Been using this slate form factor tablet for 6 months or so in the field. (Motion LE-1600 w/ view anywhere screen in a Motion "bump" case)
I do private property inspections and run a special software for this. I also run Journal or OneNote "under it" to take notes as I do the inspection. The combination of very good handwriting recognition and using the pen-as-mouse system make the inspections go much faster. I love this Tablet.
I tested the form factor with a "cheap" NEC VersaLite tablet for about a year. I'm hooked. I don't even own a working laptop anymore. I've been gradually winning over the other inspectors in my group. I write a WIKI and promote the TabletPC form heavily in it.
I'm sort of a early adopter of new tools, leaning toward the tech side. What I do is a blend of many years of construction industry experience as a General Contractor and years as a computer hobbiest. Oddly enough, they go together well. I am able to effectively use many high tech tools for inspections.
- TabletPC
- PocketPC (voice notes)
- Ev-DO for field access to the Net
- electronic thermometers
- electrical testers
- HP 1010 series laser printer.
- digital still camera
- electronic tape measure
All this stuff is carried in a special PC back pack and a stealth gym bag for the printer. Who says laser printers are delicate? This one has survived over a year of three-a-day inspections!
When I walk on to a job and roll out this portable office, do the inspection and print the report on-site, including pictures, it really blows the clients away.
It's been fun keeping up with all the latest "toys" and being able to write them off against my business.
A few months ago, I started a WIKI at www.pbwiki.com as a communication tool for the inspection group I work with. Of course, I'm a strong advocate for the tech tools available to make things go faster and better. This advocacy has been having a positive effect. We all use computers. Most are still using laptops. It's a bit of a sterotype but all the guys come from the construction fields and many of them are tech "noobs". They can use the computer (because they have to) but are totally lost if it doesn't go right. I've become the "go-to" guy in this case. I also promote the new tools and programs that I find to be useful to me.
Dana B.