Pocket Total

[Ken Martin]

Just tried out the Pocket Total on my Jornado 540 (Palm size)and am really impressed with it. I had previously tried out ClickNotes from Toolbox (cumbersome). This is great. Loaded my template into the Jornado, used the Field Pad much the same way as the clipboard we all carry, filled out a complete report (using the a foldable keyboard), and sent it back to my desktop. All there. Did have some difficulty locating the free hand sketch I created under Field Pad. It has to be accessed via the Workfile tool. Printed the sketch out and will use this as the file copy of the field notes. Apparently the Pocket Apex version that will work on my machine is forth coming. Not sure if I'll upgrade to the Pocket Apex, as the Field Pad works great, can just sketch on the desktop. It really is amazing that the entire URAR can be completed on a device this small. All the standard residential forms can also be used.

 

[BarbaraNJ]

Ken,

Thinking of upgrading to Pocket Total.

You sound like you are happy with the system. If you don't mind, a few questions:

1. Is it as easy to "learn" and set up as alamode claims?
2. Are you using the little pocket camera also?
3. Did you purchase the program only, or the whole package? If the program only, how much was it?
4. Has the downloading ever given you any "fits"; caused freeze-ups or any loss of data, etc.?
5. Would appreciate any other advice or observations you have before I "take the plunge"

Thanks very much.

 

[EDWARD BERRY]

Thanks so much for the info.

The adds do not show the dropdowns for the room features.

As you inspect the house, how does the floor covering, bath features work?

Usually ours are all different, does it "merge" them?

Thanks in advance-ed in arkansas

 

[dbiggers]

Ed, the dropdowns are all completely under your control. You can create custom dropdowns for use only on Pocket TOTAL, or it can import the dropdowns from your desktop formfilling program. It will even resynchronize the desktop and Pocket PC with any changes you make in your dropdowns any time you drop the Pocket PC in its cradle -- so you don't have to do it manually. It always stays current.

Most users generally also start with a template report from the desktop, often similar to the subject they're about to appraise, so it's partially filled out when they show up. That way, many of the responses are pre-filled. And since we offer a configurable tracking mode which tells you which fields you've "touched", you can be sure that a you don't overlook a field where a template's response is left in there when it shouldn't be.

The bottom line is that it's completely under your control, just like on the desktop. You choose your own dropdown responses, your own templates, and your own configuration and data entry preferences.

Dave Biggers
CEO
a la mode, inc.

 

[EDWARD BERRY]

My question is this?

As I enter a room-it has ceramic floor and wallpaper- from the configured dropdown I suppose i check cer,wp?

Upon entering the next room it has hardwood, paneling and dry wall. I suppose one would ckeck that from the drop down.

MY STUPID ARKANSAS QUESTION-does it then MERGE those different responses-or do i then have to go back and do it.

Same question for the baths- In others words are the inputs CUMILITIVE(never could spell).

Hate to be so dumb on this, but if I have to stop and mentally add up all the features that I found that would cause errors and ommissions.
.

 

[jim farrelly]

after the inspection, u synchronize pockettotal with your desk/lap and if youve done it correctly, the only thing left to do is comps, map, and pics if u dont use the addon camera??

 

[Ken Martin]

Barbara, I fould it easy to learn and only occasionaly referred to the 30 page User Manual that I printed out. Setup for use was flawless as indicated in the manual. I don't have a camera to attach to the Jornado, however I put the memory card from my Kodak into the PC and loaded the pictures into the appraisal file. Worked as advertised. The Pocket Total came with the support level I'm at, so no additional purchase. I found out today that the Pocket Apex will be available around the end of the month. I've not had any difficulty in sending files either way. It is just part of the normal sync that goes on anytime you put the Pocket PC into the cradle.

Edward, I understand what you're getting at. No they are not cumulative. I'm not sure how they could allow for all entries. The choices are what you have previously used in your dropdowns. I have found the "FieldPad" to be the place I use as a clipboard to do a rough sketch of the property and note the features of each room, which I then use later to complete the report.

For me, I think the program is what I've been waitng for. Thanks Dave.

 

[Rlong]

Has anyone tried the camera feature? I would like some actual pics to print on my printer (tektronix 740) to see how they look. I'm willing to downgrade somewhat from my current picture quality (HP4800) as I am making my appraisals to big as it is.

 

[Bemis Pownall]

how many inspections can it store with on board memory??

 

[Richard Carlsen]

OK Boys and Girls. Stand by.

Pocket Total due to arrive today!!!!!

Wish me well. The learning curve is not what it used to be.

But if it is anything like what I have experienced from alamode in the past, it will indeed save me the 30 minutes per order of data entry we estimate. And 30 minutes per order times the number of appraisals we do per year adds up to a whole bunch of time over the span of one year. That, coupled with nearly 50% of the clients now with e-mail receipt of reports means it could be another year without raising prices.

And it could mean that there will be more time for the old appraiser to more trout fishing and play with his new fishing boat.