TOPIC: Report Writing, Help Please

Thanks for the information.
Bob, If I keep my existing HIP software and purchase a slate tablet I would be good to go, Yes. I had no plans on using the phone for report writing. I just need a new phone and the new Iphone has a very bad warranty. (3 months and then you have to pay for service help via Apple) so I thought I would just get a differant At&T phone.
I was looking at the Galaxy SII, just so happens to be a Droid.
I wish there was a pole that listed what all the inspectors are using and a quick opinion, Like Ipone4, Slate2, No problems. It would help guys like me or atleast me.

Steven based on the tone of your post it is very possible that rather than have mobile HIP you would be better off simply
using a regular slate type tablet with windows.
I heavily recommend you get the Galaxy phone however and take mobile for a spin just to see if you are missing out.

Great phone,test,and if you do not like then you have an answer on your own as to which style tablet to get.

Get the phone first and dont rush out to buy the tablet till you test mobile is the definite answer.

Bob,
Last question. Are you saying that some inspectors do their report writing on their phone?
I have no clue what the HIP mobile is about. More things to learn.
I guess what it all boils down to and why I started this question was to shorten my report time.
The information that those that responded gave me my Game Plan, as I listed above. My problem is not so much the phone as, will the tablet work faster vrs writing notes and then going back to the office to do the report. I would now say Yes. Its if I can master the right tablet.

Steve you need to determine that.
mobile is still Beta testing so you should get in on that as it is fully functional.
I personally do not like on site reporting (distracting) but mobile is better as you can just add info and it gives you a head start of the report at home .
Some (yes) are doing full reports off the phone.We all have diff styles.

Makes sense to try all.

swessler wrote: Bob,
Last question. Are you saying that some inspectors do their report writing on their phone?
I have no clue what the HIP mobile is about. More things to learn.
I guess what it all boils down to and why I started this question was to shorten my report time.
The information that those that responded gave me my Game Plan, as I listed above. My problem is not so much the phone as, will the tablet work faster vrs writing notes and then going back to the office to do the report. I would now say Yes. Its if I can master the right tablet.

Okay Steve... I been waiting to jump in. Didn't want to dispupt the flow of discussion, but I feel now's the time.

Q: Why do you feel going Mobile is going to solve your problem?

What Bob kind of eluded to, but didn't elaborate on, is that he continues to have long report times also. I know from other MB's that his slow time is from his report writing "style". I feel that no matter what method Bob uses to report, his times will always be slower than another inspector.

Why?

Because he chooses to create his narrative as he goes... no "canned comments"!!!

Evaluate where you are now, to determine what you need to do to get where you want to be. I don't remember as this thread get's longer, but are you certain that you need to go mobile? What exactly is slowing down your report writing? Do you have a report that we can look at? You would be surprised what "peer review" could do for you. Dominic may also notice something that could be of assistence.

My personal opinion, based upon watching many inspectors take the plunge and regret it, is you should get some "hand's on" before you spend your cash, since you have no experience with these devices. Rent a device for a week or two. Test drive it. You may well hate it!

Just another perspective!
Jeff

I disagree Jeff as I narrate details of issues but use canned on material comments.
Will elaborate when back at home.
Hmmm on phone now.... Get it?