Tablet: Convertible vs. Slate

[Randall Garrett]

OK, I simply MUST respond to part of this last post... :-\

Apex is NOT in the forms business. Our products are designed and intended to be used to work WITH, not be used INSTEAD OF programs written by the various forms companies. Talk of Apex doing a forms program is how ugly rumors get started.

Also, if the readers want to discuss Nexus, I think it should be done in the Apex section, not so much in this thread. I think that most readers who see the title of this thread would want to see more focused discussion on the pros and cons of convertible vs. slate Tablet PC's, their set-up and the like. Short of trying to "sell", I am certainly ready and willing to add to any discussions about Apex products, but I think this might be the wrong thread for it.

Now, to Laughing Heir's other items...

A - Which iPAQ did you use? Some were better than others. I understand your points, but I am also curious about the details of your experience(s.)

B - Any details on this would be helpful, as well, IMHO. Something we observed was that there is a SIGNIFICANT difference in the way mobile software needs to work compared to desktop software. My very own "Pocket Apex" is a good example of how NOT to do a mobile version of a very popular desktop program. I won't bore you all with details on the vast differences between the poor Pocket Apex and the superior MobileSketch replacement - what is important is to recognize how important it is to have software that is designed for the job at hand and for the environment in which it is going to be used.

FWIW, I never appreciated Greg's tag line until Laughing Heir posted his quote. Now, I see the wry humor... Thanks!

 

[Laughing Heir]

Randall -

I apologize for inferring that, I still have that 'newb' car smell when it comes to posting in forums. I know that APEX isn't in the forms business, I was just opining on how nicely everything would integrate and how harmoniously all of the software would 'talk' with one another.

I didn't take the time to realize that APEX has it's own dedicated forum. I will direct all future posts related to this subject to the proper outlet.

Additionally, I will let you know about my experiences with the IPAQ and related software once I have time to dig the handhelds out of the basement. This was in 2005-06, and they were modern tech. at the time.

And, Randall, in response to your tag line - id legi modo hic modo illic. vero, latine loqui non est difficilissimum. The Jesuits really drilled the latin into me.

 

[Randall Garrett]

LH,

Please don't think I was particularly upset with YOU, per se... ;-) I know most people don't mean anything about it when they post stuff like that. It's the ones with their own twisted agendas that cause the problems, so I just have to keep reiterating this over and over... :-\

TIA for any sort of feedback you can offer regarding your experience(s)... It all sort of "goes into the hopper" in hopes that it will help others now and/or in the future...

Yeah, I saw the tag line I am using (at the moment) and it struck me as humorous, so I started using it. For some reason, it makes me laugh, but a while back, somebody translated it and posted it here so it is not as funny to me anymore. If I parsed yours correctly, I'd say that I agree, but I am getting old, LOL.
...

 

[JFulmer]

Motion LS800

Has anyone tried the Motion LS800 model?

It is smaller but the screen appears to still be big enough to read. It is lighter at 2.2 pounds and appears to have many of the features of the larger models.
The only think I can think that might make it a bad choice is the small HD and/or Solid State drive.

Just curious if anyone that currently uses a tablet/slate thinks this unit would be a viable option? I already use a Disto and a At&T HTC Phone with windows moble. I use the built in camera for my photo's.

-Jason

 

[Randall Garrett]

JF,

We have a lot of experience with the LS800. Unfortunately, the LS800 has been discontinued. We're seeing rapidly rising prices for used LS800's so, as strange as it may sound, it is not unlikely that you can get a new LE1700 for less than a used LS800. Go figure... ;-)

That said, if you can wait another (say) 30 days, perhaps I can comment on another model which may be better for most appraisers than the LS800 was.

...

 

[JFulmer]

I can wait assuming the device you will be able to comment on is the same size as the 800? It appears that appraisers have used that model in the past and I was wondering if the small size inhibits the software in some way or something else that would make the unit not suitable for field work. I am not sure if I want to lug a 12" screen around.

-J

 

[Randall Garrett]

JF:

Actually, it is in-between... Actually it is 10.4" @ 1204 x 768.

FWIW, when we first started showing the LS800, maybe 3 or 4 months prior to availability, users really loved the size and weight. of course, they were used to hefting 6 lb - 8 lb laptops, so the LS 800 seemed like a dream. In actual USE, however, almost all of our LS 800 users would readily trade in their LS 800 for an LE 1600 (now, LE 1700.) It seems that in real world use, while the lighter weight IS a factor, users would gladly trade the extra pound or so for a larger screen with higher resolution. Sure, the LE is a pound or so heavier, but you can get a case w/strap to help alleviate that factor, but there is nothing you can do to make the screen physically bigger or to increase the resolution. Most programs, it seems are just more comfortable at a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768. The LS 800 has a resolution of 800 x 600. Some people even try to run their forms software on their Tablets in Portrait mode, which means it is running at 600 x 800. Even older versions of most forms software was designed for 800 x 600 minimum, so if you like or envision using a tablet in Portrait mode (to mitigate scrolling, etc), even 768 x 1024 is just a bit under the 800 minimum width design.

Just some things to think about. Again, I am NOT trying to sell you anything - I am simply pointing out what we have found in our testing/use and through feedback from many, many users here and abroad who are using tablets in the valuation business.

Hope this helps!
...

 

[JFulmer]

Randall,

Thats the info I was looking for. I have seen a few 800's on ebay for a good price and was wondering why no one talked about them as a viable option. Your comments explained why that is. I am sure I would fall in line with the rest of the users if I had experience with both units. Your knowledge of the various software programs and which units they work best with (screen size & resolution) seems right on target.

Now I need to decide if I need the keyboard or not as sometimes I am not near my server and cannot make changes in the field to reports without the file and a keyboard to input the data. I work from home for some clients and I sub work from an office which requires my files be stored and signed there. I love the form factor of the slate, but wonder if I would benefit from a keyboard? Or maybe go with the slate and get the dock/keyboard solution. So many options!

Thanks again for all your help,

-J

 

[Greg davenport]

Now I need to decide if I need the keyboard or not as sometimes I am not near my server and cannot make changes in the field to reports without the file and a keyboard to input the data. I work from home for some clients and I sub work from an office which requires my files be stored and signed there. I love the form factor of the slate, but wonder if I would benefit from a keyboard? Or maybe go with the slate and get the dock/keyboard solution. So many options!
-J

As a tablet user, I hope that you are NOT going to try to use a tablet as a desktop replacement.
While tablets are a great tool, a desktop replacement they are not. Most are slower, have too small a HD, and have a limit on RAM that can be added.Not to mention the small screen size. All features that will be needed for a desktop.

As far as needing a keyboard, even if you go the route of a slate like the LE1700, you can always add a USB keyboard later, if you find you need one.
We use an LE1600 with the field case and keyboard from Motion.

 

[JFulmer]

Greg,

I have desktops at both locations and I know from most reviews that using tablets in that fashion is not a viable option. I am looking for a solution that will allow me to service my clients in the field if I have time in between appointments. I can also remember in 05-06 going out to many new const homes that were not what they were made out to be. If I had a tablet at that time I could have pulled new comps based on the GLA I sketched out right there and saved some time. It should also allow me to cut my turn times down a bit as long as I get a device that meets my needs, hence all the questions.

-J