Tablet Recomendation

[Rick Mullins]

Good morning everyone.
I am a new HI (with HACHI application in hand) and I have a question about Tablet PC's. Is there a preference for a particular one that most HI prefer? When I was taking classes the instructor had a Toshiba that he liked a lot. I have listed three below that I have been considering. The Gateway is 7 pounds so I might just forget it all together. I would appreciate your opinions.
Thank You!


Gateway® CX210X
http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529664605.php

HP Pavilion tx1000z

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...tx1000z_series

Portege M400
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/...=PPM40U-3G305F

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

My preference. . .

http://www.panasonic.com/business/to...lly-rugged.asp

[dchew]

Tablets are nice if you have the right software packet to go with it. I'd go with a software package that works for me and then match the hardware to the software.

For myself, I converted by old paper checklist to a PDF and use a old Fujistu 3400 tablet with it. The checklist is bookmarked and I use PDF Annonator to write on the PDF just like I did with my paper checklist. It definitely saves on paper and ink cartridges. Then latter, I use my HI software to turn it into a report.

The tablet is 2001 technology and is available for a price that I'm willing to pay (~$250) on eBay. Back in 2001, the tablet cost about $3k.

The battery only last for about 2.5 hours max which is what you get with modern tablet/laptop batteries. I have several spare batteries that I bring along just in case I have a 2nd inspection that needs to get done that day.

[Peter Doane]

I use the Motion Computing Tablet.
www.motioncomputing.com

here are some others:

Samsung Q1: http://www.samsung.com/products/ultr...lepc/index.asp

Fujitsu:
http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Eco...T5100&ptype=TB

[Rick Mullins]

Thank you for the suggestions. The Toughbook looks nice and I have heard good things about them. Pricey, but great units.

Peter, we are neighbors by the way, I see you are using a true tablet PC instead of a convertible notebook computer. Do you like it better than a notebook style computer? How is it for typing and printing reports? Seems like it would be great for carying around the home as you inspect.

Rick