TOPIC: WHat Tablet Is Best?

Hey Guys, Currently I am using a system that I have a small handheld HP IPAQ to enter my report and download. Only problem is I have to manually put in each individual picture at a time and move the items I want into the summary section myself when I generate the reports at night. The reports are taking about 1-2hours on average to produce. I would like some info on anyone who is using a tablet with the HIP software and which one< Please add your advise Dominic> seems to work best with the software and what is the average length of time for compiling a report. I noticed in the tutorial that everything in RED automatically is put in a summary. LIKE THAT!, but curious is there is any feature to add photos as you go along with the tablet. Is there any tablet that you could shoot a photo and drop in right in the report while inspecting? Trying to streamline some processes. I currently use a Narrative report style, but I do like the check report with Narrative added in. This is a huge benefit for simplicity and I will probably get fewer calls from Agents. Seems Narrative gets a little wordy and most I do not think read it fully! Any advise is helpful. Thanks! ;D

The CTL2Go tablet from CTLCorp.com. Check out al the discussion on the message boards here in the computer section. For $500 it's perfect and was made to withstand beatings from elementary school kids! Coupon code HIPREF20 saves you $20.

Photos are EXTREMELY easy to add. You batch import all the photos at once and can go through 100 photos in about 5 minutes to drop them in the appropriate section. Obviously if you're captioning and adding arrows and stuff it will take a little longer.

None of the tablets have good enough cameras yet. But the way we do photos is the opposite of every other program and it's really not needed.

HIP can turn check boxes on or off, so it's up to you if you want full narrative or not.

Inspection times vary. Some guys finish on site. Others spend 10 minutes at home finishing up reviewing and adding pics. Others start at home and spend from 45 minutes (avg) up to 2 hours if you're super detailed like Serge.


Download and try it out You can use it in the field for a few months.

I use a Samsung Q1 in the field. I am able to get the selection and damage panels completed (HIP program)
at the time of inspection.

I download the photos at home or on site. This the best feature of the HIP program. Takes seconds to a few minutes depending on amount of photos.

I add relevant illustrations. 3-12 as I go trough the photos assigning them there location  and caption. (This takes anywhere from 10-30 minutes)

I generate my report and preview. 5-15 minutes.

I own a CTL2 but I am not sold on it. I like my portability of my Q1. It fits in my tool bag, on my belt and has been the best purchase I ever made.

I have been completing my inspections about 30-45 minutes faster as I have my template in proper order to fit my style.

I take about 30-60 minutes at home on report. But I dink around and do research.

Hope this helps!!

Thank you for the information guys. I was leaning toward the Q1 myself. I noticed a few different a few different places to get one, some are outrageously priced over 1000 dollars but I seam some refurbs for almost half around 500-600 hundred. What are your thoughts on refurbs Dominic, has anyone purchased a refurb. I think the CTL2 may be a bit bulky for my style. I have a tool belt as well with a few instruments and a Thermal Camera, so less is more and convenience. I like the bulk picture upload. I take about 50-100 photos on average. I am detailed, so I will be spending time on pictures. 

The only downside on the Q1 is the 7 inch screen to the 10 1/2 for the CTL2. But I am use to it and I am very familiar with my template. I have a hands free head light to help me see the small key board.

The CTL2 is still bulky in my opinion and I would need to carry an extra bag to each inspection. I bought it for a back up for business and home just in case.

What about the Speed of the Q1. Is the HIP program running at a good speed, or does it take a while to load..