Pocket Total

[Ron in AR]

Dale,

Tell me more about the monopoly.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

I have been using the pocket total system for almost 2 years now (Beta tester), and the pocket apex for over a year. I have also implemented the pocket total system in my office, and currently have 4 appraisers using the system now. I have seen after the intial learning curve a reduction of almost 45 to 90 mintues a report. I will say there have been some hiccups and some that almost caused an emotional breakdown, but all-in-all its about the same percentage of computer problems that have lost reports in the past with normal desktops. This next week I plan to roll out the aircards in the PDA's that will allow me to email the reports to the office while we drive so our typists can finish up the reports as we commute...or golf, I hope this brings our average turn times to 24 hours from the 48 its at now.

The moral of the story is to be very patient with new technology, and if you can ride out the bumps you will pass your competition and increase your earnings significantly. Just my 2 cents.

 

[John Wilson]

Originally posted by Brian Kirksey@Jul 7 2003, 09:40 PM
I have seen after the intial learning curve a reduction of almost 45 to 90 mintues a report.

It takes me about 90 minutes to do a report without it.

If I can knock off 90 minutes by using Pocket Total I'll be able to reduce my report writing time to zero.

Now that's productivity!!!

By the way, those 6 appraisers I know that have Pocket Total, still have not touched the silly thing since my last post. Looks neat on the desk though, and it's a good conversation piece.

 

[Leon Stewart]

I haven't done a Report using the PDA yet. I thought it was best to train myself on the devise and the Pocket Total Software to have a good working knowledge of the process prior to doing a report. That way I wouldn't have to be continually redoing Reports and wasting a lot of time. I think I have the basics down, somewhat, and I will be using it to do a Report soon. My main problem with the Pocket Total is it's cost, I think it's over priced at $ 300. It's only an attachment or an addition to the main Total software, and it doesn't seem as if it should be selling for that much money, and the same thing applies to Pocket Apex when you still have to have your main software on your Desktop. It seem as if some of these Software Firms are going to price themselves out of business. Especially since some of this stuff is primarily at an introductory level, and few Appraisers are using it. Generally a big demand will preceed a big price, not the other way around.

leon

 

[Mary Caffey]

I am SO glad I read this thread today- my inspector friend just got on the band wagon for a palm and he insists husband get one for appraisals....I read the info on HP Jornada and since having read ya'lls comments I think I'll just continue typing the drafts husband hands me.....

thanks as always for your imput


Mary in Tx :usa:

 

[Leon Stewart]

Originally posted by c21cg@Jul 13 2003, 05:31 PM
I am SO glad I read this thread today- my inspector friend just got on the band wagon for a palm and he insists husband get one for appraisals....I read the info on HP Jornada and since having read ya'lls comments I think I'll just continue typing the drafts husband hands me.....

thanks as always for your imput


Mary in Tx :usa:

You have to do your homework before buying these devises, but keep in mind, I don't think Alamode reccomend "Pocket Total" for use with the Palm Operating System, if you expect to use Pocket Total. Anyway, nowdays many Appraisers are buying and considering the "Tablet PC". That's not a consideration for me at this time, based on Cost and what appears to be a cumbersome devise to carry around. Plus you could easily bang it against something and damage it, drop it, or drop something on the screen (I don't think the screen has a hard covered when not in use), and many are listed between $ 3,000 and $ 4,000. Some users seem to think their Warranty will cover it when they drop it.

leon

 

[ockyappraiser]

I use the Pocket Total program on a Dell Axim on all reports in the field. I use the Pocket APEx to sketch on all but more difficult multi floor homes. Here is what I have found in a typical appraisal:

if I am doing a simple 1000 s.f. ranch. . .I used to to take about 15-20 minutes on paper to do it. . .paper sketch and all. But back in the office, had to key in all the report info, do the sketch. . .and try to read my notes (not really good handwriting). I also found that I had forgotton some things if it had been several days since inspection. Processing time back at office on this typeof home about 1 hour.

With the Pocket total. . .same house. . .about another 10-15 minutes. But I have a finished, closed sketch and have checked every field before I leave. Also, have recorded voice notes as I have walked through for adding to report addenedums. When I get back to office, the only thing I do is finish the comp grids, download the map. About 30 minutes processing time

Bottomline. . .Pocket Total adds about 15 minutes in the field, but saves about 30 minutes at office. . .net 15-20 minute savings per report. But I have a far more accurate report. . .nothing left to memory or reading hard to read notes.

15 minutes might not sound like much. . but I have been doing 50 appraisals per month. . .it adds up. Also, I have an accurate work file with comments notes.

One more thing. . I also use the Vault. . .backs up all files every night. . .I can forget about back ups.

You have to decide to use this stuff and stick to it. ..