TOPIC: Looking for new software

I am currently using Horizon software and like it from the PDA side on-site.  However, I have two issues that have me looking for something different.  I use an HP IPAQ for on-site reporting.

First, it is web based so I am dependent on Horizon to book an inspection, and sync my PDA to PC transfering reports via Horizon's server.  If they have issues, or if I have internet issues, I can't do my job.  I can't book an inspection on the road.

Second and more important, it takes me too long in my opinion ( today 2 hours for 90 pictures ) to complete my report in the office.  There is a lot of bouncing back and forth finding pics, captioning them, and inserting them in the appropriate spot.

I'd appreciate any testimonials about the HIP software in these areas.

Thanks!

Hi Joe,

You'll find lots of testimonials throughout the forum and on our testimonial pahe and I'm sure a lot of guys will comment here, some who are past Horizon users themselves.

You realy have to use the photo feature to see how quick and easy it is. Download the free trial. Go to Photos-Batch Add Photos and they'll all be added and resized at once. You ca then flip through all of them in one place and set where they should print (or not if you just want them for reference). You can do full annotations like arrows, lines, infrared fusion, adjust brightness, etc. Captions can be typed in or selcted from the narratives you used for that section of the report. Check out the animated tutorial for more.

We stopped developing for PDA's very early in the life of HIP. Guys hated the 2.5 inch screen and searching all over for comments. Some leave their laptops in a central location, others use 9" tablets like the CTL2go or the ASUS T91. For $499 they can't be beat. You can see 30 narratives with one click and write 5 or 6 words on the screen at once, not just 1 letter. You also can edit the template on the fly and add / edit narratives easily. You can even import your photos. I'm sure some of the ex PDA guys will comment too (we have a franchise switching from another program using pda's to the above mentioned tablets right now).

You don't sleep much do you?  I guess neither do I some nights :

So you say, not only would I be buying software, but also a new device?  Not in my budget right now.  Is the PDA out of the question, or, just not preferred?

I was actually looking at switching to the new Omnia II phone so 1 device would replace the 3 that I carry now ( PDA, camera, phone )

No phone I've seen yet has a good enough flash for the purposes of inspection photos, though they're getting there.

You'd have to use a laptop, tablet, or desktop running mac, windows or linux (only use if you know how linux works). PDA's are not supported. Guys used the PDA version for a few months and junked them. A tablet costs almost the same as a PDA now so it didn't make sense to continue developing an entirely separate program for a device very few people use. You could always buy HIP on a payment plan and you get $150 off until Christmas. From what you're paying in monthly fees right now, you'll quickly break even. Many guys with the tablets are finishing their entire report, including photos, on site. Others spend a few minutes at home reviewing and finishing. When you're saving an hour or two per inspection, you'll be saving a bundle.

No time to sleep. Too many new features to add!

As a newbie to inspection, and have only used Horizon with a PDA, I can't imagine using a notebook.  It's so easy to pull the PDA out of my pocket and tap on the screen while walking around. 

As a newbie to inspection, and have only used Horizon with a PDA, I can't imagine using a notebook.  It's so easy to pull the PDA out of my pocket and tap on the screen while walking around. 

I see now the T91 is a touch screen, nevermind.