Windows Tablets For Fieldwork

[Randall Garrett]

Thanks for chiming in, Mike - I believe that what you are reporting is accurate and the norm. There are several FPs in the library and I don't think that Av6 typically freezes they way it is being described. All that said, I think the thing that bothers me most is being called a "salesperson" LOL. That's a first! ha ha.

Anyway, if one of you has an issue with our software or something I have said about it, this is not the right forum. For the regular readers' benefit, I respectfully request that we try to keep this thread limited to tablet hardware so that folks looking for that have a place to visit for info and to exchange thoughts.

Respectfully,


-Randall Garrett-

/end/

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

hat bothers me most is being called a "salesperson" LOL

Ah, yes. The cruelest of fates...

 

[BlueDog007]

I'm glad Mike has had a great experience. That's what I want! Actually, I talked to Mike prior to purchasing these tools last June of 2015. Mike was very happy with his setup and sold me on going this route with my data collection process in the field. Mike's a nice guy and has always been very helpful to me.

LOL? Randall, seriously? I've been a customer of yours for over 20 years and you are laughing? Let's not put "spin" on these issues, instead let's address them. Randall, I'm glad calling you a "salesman" got your attention and caused you to respond after you sent an email to me on 1/18/16! No follow up from you or Robert Smoote to make sure everything was "all good" with my issues that I explained to you in an email on 12/22/15 by the way!

I think this information is of great benefit to "regular readers", or any readers for that matter. Honestly, I wish I would have had a post like this to read before I bought everything (4 Apex 6 licenses, Microsoft Surface 3, Disto 330i). I understand these posts of mine may be in a tablet hardware thread, but what good is the hardware, Microsoft Surface 3 in my case, if one can't use the software (Apex 6) with the same? That doesn't make much sense, does it? LOL

The A6 is useless to me because it doesn't work the way it is supposed to work. If I can't create custom labels, like "Bedroom" (the current software lists "Bed"), or "CL" for closet, or "Sunroom", or "Rec. Room", etc..., then I can't complete the sketch 100% in the field. Isn't that the purpose of using a computer and software in the field? I don't want to do the major part of the sketch back at the office. In my opinion, that defeats the purpose. If an appraiser can't add at least 1 single custom label to the library, why does the program even have the labeling option?

Randall, there are actually 4 fireplaces in the library including a corner, double, hearth, rectangle gas, and rectangle masonry. What do you suggest using if you have a rectangle "vinyl" fireplace? Or a rectangle "non-gas" (like Apex 5)? Where are those?

The Apex tech state they have zero issues using A6 with MS Surface 3's within their office. That's great! I find it odd that I have had the exact same issues with two separate MS Surface 3's. I have replicated the issues to the tech support via remote assistance, while they are logged onto my computer. Ironically, just today I was told by their office that they have recreated the issue themselves and can now see my issue with the labels freezing on their computers.

I am not bashing Randall or Apex, I simply want the program to work properly, which is what I paid for. Randall, you obviously have technical engineer's/coders who should be able to resolve this issue promptly and make the product the best it can be. Like I said earlier, I've been waiting for a fix since June of 2015.

 

[Randall Garrett]

I respectfully request that you remove your prior post from this thread and move (i.e. copy/paste?) it to you other thread on your Apex issues. I have no problem hashing out Apex-specific items on another thread, but I believe that doing it on this particular is doing a disservice to fellow appraisers who are interested in hardware.


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[NC Appraising]

Randall,

Hey, it's been awhile. Sorry to get off topic with windows.

You recommended the Asus Transformer a while back for Andriod, and I have to say that it is the best choice if you need a non-windows tablet for appraising.

Unfortunately, the new model lacks the widescreen for photo taking and a flash. Also, the camera app and features lack.

Do you know of any andriod tablets that are going to be released in the near future that have widescreen format and a flash?



Thanks

 

[BlueDog007]

Randall-

Again, I believe the fact that Apex 6 doesn't work properly with a Microsoft Surface 3 is relevant to this thread. I'm sorry, but I believe your response for me to move this off of this thread is a disservice to fellow appraiser's who are trying to become mobile by using a Microsoft Surface 3 along with your software Apex 6 (which doesn't work properly). Your response is lacking any effort to help resolve my issues, and the issues A6 has with the MS Surface 3. Ironically, you also state that you have no problem hashing out Apex-specific items on my other thread, but you haven't! Why not (see comment time stamps)? http://appraisersforum.com/forums/threads/apex-6-problems-continue-microsoft-surface-3.211290/

As a professional, don't you agree that your response to a customer of 20+ years, or any customer for that matter, should have been...

"You know, I'm sorry you are having issues and we will work to resolve them as quickly as possible. I thank you for being a long time, loyal customer and we want to make our software the best it can be"...instead of spinning it again? What's the problem? Can you not fix it? If not, just say so!

Again, I'm not bashing you or Apex. I just want fellow appraiser's to know that if they plan on purchasing a Microsoft Surface and Apex 6 (your software), that it has not worked properly in my case.

So, are you going to fix the issues or not? If Apex can fix these issues, I'll be glad to remove my comments.

 

[Randall Garrett]

I will post a reply on the other thread. I have not posted there yet simply because I had other matters to attend to and had asked others to reach out to try and assist you.

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

Finally had the chance to go take a look at some of the Hp units and Lenovo units in a big city. Best Buy sales staff definitely support the durability of the Lenovo units, although the HP's sure have the market on style and appeal. By the way, does anyone have any thought on the HP elite X3?


Wanted to run this through here. So, have taken a serious look at Lenovo P40 Yoga now that it has been released. It does not appear that it has all the specs I was hoping for. First, and obviously it has the power of the I7-6500U, which is way more than I need, but why the $160 difference in (what is that exactly? cache speed?) 3.1 vs 3.4 GHz? Is this something that makes much difference particularly for the price? I have never heard of this before.

Second, looks like the $30 upgrade to win10 pro over home is a good value?

The display standard is antiglare which I will keep. upgrade to 16GB ram, 512 SSD, fingerprint reader, 65watt DC adapter..

The final two things I am a little hazy on are the warranty and dock. Standard one year depot warranty. I would like coverage three to four years. Is the battery thing really an issue?

Now the dock. Does not look like this will be as good as the previous lock in dock I have for my X220t? Seems like the upper level units have enough ports, need displayport, ethernet, and many USB ports. How does the one-link stand up against the USB 3.0 units? pros and cons?

Why would they not include atleast and option for LTE on this thing? as souped up as it is, would have thought atleast the option? Is this something they could put on later with an optional configuration? (Update, was on with chat on Lenovos site just now and they say "This model will have soon the option to select Sierra Wireless EM7455 for 4G LTE") Guess will have to wait and see if that comes around...

Lastly, there is no usable bump style case that they sell and none aftermarket wither. Have companies quit manufacturing this type of case? Had them available early on with my last X convertibles.

Thanks for any input, Chris Wagoner, Certified Residential Appraiser, State of Indiana

Chris,

My apologies for not replying to your request for info sooner. Since early this month, I've not been in a situation where I could gather more verified info which was germane to the particular models you mentioned. In other words, I have not personally used any of those devices beyond a cursory look and so what I had to offer was light weight reviews and marketing info - nothing from real world users :-\ I know you to have justifiable expectations regarding quality and performance based on your long term use of your ThinkPad...

Are you still closely following these particular devices? If so, I can devote some time this weekend to review some newer feedback I've gotten and look for additional reviews from trusted sources and then get back with you. Generally, however, in order of your items:

• I like what I have heard about the X3. W10 phones are not for everyone but I happen to like them (this is a personal thing, not professional.) Some of us at Apex use W10 phones as they provide us with some unique benefits (can detail that IF desired) and the X3 appears to be the best unit of its kind until the rumored Surface Phone comes out (?) I have not used an X3 and I only have feedback from one person that I trust who was able to use the device for a few days in a closely monitored situation. It looks like I won't get much more on this device until early summer, but then, we don't expect it to really be available before then anyway. Still, it is interesting (except for the fugly grill pattern at the bottom, ha ha)
• I do not think you would "feel" $160 worth of difference between the 3.1 and 3.4 GHz. Your money would be better spent elsewhere IMHO.
• The "Home vs. Pro" debate really depends on your situation. Back in the XP and even Vista days, one might argue that "Pro/Ultimate" had justifiable benefits, but TODAY and with W10, MOST users are well served by "Home" IMHO. Now, for our Enterprise types, "Pro" carries some tangible benefits with regard to "Domain" services, manageability, etc.. In short, their IT folks have their reasons (varies, but too much to detail here) and the end user doesn't care anyway, but I only use Pro on certain devices myself these days - mostly only those which are candidates for our Enterprise type users. I realize that it is "only" a $30 bump, so if it makes you feel better, go ahead and get it. TBH, I probably would, but I could not really justify it ;-)
• I still agree with the anti-glare option and the availability of this feature will even lead me to recommend a lower resolution (i.e. 1920x1080) screen. I still very much prefer 16:10 over 16:9 for mobile devices destined for work (vs. video), and the 3:2 (aka 15:10) is much better than that. I am disappointed that Lenovo has gone to using 16:9 in most of their ThinkPads but at least we're starting to see 3:2 in "Surface clone/competitor" devices from HPO and Lenovo - I just wish they would use 3:2 in their convertibles, too. Oh, and I'll take that anti-glare option, if you please ;-) No? OK, guess I’ll just get an anti-reflective screen protector :-\
• Depending on your usage pattern and environment(s), I still recommend the accidental drop protection option. You've been using your ThinkPad in the field for a while, so you can use your own experience to make that decision. I believe, however, that in most cases, the 1 year policy is a good idea as it is generally very inexpensive and should give you additional peace of mind while you get used to the device and shop for that bump case that is becoming more elusive :-| Given your stated "remote" location (?), I would consider going with an on-site option IF available and not too expensive. This is one of those items which it might be best to use some cumulative savings from options above to cover and /or mitigate the cost(s) IMHO. YMMV...
• I prefer the "factory" docs but I have no empirical evidence to offer regarding the better generic ones. Most reviews are on generic ones, so they get more press. Docks these days are generally the "remote puck via umbilical cord" type vs. the types we were used to with earlier ThinkPads. I am still fond of the earlier types but the newer ones are more portable. I don't generally travel with a dock, but most reviewers are mobile bloggers and they put a stronger weight on that functionality...
• LTE remains a challenge to find on most full featured Windows laptops and Tablets. As you have seen, that is starting to change but we won't see many options until a little later. IF built-in 4G LTE type connections are a much desired feature, it is obviously better to wait. Pairing my phone with a device is a simple matter for me, due primarily (I think) to my use of a W10 phone. MY usage revolves around "work data", not streaming video and other bandwidth hogs, so it works just fine for ME. My main "go to" laptop for the past 6 months or so is the MS Surface Book and it does not offer 4G LTE, but TBH, if it did I would definitely get that option. I can't really justify it, but I would do it anyway as long as I can get our preferred carrier (AT&T.)

Hope this helps for now. Let me know if you want more specific thoughts on certain aspects and I'll get back with you ASAP. I have an unusually busy day this coming Monday (Tax return day - oh, the joy!) but I probably have some time this weekend to get back to you.



Regards,


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Chris Wagoner]

Thanks for taking the time. Once again, you pretty much covered it. I have always hot spotted my phone, but it is becoming increasingly annoying to do so, particularly at the end of my phones life cycle when the radios feel like they are burning out. Is the LTE faster than than going through a phone or is it just a luxury for the additional $20+/- per month and not having to go through the steps to connect to phone? Do you see anything coming soon that would be a large advantage to me if I waited a little longer to pull the trigger on the P40 yoga itself ? or any competing device out therewith similar spec? Thanks Chris Wagoner

 

[Randall Garrett]

Chris,

Depending on what type of data you are working with, having built-in LTE can be faster than working through a paired phone. For the type of data I routinely work with, it is not very noticeable unless I am working outside of my normal parameters. If you're dealing with larger data sets (photos, etc., not to mention streaming stud), the interface between tablet and phone can range between comparatively slow if you are using BT4.x to about the same if you are using Wi-Fi. For most users, though, the day-to-day issue of convenience is the main factor. That is, how easy is it to get a "tethered" connection going vs. how much does it cost to purchase a 4G LTE model (assuming it is even available) and to have a new (or add-on?) data plan. As I mentioned, for MY routine data and using the phones that I use, it is easy/convenient and inexpensive. If you use another type phone, it should be just as easy, but I've heard stories where people say they have difficulty pairing their phones with their tablets, so I can't really say myself for sure. So, IF 4G LTE is important to you, I would try to wait until the model you want can be obtained with a built-in 4G LTE option.

Let me know if you want more specific info. I will be looking more into this topic in early April as I will be traveling a bit.


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/