Windows Tablets For Fieldwork

[Randall Garrett]

Glad to help where i can and I hope that folks get some use out of the items I post about...

I favor Windows 10, though I feel that most folks should NOT try running it (the "Preview" builds) at this time. Despite fairly recent improvements, it is still not ready for Prime Time, especially with respect to the Tablet aspects. Those that follow this sort of thing should be too surprised that Windows 10 appears to have gone backward with respect to Tablet functionality, since the main thrust of the early Preview builds was geared toward desktop items (vs. Tablet) and were not only focused on Enterprise (vs. consumer) users, but were largely "under the hood" items, even though the press likes to report on UI items vs. lower level items. Recently, some of the "polish" items have started to come to the surface (no pun there, LOL) and things are starting to look much better, even to casual observers. All that said, I don't think folks should be using preview builds on a machine that is meant for production. In fact, I would wait for the RTM version (this summer?) before putting it on any machine if you're not doing development work. All that said, I like what I've seen so far and I believe it holds a lot of promise. FWIW, most of our Enterprise types went straight from W7 to W10. A few dabbled with W8 and had some success, but all but one major client has moved on from Windows 8 (and I keep trying to push them that way, too, LOL.) I'll have more to say on this sometime this summer (?) For now, i have to stick to hardware comments, but then they sort of run hand-in-hand for most folks.

Let me know if I have gone down the wrong path with this...

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Non Sequitur]

I was thinking more about Microsoft's push to integrate their OS across platforms, their Continuum concept. I don't think it's a stretch to envision owning one device (smart phone) that docks or plugs in to larger displays when needed. IMO it won't be long before programs run on all devices, the choices will be what display fits your needs. The way I think this will affect the appraisal industry is the resistance some have toward mobile appraisal. From my observations the largest hurdle many have is the learning curve jumping to mobile devices and their OS. Take that away and I think more will jump in. Basically if they have a full running version of their software in their pocket I believe just about every appraiser will find a way to use it.

 

[Randall Garrett]

Sorry for the delay in replying - I've simply been away from this thread for a bit.

FWIW, I agree with your comments - at least how I read them ;-) IMHO, Continuum is a potential game-changer, at least for the majority of people & companies I work with today, and I think that a lot of folks would be blown away at the prospect of what Continuum could mean to their practices. I would hope that Fee Appraiser software companies embrace this concept but from my "3rd Party" perspective, their lack of effort in this regard is the biggest hurdle, not the end user. I believe that IF the end user had the right software, they would be better able to make the change. Oh sure, some would pitch and moan a bit (don't we all? LOL), but in the end IF it makes things easier, more profitable, folks will see the light and go that way.

From what I see, most of the germane software companies are heading down the "web" or "cloud" path vs. a Continuum path. That said, there is no real reason that Continuum capable/compliant devices would not work in a web/cloud. The main issue that I see (and not just in the Fee appraiser world, either) is that when most people think "phone/tablet", they are thinking strictly iOS or (more often) Android and not really considering Windows devices. Hence, they are generally thinking Big Software on their honking desktop + something in-between on a tablet and finally something really light weigh on their smart phone... That is 3 devices vs. what Continuum promises, given the availability of germane apps on the platform. Most appraisers don't seem to really have a firm grasp on the significance of the changes in W10 and focus on the loss (or return) of the Start menu, LOL. To be fair, their specialty software providers would need to properly embrace these things and present them to their users in a way which clearly illustrates why they should select compliant hardware.

It'll be interesting to see how things look later this Summer or Fall. In the Enterprise arena (at least our small slice), we see a significant shift away from iOS toward W10 and I suspect that items like Continuum are accelerating this shift - it's a cost of delivery and security/deployment thing. For some reason, Android was never a huge thing and actually seems to be loosing a little ground... I'm not really sure what we'll see in the consumer space... I'd hope to see more folks be able to use a wider variety of hardware - choice is good IMHO.

It probably seems like I am a MS 'flag-waver" since I keep this thread going. Actually, we are mostly "software-agnostic" and have healthy user percentages in the three major "camps." I just keep posting here because I note that a lot of folks seem to want to stick with Windows but aren't getting any useful info from other sources - rather, they get answers like "If you're using _________, you should just switch to _________." - with things like "Windows or IEx" in the former and "iPhone/iPad or Chrome" in the second blank. So, I post here with info that I have learned from exposure and user feedback to offer another perspective

Let me know if I can be of assistance!


Regards,


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Mike Ault]

I recently went over to a colleague’s office with two iPad users and one android user to show them how to connect and configure a Bluetooth Disto to their Apex apps. After I finished with that I showed them what a properly configured windows tablet could do with voice recognition – transcription, inking abilities, OneNote and OneDrive integration and they were amazed. There is simply no comparison in the productivity gains that can be realized with the full Windows platform versus the stripped-down mobile OS’s. I spent several months with multiple android tablets trying to come up with a workflow that didn’t involve some substantial compromise of time/effort in the field inspection process and always came up lacking. Apex Version 6 was the last piece of the puzzle that I needed to finally ditch the clipboard after 22 years and put into service a Windows tablet configured to the way I prefer to work versus me having to conform to an app-driven inspection process. The only field productivity feature still lacking (for me) in the Windows 8.1 tablet platform is a navigation program similar to Google maps, I am hoping that Microsoft will correct this oversight in Windows 10. They already have Cortona enabled “Here Maps” and “Here Drive” for the Windows phone platform however they have not ported "Here Drive" over to the 8.1 version, only the "Here Maps" portion which leaves you with a route generated by the mapping software but without turn by turn navigation that is generated by the “Drive” software. Any news on this that you could share with us Randall?

 

[Randall Garrett]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your feedback - I imagine many here would enjoy hearing more about how you are doing things. Even the things that are not working so well are interesting. We all learn more and have a better opportunity to improve our lot, so to speak, when we share what we know.

With respect to the mapping items, I will be able to share some things pretty soon, I believe. Most of what is going to be available through the release of Windows 10 is pretty much known by now (since it'll reportedly "RTM" on 07/29) but as usual, the really good stuff means we need to know what the applicable manufacturers are going to do on their end - who is going to support what, how and when... This includes software "manufacturers"... As is is, I happen to be working with one software company right now (yesterday and today) who features some really great mapping functionality in their solutions. I had a brief look at their stuff yesterday on his newly-initialized TP10 w/4G LTE. As of today, he is running Windows 8.1+ so we're going to load up his stuff on my TP10 running Windows 10 (b.10130) later this morning so we can test some potential high level (i.e. for purposes of this discussion, "built-in" vs. requiring code changes) improvements specific to W-10 before he dives into coding changes which may not be necessary in the newer environment. Sorry to write so stiffly - I'm just not at liberty to be specific or so "conversational" since we're talking about someone else's stuff, etc. The point is, I may be able to comment in more detail about your specific item soon. I may not be able to name the system, but I should be able to say with conviction whether I've seen it actually work or not (on my own hardware) and thus indicate what is possible when your software provider releases similar functionality. FWIW, it is my belief that you and others here will like what I report. Nothing is ever perfect, but what I'm seeing lately points to some significant improvements on several key (IMHO) aspects which are directly related to such convenience and efficiency capabilities/functionality.


Regards,


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Mike Ault]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your feedback - I imagine many here would enjoy hearing more about how you are doing things. Even the things that are not working so well are interesting. We all learn more and have a better opportunity to improve our lot, so to speak, when we share what we know.

/end/

Well Randall, since you asked, here is my story. The biggest drawback for me using an android device for field inspection purposes was the lack of suitable voice transcription services and pen input/inking options. I tried the Alamode app and although I appreciate their efforts It just didn’t interface with my inspection methods to a point where I was comfortable using it. I typically take substantially more photos and notes than ever end up in the final appraisal report and keeping those functions separate is more efficient (for me) than trying to fit them into the proper app categories and easier to store for archival purposes. So I determined the way forward for me was to treat my tablet like a fancy clipboard using Apex mobile sketch and a fillable PDF inspection sheet. This method work reasonably well, mobile sketch was cool but my inspection sheet proved cumbersome, I was using Google voice transcription services to dictate directly into expanded fields for such items as site observations, interior remodeling/updating, repairs needed, cost to cure, etc. however, this required a good data connection and the accuracy did not live up to my expectations. I also experimented with recording my observations to a wave file and then playing that back through my Dragon software for transcription purposes once I returned to the office, but that also proved cumbersome. Additionally, when the homeowner was following me around there was no way I was going to verbalize some of my observations, such as soiled carpeting, strong pet odor, substantial deferred maintenance, etc. and typing using a virtual keyboard has never been my strong suit. When I switched over to a Windows tablet TP10 w/4G LTE running the latest Apex Version 6 with a Bluetooth Disto all of a sudden I had a complete solution, mobile sketching with full Windows support which allowed me to run Dragon 13 with a LG Tone Infinim Bluetooth microphone that just rests around my neck for dictating directly into an inspection form that I put together in Microsoft Word. The dictation is very accurate and for those occasions where the home is occupied and I’m not comfortable verbalizing I can switch over to pen input mode and just start writing notes like I’m using the trusty clip board of old. MUCH HAPPIER! This setup also allows me to talk directly into my tablet when viewing comparables, making notes about their location, condition, etc. Microsoft OneNote & OneDrive have also proven exceedingly handy, I print the whole appraisal order, Appraisal District building sketch, survey, comparable farm list, map of proposed comparables to view, and anything else that might be helpful to a OneNote file before I ever leave the office and this file stays active until I complete the appraisal and print what is needed to the permanent work file. This allows me to access all of this information with a single click on my tablet, going over the information with the homeowner while on-site allows me to verify anything that is needed, explain discrepancies between my measurements and appraisal district records, etc. and if any errors are found in my documentation, I can simply highlight them on my screen and jot quick notes regarding the issue with my pen input function & this information is automatically synced back to my office computer. I print my inspection sheet containing all of my observations about the subject and the comparables back to the same OneNote file. The OneNote set up allows me to write notes on to the actual comparable printout with my tablet when viewing them from the exterior or verifying information with a realtor. I also have a sheet of digital graph paper saved to a separate OneNote file for doing quick sketches if needed of outbuildings, well and septic locations, externalities, drainage issues and other things that probably won't end up on my final Apex drawing. Functionality like that simply wasn't available on an android device and I haven't had to use my old clipboard and scanner solution for some time now. Once I am completely finished with the appraisal and have printed out all that I need for my permanent work file I simply delete the OneNote file. I have Apex V6 configured to save to my Microsoft OneDrive account which means that is also automatically synced back to my office computer, no emailing required. The Windows tablet set up has lived up to my expectations while the android devices always came up short. The ThinkPad is working well, but it could use some more processing horsepower to keep up with the Dragon voice recognition system, with several programs open it is fairly easy to outrun the tablet if you’re not careful. The best navigation solution I’ve found for this Windows tablet set up has been Navmii - it is a free program that you can find out on the Windows store, they have made a very good effort at this and I am looking forward to future developments however it still falls somewhat short of Google maps/nav. I’ve tried enabling Google Nav using both of the android emulators “Bluestacks” and “AMIDuos”, while they both "sort of worked" neither solution proved to be acceptable however AMIDuos seems to run all my other android apps quite well. If someone was going to follow along this path I would recommend a Windows tablet well up on the processor performance scale, Dragon 13 is a processor hog and that has been the only issue where I have not been totally satisfied with my TP10 w/4G LTE. That just gives me an excuse to upgrade again fairly soon since I am already pleased with where this path is leading.

 

[Non Sequitur]

Thanks for your post Mike, very interesting.

 

[RickM]

Voice transcription doesn't work for those of us that cannot enunciate properly, especially when the homeowner is over your shoulder. Everything is harder then especially pretending to know how to use new equipment and software. After 2 years with apex mobile and many more with previous desktop versions the hardest part is remembering what works with what, the especially vexing thing is having to pick up the pen when after moving a selection and not inadvertently moving an area when your palm hits the pad. but more to the point of this thread, I am now using a surface 3 with v6 and ACI in the field and I believe that after the learning curve levels out it will be superior to mobile applications being brought in to the report in the office. It already seems like I'm at least on the same page with the field work.

 

[Mike Ault]

Voice transcription doesn't work for those of us that cannot enunciate properly, especially when the homeowner is over your shoulder. Everything is harder then especially pretending to know how to use new equipment and software. After 2 years with apex mobile and many more with previous desktop versions the hardest part is remembering what works with what, the especially vexing thing is having to pick up the pen when after moving a selection and not inadvertently moving an area when your palm hits the pad.

That's one of the main advantages to these Windows tablet's over the android or iPad, if the house is occupied and you don't want to talk to your tablet you can switch over to "pen input mode" with whatever inspection sheet set up works best for you (I'm pleased with how Microsoft Word is behaving with this task) and pretend like it's a clipboard again. With Word you can switch to "developer mode" and insert check boxes in front of whatever amenities your subject has which allows you to simply use your finger or pen to check off each feature. Then you can leave enough room at the bottom of the form to handwrite whatever notes you feel appropriate. I understand that this doesn't apply to your situation as you are filling out the form directly in the field where as I am simply generating field notes to input back at the office. Yours will definitely be the most efficient route if you can get everything running smoothly, please keep us posted! I am not too concerned with minor voice transcription grammatical errors in my field inspection notes, just so long as I can look at them and know what I meant they serve their purpose. Although I've been using Apex since 1994 I am relatively new at tablet sketching and have found myself using the "back or undo button" quite often with Apex 6. When I first started with it I thought well, I'll use it on the simple homes and go back to the clipboard for anything complex. What surprised me was that the complex, two-story homes with obtuse angles everywhere were simpler to draw with the program than they were by hand. Nevertheless, I still make quite a few sloppy input errors that need correction, the undo button at the top of the menu bar is my friend. Whenever I inadvertently move or delete something by mistake the undo button lets you reverse quite a few errors.

 

[Randall Garrett]

FWIW, you should finally be seeing availability of the Surface 3 with 4G LTE soon. I can hardly believe how long I've had to sit on this info due to the typical NDA thing, especially since it is (relatively) common knowledge that these variants have been available in other (non-US) markets for a while. Basically, you'll see them commonly available in both 64 GB and 128 GB models in about a week or 10 days and adding 4G LTE will only run you about $100 exta, which is pretty reasonable IMHO. Adding 4G LTE in something like the TP 10 ran something like ~$125 (on "sale") and with an iPad, it is ~$130.

What is not known at this time, however, is whether there will be a 4G version of the special "business SKU" (4GB/64GB) model. I don't think most of you would prefer that model but it is interesting to a lot of our "Enterprise" type users for whom even 128 or 256 GB is not enough and hence "cloud storage" is the most viable option. I simply do not know if there will be a 4GB/64GB business model with 4G LTE. I am told a lot of things, but that is knot the same as knowing, LOL. I've pretty much learned that I need to have a real live shipping product in my hands before I believe most manufacturers these days :-\ Anyway, the availability of 4G LTE in the S3 is a welcome thing to many of our customers and I thought that maybe some of you might want to know, too.

Oh, and in another "FWIW Department" thing, the latest build of W10 preview is (finally) looking pretty sweet on the S3. Previous to b10158 and b10159), it was starting to look questionable as to how well W10 was going to be working for regular users (vs. geeks) on devices like the TP10, S3, SP3, etc. at launch date. Starting with b10158, a lot of things are starting to tighten up and b10159 is even better in almost every area. I have hopes for b10200 (what I believe will end up being RTM), though I realize that W10 will be updated early and often as that is the way of things now.

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/