TOPIC: A New Tablet!! CTL2Go

Sounds like they fixed the issues, how long did it take to get it back? Why did it cost $1000 in lost jobs? Did you have to turn down jobs because you didn't have it? I don't get why they can't send via fedex every day, hopefully Matt will chime in.

It is always smart to have a backup machine and this would prevent you from having to pay for the overnight shipping, so you're right, getting a 2nd unit isn't a bad idea!

I would be happy to explain.  I dealt with this issue directly with John, so I can speak to it.  I handle our RMAs as well here, so I was aware of the situation from the get-go.  I hand picked John's 2go out of our pile of receiving, and took it to our repair department.  This is not the normal process, but I know these units are important to every inspector, so I wanted to make sure that the unit was put in the front of the line, since it was a rush.  The repair was taken care of shortly after, and the unit was taken to shipping to be packaged up and shipped out.  The shipping department did not notify anyone that once we schedule a pickup with FedEx, it takes them 2-3 days to actually pick it up, even if it is an overnight!  This is because we do not normally have FedEx pickup, as we ship daily with UPS.  FedEx drops off to us daily, but they will not accept any pickups when they drop off, which I think is odd.  I can't tell you how many times I have chased a UPS truck down the street to throw something on it at the last minute as it was pulling away from another business in our area

Long story short, when I found out that it was still in the shipping department, I did everything I could to have it delivered Next Day, hence the Saturday delivery.  It was the only option available since this was brought to my attention on Friday.  Then when the PC had another issue, I authorized it for a replacement unit, because I did not want John to keep having issues like this, so it was a safety bet.  I had the swap the hard drive to minimize the downtime, so that all the needed software would be on the machine, as well as the data.  That way John could be back up and running as soon as he received the unit back.  We took care of the return shipping via Next Day Saturday Delivery.  I sincerely hope that this unit continues to perform as it should for as long as it is needed!

Yes I had to turn down work.  First time I sent it in on a Tuesday and should have had it back on a Thursday.  But due to the shipping delay I got it back on Saturday.  The second time I sent it in, they got it back very fast!  And I ended up using my personal PC for the jobs I already had booked.  My personal PC is a HP zd8000.  Its very bulky and very little battery life.  It did slow me down quite a bit but I got through. 

Lesson is, I should have a back up for all my critical tools.  Anyone looking to sell their 2gopc? 

I remember the ZD8000 series from when I worked in retail.  They are more of a laptank than a laptop, so I feel your pain.  I apologize for the issues you had with the initial repair, I am just glad that we were able to take care of the issue in a timely fashion the second time around.  If you need a great deal on a 2go 8.9", let me know, I still have a few!

Matt, thanks for getting John a new unit.  I'd definitely see if you guys can set things up where you call FedEx and they come pickup those overnights. I showed off the 10" at 2 events this weekend and everyone loved it.

John, make sure to print out a copy of your report and laminate it for reuse. That way you never need to turn down a job!

Dom,  As always thanks for your insights on how to get the most out of the tablet.

I guess it's just a matter of getting used to finding the narratives, adding the unique findings and equipment details and keeping the inspection time at a reasonable duration.  This was the problem my first few times out. That's why I became frustrated. I finally resorted to a paper checklist the last time out. It helped me keep the inspection time where I wanted it to be. But then the back end report creation time was a lot longer than I wanted.  I guess I just need more practice and it's a matter of balance.

You're trying to get used to the software and the tablet at the same time which is what's making it more difficult. You see John Sophers post awhile back on how it was saving him hours. That's because he was used to the program. Do a mock inspection or two at home, make sure to rearrange your narratives so the most popular are at the top and you'll be good to go.

Sounds like they fixed the issues, how long did it take to get it back? Why did it cost $1000 in lost jobs? Did you have to turn down jobs because you didn't have it? I don't get why they can't send via fedex every day, hopefully Matt will chime in.

It is always smart to have a backup machine and this would prevent you from having to pay for the overnight shipping, so you're right, getting a 2nd unit isn't a bad idea!

I would be happy to explain.  I dealt with this issue directly with John, so I can speak to it.  I handle our RMAs as well here, so I was aware of the situation from the get-go.  I hand picked John's 2go out of our pile of receiving, and took it to our repair department.  This is not the normal process, but I know these units are important to every inspector, so I wanted to make sure that the unit was put in the front of the line, since it was a rush.  The repair was taken care of shortly after, and the unit was taken to shipping to be packaged up and shipped out.  The shipping department did not notify anyone that once we schedule a pickup with FedEx, it takes them 2-3 days to actually pick it up, even if it is an overnight!  This is because we do not normally have FedEx pickup, as we ship daily with UPS.  FedEx drops off to us daily, but they will not accept any pickups when they drop off, which I think is odd.  I can't tell you how many times I have chased a UPS truck down the street to throw something on it at the last minute as it was pulling away from another business in our area

Long story short, when I found out that it was still in the shipping department, I did everything I could to have it delivered Next Day, hence the Saturday delivery.  It was the only option available since this was brought to my attention on Friday.  Then when the PC had another issue, I authorized it for a replacement unit, because I did not want John to keep having issues like this, so it was a safety bet.  I had the swap the hard drive to minimize the downtime, so that all the needed software would be on the machine, as well as the data.  That way John could be back up and running as soon as he received the unit back.  We took care of the return shipping via Next Day Saturday Delivery.  I sincerely hope that this unit continues to perform as it should for as long as it is needed!

Yes I had to turn down work.  First time I sent it in on a Tuesday and should have had it back on a Thursday.  But due to the shipping delay I got it back on Saturday.  The second time I sent it in, they got it back very fast!  And I ended up using my personal PC for the jobs I already had booked.  My personal PC is a HP zd8000.  Its very bulky and very little battery life.  It did slow me down quite a bit but I got through. 

Lesson is, I should have a back up for all my critical tools.  Anyone looking to sell their 2gopc? 

I remember the ZD8000 series from when I worked in retail.  They are more of a laptank than a laptop, so I feel your pain.  I apologize for the issues you had with the initial repair, I am just glad that we were able to take care of the issue in a timely fashion the second time around.  If you need a great deal on a 2go 8.9", let me know, I still have a few!

I definitely will buy another to have as a backup in the future.  I think this computer is perfect for my needs.  In hindsight, I think I should have just bought a new one and had you ship that one to me overnight.  Then I wouldn't have been in such a rush to get the other one fixed.  If you ever get that other unit working correctly I might consider buying it at a discount!!!  ;D

I definitely will buy another to have as a backup in the future.  I think this computer is perfect for my needs.  In hindsight, I think I should have just bought a new one and had you ship that one to me overnight.  Then I wouldn't have been in such a rush to get the other one fixed.  If you ever get that other unit working correctly I might consider buying it at a discount!!!  ;D

It will probably be quite some time before we see it again.  They normally have to be shipped off to the production factory for recertification. I mentioned earlier that I have a few of the 8.9" models left that I can make deals on, but I forgot to mention that they come with a full warranty, and are like new.  They were used in an education cart for demo for a couple weeks, and were never removed from the cart.  I believe there are about 10-11 units like this left still.