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Windows Tablets For Fieldwork

Not directly related/restricted to Field Devices, but still handy to know in case you are ever having issues... I will be off-line for a little while and not able to log in here at will, so I wanted to post a link to this article today. Once I get back on-line, I will likely have some exciting news to share with regard to items affecting this thread in particular. I have the info now, but some of the pertinent details are still under info embargo and I want to wait until I get the "all clear" notice before reporting. In the interim, I hope this article is interesting/helpful!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/
 
FWIW, they are offering a $200 discount on MS Surface Pro devices at the Microsoft Store. So, they start at:
  • $599 for the Core m3/128GB/4GB model,
  • $799 for the Core i5/128GB/4GB model,
  • $1,099 for the Core i5/256GB/8GB model,
  • $1,399 for the Core i7/256GB/8GB model,
  • etc.

[Edit] - Noted similar pricing at Best buy, except that the Core m3 pricing was better at the Microsoft store.

As a reminder, both the core m3 and the Core i5 models are fan-less, which is good for thermals, dust, etc.
Store link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sto...YVTxZ6bcB96Dxg)()&activetab=pivot:overviewtab

I always recommend getting the optional accidental drop protection policy ("Microsoft Complete") which is shown to have a $40 discount :)

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

PS - I have not forgotten that I mentioned some exciting news on certain new devices coming. I have some limited info which is officially confirmed, but in order to be more complete, I want to get a few more specific examples before I go into that topic. Having just returned from my trip, it will take me a few days to get more together. I aim to post again next week, before I am out of the office again, so it should not be too much longer.

/end/
 
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OFF TOPIC (sort of...) - THIS MAY BE OF INTEREST TO FOLKS FOR CHRISTMAS OR END OF THE YEAR WRITE-OFF PURPOSES

IF any of you are considering a 4K TV purchase, FWIW I have been running some tests on some for folks who want to use them as PC monitors. Summarily, with some caveats, there are a few which I have found that work quite well. The caveats outside of the models that are decent enough to use as a monitor (IMHO, of course) are that not all sets support a very important spec and you need to have either a moderate video card which supports HDMI 2.x and a true high speed cable.

So, if any of you are pining for a new TV (and a legitimate write-off IMHO*), and want me to send you details, just PM me with your contact info. If there are too many requests, my box will certainly overflow, so I may have to start a new thread...

Also, IF you were to purchase a MS Xbox One S or X, I can verify that there are apps that you can run which would lend additional credence to using it and your new TV as a work device. I would not (presently) consider it robust enough in the software end of things to be an appraisal-centric device, but you can do some general office-related things - like MS apps - on it and even some appraisal-specific things which I will discuss later. Maybe you have a child or another relative who would love an Xbox and you'd like to see if it could be (partially, mostly, fully?) expensed this year? As with the above, let me know if you want more info. Serious/legit inquiries only - I am traveling for business and personal reasons from not through (almost) the end of the year, so I won't have a lot of time to get into lengthy discussions very much.

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

[* Obviously, I am not a tax advice expert, so you should ask your tax professional before making any tax-related decisions or entries on your own return. That said, I can verify that the sets I mention work and thus should be no different than any other computer monitor purchase. The difference is that they can also be used as a TV for whatever it is you use a TV for. IF you use it for non-appraisal things, I would imagine that most tax people would say you should only write off a corresponding percentage of the work-to-play ratio. I'm sure you will :) ... ]

/end/
 
I just got back into San Antonio today and I have not had time to completely catch up. I did, however, go to MS today (on another matter) and found that they are finally offering the New Surface Pro with Core i5 and 4G LTE for sale to everyone. It is currently available in two versions:
Note that the links are to the commercial/business site, and only the first one shows to be in stock, but my sources tell me that some stores already have both SKU's on hand and they are available for walk-in customers. I do not know the status of the beefier models yet, but aim to get more detail next week.

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/
 
Hi Randall,
Wondering if you have any plans to do an end of year roundup anytime soon. Of particular interest to me is the companion device category with LTE capability. I can only think of the iPad and the Tab E at the moment, but perhaps there are others you have come across that also feature a serviceable camera.
 
Hi SJA,

Sorry for the delay in replying - I am just getting back, settled in and catching up to dive into 2018 items...

Summarily, YES I plan on incorporating a summary/roundup of companion-class devices, as well as some that fall into potential desktop replacement-class. Some may sort of straddle the line depending on how they are decked out. Mostly, however, I think the most exciting devices are the companion type tablets that could run more powerful apps if/when desired. The improvements in the desktop replacement class devices are largely incremental (but in some cases significant for that type user) whereas the release of SD835 and SD845 devices will open some doors for those who really want/need 4G LTE, "always connected" capability, longer battery life, etc. (Keep your eyes peeled, though, as 5G appears to be a pretty big game changer for many. That said, for most of what we here do on a routine basis, 4G LTE is more than sufficient.)

From the looks of things with respect to stuff that piled up while I was away and needing resolution with the start of a new year, I won't be able to do much more than post some interesting news for the next week (-ish.) I have some early, initial "hands on" reports of a few devices, but I'd really like more exposure to them before getting into hard recommendations. That said, I believe I'll soon have enough reliable info to make "soft" recommendations and from the looks of things at this point, I'll be recommending that it'll be Spring here in North America before we start to see the first round of the new companion devices available at retail. From experience, we all already suspect that the first ones will be best suited for those with a demonstrable need to be an early adopter. The real questions is - Are these good enough to justify the cost vs. the amount saved by going with a "last gen" design. Again I think the big thing will be the availability of 4G LTE and a longer battery life...

Hope this helps for now. Don't hesitate to ask any specifics - If I know the answer and it is not under embargo, I am happy to share, but it helps to know some specifics of what your hot buttons are. (size, weight, ruggedized, weather resistant, etc.)


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/
 
Just a quick FYI for now - expect more after the bulk of the CES 2018 announcements are made & confirmed...

HP has announced that their upcoming 12.3" Envy X2 tablet (picture a Surface Pro clone with respect to design, etc.) which will be powered by the SD 835 (and include 4G LTE) will also be offered in a version with an Intel Core i5 and X16 modem. This is presumably going to be offered for those who want/need the performance in a Core i5 type device, but still want "integrated" 4G LTE in a (reportedly) 1.65 lb. device.

Hope this helps for now!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/
1514754924_envy_1.jpg
 
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Just a quick post to share some press pics of the upcoming ASUS NovaGo (starting $599)
Asus-NovaGo-tablet-open-full.jpg


And the Lenovo Miix 630 ($799)
Miix-630-5.jpg

The ASUS is a 13.3" laptop design that flips back for tablet use whereas the Lenovo is more like the 12.3" HP mentioned above. Both are powered by the SD 835 and have 4G LTE, so connectivity pretty much mimics your regular cell phone, iPad or Android Tablet (with LTE) in that regard, except that it runs Windows 10, thus "regular software." This new class of light weight, affordable Windows hardware brings longer battery life (20 hours quoted probably means more like 14 - 16 - certainly more than enough for a day or two of real world field usage.) More info to follow as I begin to get some reliable hands-on reports from trusted sources. I could point to some early reviews (which were surprisingly positive, given the "journalists" who wrote about them and their lack of understanding of what it is that we do for a living) but what is out there now is based on early builds and lacking any personal time spent with these devices (yet), I'd rather wait to hear from the few sources I still trust before I make significant comment on these devices. I've already tested our own software on similar designs and am pleased with the performance, but I'd also like to test some other appraisal/inspection industry software as well so I can let you know how that goes.

Hope this helps for now!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex software+

/end/
 
Fujitsu has (finally!) publicly announced some (skimpy!) details on 3 upcoming tablets. As is typical of Fujitsu products in North America, they tend to be more Business/Enterprise-oriented and thus will not likely earn much press in the consumer space. Nevertheless, some may find them a good fit for their particular circumstance(s)...

Perhaps the one I am most excited about is the Fujitsu Arrows Tab V727/S, which is their first device with the superior (IMHO) 3:2 aspect ratio screen and FWIW, I think the actual resolution of 1920 x 1280 makes more sense that the way many manufactures still try to garner consumer favor press by overloading pixels, which for our purposes only reduces battery life. Really, on a 12.3" screen, this resolution is more than sufficient! I am told that these screens will be "high luminance/high-legibility (for presentations)" but of course, I'll reserve judgement on the outdoor performance until I see/use it in person. Historically, Fujitsu Business Class tablets tend to rank favorably when compared to other manufacturers' consumer units so color me "hopeful" on this aspect. I am told that this device will be available with a range of Intel "Core" CPUs (once I verify, I will detail later), user-replaceable batteries and feature two USB type A + one USB type C ports, a fast-charge active pen, a micro-HDMI port as well as an array of typical business class security options (smart card or fingerprint reader, etc.) I am told that the new tablets are approximately 20% lighter and even though the throughput (performance) has increased, the battery life has also been improved, as well when compared to previous/similar models.

Low_ARROWSTabV727S.jpg


[Edit] - I am reminded to comment with respect to how new devices fit into an increasing interest in mobile (i.e. companion-class) devices. Without actually seeing/using this device myself (yet), IMHO the overall specs put this closer to a "laptop replacement" device vs. the upcoming SD-powered companion-class devices. This is typical of business class devices meant for Enterprise users. For some here, though, this type device - much like most MS Surface Pro (and clones) - proves that "safety net" of being able to comfortably run some of their more "full figured" software until if/when more svelte replacements become available :-)

Hope this helps! I will follow up with more info on this device as soon as I have confirmed details.


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/
 
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