Windows Tablets For Fieldwork

[Chief Wanigas]

Intrigued by the 14" sp4 w/Win 10... might be too big for the field, but nice to have in the truck? May have to wait while?? Pros/Cons ???

 

[Randall Garrett]

Win 10 is , of course, a definite, but I have absolutely NO credible evidence which points to a 14" SP4. In fact, there are more logical factors which point away from that than toward it. I've been surprised before, but my gut and my sources lead me to suggest that speculation along this line might lead you astray ;-)
I'll have a few more indictors in April, but I hesitate to speculate too much until (probably) around mid-July/August (?)

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[LarryJewell]

I have a question regarding fieldwork with a tablet. Where would you do all your notes regarding the subject property if you are completing the sketch on a notebook. I have used a clipboard for 25+ years and am having trouble grasping doing a complete inspection without paper and pencil.

 

[Randall Garrett]

Larry,

The generic answer is that you'd need an app (software specific to the task.) I believe that is how most are doing it here in the US fee appraisal market. We did/do it a little differently that what you see here in the US, but for most here, you need software that specifically interacts with your reporting software. I am, of course, assuming you use residential fee appraisal software... If not, just set me straight and I can adjust my responses accordingly. I'd want to do that in another thread if it gets lengthy, since this thread tries to be app-agnostic and stick to just the hardware where possible... Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

Regards,

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[LarryJewell]

Yes, I use ACI, I was wanting to be sure to have a good work file and was not sure if filling out the appraisal form in the field was good enough, over making actual notes, etc......

 

[Randall Garrett]

Hi Larry,

I don't believe that ACI has any formal field data collection capability in their current main (Windows) software. I can imagine that you'd want to stick with ACI vs. change to something else if at all possible/feasible. Hence, I've sent you a PM regarding a possible interim solution between now and if/when they decide to change that.

Regards,

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

As a sort of "follow-up" to post #384 (01/06/2015 - Windows 8 tablets for fieldwork), my Lenovo "Yoga Tablet 2 AnyPen with Windows (8")" showed up at the office earlier this week. Whew, what a mouthful of a name, huh? Let's just call it the Yoga Tablet 2 (8) for now ;-) As usual, after I smudged up the screen fondling it, Iain took over and got things set up (Windows updates, connections, software installs, etc.) My initial impressions are that it is quite a nice device for the approx. $250 I paid for it. I am not finding it being available at the typical Best Buy/Amazon/Etc. type on-line retailers - the only place I see them today is on Lenovo's site: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/tablet...ablet-2-win-8/?menu-id=lenovo_yoga_tablet_2_8 for $299. That price will predictably fluctuate as Lenovo's crack marketing arm (LOL) varies the price, trying to figure out what the market will bear. I cannot post pictures today - Iain and I arm-wrestled on who was going to bring it home for the weekend, and well... umm, basically, he won ;-) I'll shoot pictures later...

In my short stint with it earlier this week, found it to be well built and snappy for a $300 device, so the $250 I paid is good for me, and it would not surprise me to see it settle in at about $250. Lenovo usually does this by offering "eCoupons" on various sites (generally a code at check out) and I'll post them here once I see some. If you have your own favorite sites (LogicBuy comes to mind, but there are lots of others.) For example, today's featured deal is a Lenovo Y40-80 upper end laptop that is available for $629 vs. retail of $1,249.99 by using the code listed there on the Lenovo check out page: http://www.logicbuy.com/ Just use the search bar top find deals matching up with your own items...

Anyway, the device itself seems well made and I can really appreciate the "barrel" end for the grip as well as other uses. This same device is available in a 10" and 13.3" size (larger costs more - $369 & $599 today, sans eCoupon)) but only the 8" device has the AnyPen feature. I'll report more on this item later, but for now, it has worked as advertised. The same form factor is available running Android, and these run $229, $249 and $469 (today, no eCoupon)

Lisa Gade at MobileTechReview did a great job IMHO reviewing the 13.3" Windows version - you might want to take a look to get an idea of the forms factor and why the "barrel" thing is so helpful. (This idea is actually not new - it was done before in another device I liked "back in the day" - but the all-knowing mainstream press deemed it clunky, and thus undesirable ("Not iPad-like at all") back when everyone was trying to get thinner at all costs. I'm so glad to see some manufacturers start paying attention to some practical ergonomic items (like this), even if it is just to be different ;-) BTW, the 13.3" Windows device is the only one to feature 4 GB of RAM - the others are 2GB, at least at present. I'll likely get a 13.3" version and do a comparison test since all three have the exact same CPU.

Written review: http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Lenovo-Yoga-Tablet-2-Windows-13.htm (has an embedded video review)

Stand-alone Video review (larger views, etc.):

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Michigander]

I find the keyboard on the SP3 not to my liking. Other than using a docking station with a different keyboard, do you know if there are other options?

 

[Randall Garrett]

Michigander,

The SP3 "Type" Keyboard Cover is pretty remarkable, given how thin and light it is, but I can understand your displeasure if what you are looking for is more like a desktop or laptop style/feel. Almost any Bluetooth enabled keyboard will pair with the SP3, so the choices you have are many. I haven't used many myself, so I can't speak to how well they work - especially not the "feel" which is quite subjective anyway. We use external keyboards with our SP3s when they are "docked" or when we take them to shows, etc. but we always have the Type Keyboards with our tablets as they are our main "cover." Are you looking for a desktop type thing or to turn your SP3 into more of a Laptop look & feel? If I have a better understanding of your goals, perhaps I can offer a more focused solution(?)


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Michigander]

Hi Randall, I think my issue with the keyboard is that the touchpad seems overly sensitive at times, and non-responsive at others. It may be because I am using the SP3 less than I do my daily laptop and the touch pads are taking getting used to. Otherwise I like it very much, and it allows me to work wherever I am, which was what I was looking for. Still getting used to 8.1, which I don't like, but the store said 10 was going to be a free upgrade when it becomes available.