I used a tablet for about two years. I found the time savings on a day-to-day basis to be only nominal, because its so easy to key in field data to the software anyway. Sketching in the field with a tablet takes a bit longer than doing so by hand (in my experience), and regular sketching on a desktop is fast anyway.

The biggest time savings occurred when I got to a property too early, or due to scheduling problems, got stuck for a long period of time between two appointments. Being able to keep working instead of wasting your downtime in the field is a good feeling. The other residual luxury is the ability to pull an extra comparable from the field if needed, but this of course requires other hassles i.e. wi-fi access or your own direct access. I had Mcdonalds wi-fi, but it entailed actually finding a mcdonalds nearby, and possibly going inside the restaurant if the signal was not strong enough. I was close to connecting to the internet through my sprint cell phone, but when business went down, there really was no justification for the extra $40 or so per month it would have cost.

My machine weighed about 4.5 lbs and was about 13 inches wide, it was a bit too heavy and wide for my taste, so I would recommend something under three pounds, maybe 10 inches or so. Its hard to tell what will be comfortable from an online purchase or just by holding one in a best buy store.

Although my post is a bit negative, the technology itself is fun to play with, and you can brag about your device in your marketing materials i.e. ability to complete and send final inspections directly from the field. That too was a good feeling.

Hope this was helpful, best of luck,

 

[Gavin Mesner]

So far, when drawing sketchs nothing beats pen and paper. I tried it all...

 

[Tom Woolford]

So far, when drawing sketchs nothing beats pen and paper. I tried it all...

We will have to agree to disagree. Using the tablet for field sketch is the best thing since the apple got split up. My sketch is done when I leave the house, and does not take much, if any, longer than paper and pen. There IS a learning curve. Unless you make a commitment to use nothing but the tablet for at least a month, you will never adopt the technology. If you force yourself, you will be amazed at how much time you save.

 

[BlueDog007]

Tom-

What kind of tablet are you using? I am thinking about ordering an X61.