Windows Tablets For Fieldwork

[Rlong]

Randall
It appears there are still very limited surface like devices with 4G connectivity. There are the older SP2 or the Thinkpad 2 (you still use) but apparently this is not in demand in the US (but is more widely available in other markets). The Lenovo Miix 510 (?) teased 4G would be offered as you previously indicated (and it briefly appeared on their website at an huge upgrade price) but I could not find it recently.

To reiterate my "need" for other readers (I've been seeking this since 2015 per this thread), I want to be able to take calls in the field and "effortlessly" open my online tracking software or a map and answer questions immediately. Not fumble with my phone and link to a hot spot, while telling the the caller to wait, while they inevitably talk, even though I explain I can't hear them... I bought an ATT hotspot back in 2015 or so, but even with that, you end up having to enter your password each time, while the caller waits and all the subroutines "wakeup" (I talked to ATT about it and they said "yup").

This is just my choice, (demand for "instant digital gratification"), I realize (particularly now) that others don't "demand" this. Having an office staff person would probably be easier, "BUT I WAS PROMISED FLYING CARS, AND ROBOTS"! It seems particularly archaic that I would have to hire a person to answer phones just to replace a 4G card in a truly portable device. : )

Any insights would be appreciated, I have been using a combination of cheaper and used devices waiting for the killer SP type tablet with 4G for 2+ years..

Bob in Co

 

[Mike Ault]

I want to be able to take calls in the field and "effortlessly" open my online tracking software or a map and answer questions immediately. Not fumble with my phone and link to a hot spot, while telling the the caller to wait, while they inevitably talk, even though I explain I can't hear them...

I have been using a combination of cheaper and used devices waiting for the killer SP type tablet with 4G for 2+ years..

And that is precisely what I have with my Lenovo ThinkPad One. I went through the various iterations of android tablets and all the various appraisal apps designed for that platform and after many months of struggling was still on the fence about ditching the clipboard. What I wanted was a "smart clipboard" that didn’t force me to change the way I gathered field data for the past 20+ years and that was connected via VPN when needed to answer questions about ongoing or recently completed assignments in the field. With the combination of Apex V6, Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft OneNote configured for field note use my field notes are automatically synchronized across all of my devices which makes it convenient to add handwritten annotations to MLS printouts for instance on whichever device happens to be handy at the time. I receive a lot of information about my ongoing assignments while I'm in the field working on other assignments and the ability to quickly switch to that tab in the Microsoft Onenote file associated with the assignment in question and take either handwritten, keyboard or voice notes saves a lot of lost information hassles. The AT&T 4G card mine came with seems to do about as good a job with data as my cell phone does so it is definitely worth the extra charge per month to me to avoid the "hotspot hassle" you described and full VPN access definitely does come in handy at times. Make sure and carry a mouse with you as those desktop programs are not mobile optimized and the buttons you seek seem mighty small when you're in some parking lot searching through your office hard drive. I played pretty heavily with Dragon NaturallySpeaking trying to streamline the walk-through process, it worked very well indoors but I never was able to come up with an all-around acceptable Bluetooth microphone solution that performed well outside in a windy or noisy environment. I haven’t checked into the latest Bluetooth microphone happenings in over a year now and some active noise cancellation technology might be out that would solve that problem however you still have the problem of people following you around while you are talking in the microphone about their "soiled carpeting". For a commercial appraiser I think the Dragon NaturallySpeaking teamed with a Windows tablet is well down the path to the Holy Grail, I’m just too set in my ways to make a total switchover to field voice recognition notes for residential work. Using Dragon for dictation of text notes into Microsoft OneNote directly on top of an MLS printout such as "this comparable closed with the extra 10 acre parcel included" works perfectly and is far preferable to embedded .wav audio files that you will have to keep track of somehow. If you're foolish enough to take phone calls during lunch and somebody gives you a vital piece of information you can pull up OneNote on your phone and add it directly to your that particular assignment tab while it is still fresh on your mind. Using the Windows Tablet path you’re not forced into somebody else dictating your workflow, however well-intentioned. You can use whatever fieldnote gathering procedure and camera that works best for the task at hand and if you have voice recognition set up back at the office you’re not really losing any time downloading and labeling photos off of your camera. I still don't know how you are supposed to keep your photographs straight when you're using a tablet for half of your photos and a standalone camera for the other half anyway because it's just too hard to take comparable photos by hanging a tablet out the window, especially when you need an optical zoom function, need to take pictures in low-light conditions, need to look inconspicuous, etc.. I also find it considerably faster going through a home circling checklist items and handwriting field notes as needed on a OneNote synchronized checklist to be deciphered in the peace and calm of the office environment rather than trying to hit precisely the right pulldown box for the appropriate canned response common on most of the apps that I've seen for these small tablet devices. A process made considerably harder still when trying to carry on a polite conversation with whomever is following you around at the time. Not trying to take away from all of the effort involved by the folks getting all those android and iPad appraisal apps up and functional for people not quite so set in their ways, as evidenced by numerous posts on this board they work and work well but they were just not my cup of tea and I never considered myself exactly a Luddite. Microsoft has done all the heavy lifting as far as interconnectivity and synchronization issues with the latest Windows platforms and I guess what I am trying to tell you with this lengthy thread clogger (sorry Randall) is that 2 year old technology works quite well and I would not hesitate to pick up a lightly used ThinkPad with a 4G card if you can find one. One primary factor to keep in mind is the bump cases that are available for whatever tablet you end up with. Something that’s awkward to hold in one hand while you’re measuring with the other will get old pretty fast and I’ve been very impressed with the bump case and docking station that’s available for the ThinkPad. Just a 4G ThinkPad enthusiast weighing in after real-world field use for a couple of years….

 

[Randall Garrett]

Randall
It appears there are still very limited surface like devices with 4G connectivity. There are the older SP2 or the Thinkpad 2 (you still use) but apparently this is not in demand in the US (but is more widely available in other markets). The Lenovo Miix 510 (?) teased 4G would be offered as you previously indicated (and it briefly appeared on their website at an huge upgrade price) but I could not find it recently.

To reiterate my "need" for other readers (I've been seeking this since 2015 per this thread), I want to be able to take calls in the field and "effortlessly" open my online tracking software or a map and answer questions immediately. Not fumble with my phone and link to a hot spot, while telling the the caller to wait, while they inevitably talk, even though I explain I can't hear them... I bought an ATT hotspot back in 2015 or so, but even with that, you end up having to enter your password each time, while the caller waits and all the subroutines "wakeup" (I talked to ATT about it and they said "yup").

This is just my choice, (demand for "instant digital gratification"), I realize (particularly now) that others don't "demand" this. Having an office staff person would probably be easier, "BUT I WAS PROMISED FLYING CARS, AND ROBOTS"! It seems particularly archaic that I would have to hire a person to answer phones just to replace a 4G card in a truly portable device. : )

Any insights would be appreciated, I have been using a combination of cheaper and used devices waiting for the killer SP type tablet with 4G for 2+ years..

Bob in Co

Hey Bob,

Good to hear from you again. I understand your desire/need for integrated 4G/LTE. While my particular setup is simple (no complicated set-up, p/w, etc.), most people don't use the combination of devices I do. Lots of folks prefer something like you describe. I know of a couple of new devices on the horizon, but there is an information embargo on the details ATM. I expect formal announcement(s) during/around the next Mobile World Congress. MWC is an annual event, usually in late February-Early March and there is an associated event later in the year (though much smaller.) This event is kind of like CES, but focuses on things having to do with mobility, and today that mostly revolves around wireless broadband. Of course, the major items are cell phones, but this is the event where those with mobile broadband-equipped tablets will usually announce (and sometimes show) their latest and greatest.

Until the info embargo is lifted (or someone else leaks details) all I can list out for you are devices which are still available today. Let me know what you are looking for with respect to size/weight, storage and any other hot buttons. Oh, and do you have a requirement, or just preference for/against, any particular carrier (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.)? Can I assume that you do not really need a ruggedized device (i.e. Toughbook type) and that a "Business Class" will do just fine?

Regards,

-Randall Garrett-
/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

Despite being pulled from their web site after accidently posting info, it is relatively common knowledge now that Lenovo is about to introduce an upgrade to their Miix 310 - the upcoming Lenovo Miix 320 will feature a 10.1" IPS LCD screen, an intel X5-Z8360 CPU, 2 or 4 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of Storage. There will be a choice of screen resolutions as well as Wi-Fi only or optional 4G LTE. Prices are rumored to begin at $229 MSRP, which is a bit less expensive than the 310, which is still running $249 street prices for the least expensive variant. As before, I would only recommend models with 4GB of memory and the 128 GB storage. Once they finally re-post the full specs, we'll probably start seeing early "hands on" reviews, etc. and perhaps have a good idea on availability of the appraiser-friendly models. Also as before, keep in mind that this type of device is a "companion class" device - that is, while it will run your "full windows" software, it is not a heavy lifter type device and you should not expect a two or three hundred dollar device to run your full appraisal packages like your beastly desktop systems do.

[Edit] - Here is a link to just one of the many "leaked Miix 320" articles out today. Most of these articles have the same info and I chose this one because is has a few pictures and does not have some of the obvious errors contained in some of the other articles.

• http://www.windowscentral.com/affordable-lenovo-miix-320-2-1-leaks-ahead-possible-mwc-debut

As I mentioned earlier, there are a few more (some with more oomph) tablets with 4G LTE to be formally announced during MWC.


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

.end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

FYI - Several readers have written me, asking about the upcoming 2017 Samsung Windows Tablet/2-in-1.
I do not have any confirmed or detailed information on what is sometimes referred to as the "Galaxy Book" which I ca share at this time. All publicly available information certainly points to this device possibly being announced at or around MWC 2017, though. So, once I get confirmation and detailed info - or, once the (corroborated) information is leaked elsewhere, I am happy to pass along what I may or may not know ;-)

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

Now that it is official, I can report the specs on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Books - yes there are two different models - a 10.6" version and a 12" version. The smaller one has a Core m3 CPU whereas the larger one has a Core i5 CPU and both feature Touch and Pen capabilities and offer WiFi and 4G LTE capability

I have not used this device yet, and I will wait until I have before giving any real world user feedback, etc. Once I get some feedback from a few trusted sources, though, I will gladly pass along any pertinent info. In the meantime, I am posting thumbnails (click to enlarge) for the spec sheet table as well as a generic picture of the two devices side-by-side:





Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

HP has finally made public their revamped HP Pro X2 and it is reportedly available for order now for $980 and up. Basically, they upped the resolution to 1920x1080 (16:9 aspect ratio) and it features a keyboard which is similar in form/function to the MS Surface Pro devices. Of course, they are using modern CPUs ranging from an Intel Pentium 4410Y, CoreM3 and Core i5s to Core i7, 8GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of SSD storage. New this year is the addition of a USB 3.1 Type C to the regular USB 3.0, microSD slot and combo mic/headphone jack. They improved the palm rejection on the touch screen and upped the precision and capabilities of the Wacom active pen and digitizer system while including a SIM slot for 4G LTE options. Cameras include a 5MP front and 8 MP rear which has an LED flash. There are additional security options which most users here are not likely to be clamoring for, but the ability to conveniently remove (i.e. without breaking a seal which can void warranties!) the SSD in case you need service, HP Secure Erase and the optional Fingerprint reader might be a distinction which is of interest to some/many here. Finally, the device is certified for MIL-STD 810G rating, so it is designed for common outdoor use and the last picture below shows an option which many of our users find desirable - a factory made ruggedized bump case . All in all, this is a pretty complete tablet which is available with a range of options and prices, depending on your needs. Of course, I prefer devices which have (at minimum) a 16:10 aspect ratio screen and believe that 3:2 (15:10) is even better, but many find 16:9 suitable for their needs. I'm looking forward to seeing what their Elite X2 revamp features, but I suspect that this Pro X2 pretty much outlines the major features.

Below are a few representative thumbnails, which you can click on to view slightly enlarged pictures.

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+



[EDIT] There are several more announcements to be shared, including some light duty, budget-friendly options but I must be AFK for a good part of the rest of the day so I'll have to post those items later, perhaps later in the week.

/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

Noting that the Huawei MateBook (Signature Edition) is being offered on Amazon for between 29% and 35% off. The models with the stated discounts are the ones with:

• a Core m3, 4GB RAM and 128 GB SSD for $399, and
• a Core m5, 4 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD for $549

The other models are priced higher, as you would imagine.

This tablet is a pretty solid device with decent specs for a companion device. I believe I posted a link to Lisa Gade's review from last summer, but in case I didn't, here it is again: http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Huawei-MateBook.htm.

If you go to Amazon and enter "Huawei MateBook Signature Edition 2 in 1 PC Tablet" in the search box, it'll take you to the page which defaults to the Core m5 unit for $549, but you can select the Core m3 for $399 or one with more RAM and SSD, etc. I also note that these are going fast but I don't have any notice that the sale is limited by certain dates - probably just stock ATM.

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

I noted that the ASUS Transformer Mini (with specs below) is on sale at the MS Store for $249 from today through March 28th. The higher priced model ($399) adds more storage, but you can add a 64 GB micro SD card for way under $20 and 128 GB cards are under $50 (even for GOOD ones!), so that it the way I would go...

Basic Specs:

• 10.1-inch LED-backlit touchscreen with 1280x800px resolution (16:10 aspect ratio)
• 1.44GHz Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor
• Windows 10 Home
• 4 GB RAM
• 64GB eMMC storage (plus microSD card slot)
• 2MP webcam
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi with Miracast support
• Bluetooth 4.1
• 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x microUSB 2.0 + 1 x microHDMI
• 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo port
• "Up to 11 hours movie playback"
• 10.2" x 6.7" x 0.3" (0.5" with keyboard attached)
• 1.7 lb. with keyboard attached

ASUS Site with more info, pictures, etc.: https://www.asus.com/us/2-in-1-PCs/ASUS-Transformer-Mini-T102HA/
ASUS video intro:

MS Store link: https://www.microsoftstore.com/stor...nature-Edition-2-in-1-PC/productID.5082192600
Edit: If the old price shows up, select the box on the right (select thumbnail below to enlarge)


FWIW, though it can show dirt, I personally like the white casing over the more common black ones because sometimes I bounce a Disto laser off of my tablets. For my personal use, however, I would lean toward a more subtle keyboard color, but at least the orange in the ones I see at the MS store makes it easier to see in case you inadvertently leave it behind...

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

MobileDemand has long made some really tough computers. For those looking for an inexpensive ruggedized computer, there is a really thorough review with lots of pertinent pictures on the MobileDemand xTablet Flex 10A which has a new lower price starting in the $595 - $670 range and offering a ton of sensible mobile accessories. Rather than go into the specs here, I refer you to the review at the link below. I will be getting mine in soon and can give those who have an interest my thoughts on it if desired.

Review: http://ruggedpcreview.com/3_slates_tabletpc_mobiledemand_xtablet_flex10a.html


There is also a nice drop test video here:

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/