TOPIC: 7-8 inch windows pro tablets are now available.

I'm at the point that after I've taken pictures in the attic (typically the last thing I do) I download my camera pics & then batch add while I'm still at the inspection.  If client & agent are talking about issues found, closing dates, kids, whatever...I start "slotting" pics.  I rarely add captions any more.  Captions are nice, however, they are usually redundant and take more time.  The one area I waste time in is when I "slot" a picture to the wrong location, and the later I'm hunting/pecking through tabs trying to find that pic and put it in the proper location

I find when I don't add captions to certain pictures, I invariably get phone calls from clients asking what is that picture on page ?? under section ??.   However adding captions, arrows, etc, does take a lot of time.
Hopefully, when the HIP software is updated to allow a windows 7 inch tablet to add pictures and search for comments (as per HIP mobile) it will improve the overall report.  It may not save any time (may even take more time) but this should allow for compiling a better report as the comments and pictures will be added at the same time when you are fully concentrating on a particular issue within the property.
I find entering the comments as you inspect and then at a later stage batch adding all the photos is quick, but you loose on the natural flow of the report as the report can look slightly disjointed, without some re-editing of the comments.
I've also given up using my android device as I find the HIP windows version so much more reliable and user friendly and this will only get better when the 7 inch tablet comes along.

Hi Peter...I honestly have to say I've never had that phone call.  My pictures are always in the section where I've already added a comments describing the problem.  If I insert a picture with a broken window pane, that picture is going to be slotted in INTERIORS under the section WINDOWS.

I still use captions, arrows, circles, etc...just less and less.  The past two days I booked 8 inspections so the more I can accomplish on site, the happier I am.  However, I still prof-read later and still modify and don't provide reports on site.

Just like the pic attached....the comments are right there.

Hi Dan
I would partially agree with you. If you have one / two pictures under a section with the comment already included, there maybe no reason to add a caption.
However, in certain sections (roof structure for example), you may have have to add five or six different comments with 5 - 6 pictures. This is when I need to add captions all the pictures so the client will have no doubt to which comment relates to what picture.

I agree Joe...Just like in the pic above I've used an oval.  I originally started with 3D Inspection Software.  I use to use "paint" for arrow's and circles, so my pic's looked like they were drawn by Joe Madden in NFL Football ( I actually did it that way on purpose to stand out).  3D didn't keep pic's as close to text as I liked, so I "always" used captions.  When I transitioned to HIP, I stopped using paint to edit pics.  I have over 500 description & damage panels so usually I can place a pic where it needs to be.

Somewhere in a thread I remember Dominic mentioning using "less and less" captions for saving time...and in the back of my head I new he was right, so I have tried to remember that. 

It's also boils down to what works best for each individual style.  Also...on a side noted, and whole other subject, being able to defend yourself, your report, and your inspection in-front of attorney's or a court of law.

Hi Dan
I can imagine a lot of benefit's when using "500 description & damage panels so usually I can place a pic where it needs to be", but do you not find, that for some items that you do not come across to often, you will find that you are not exactly too sure in which section to find your pre-selected comments and you may also end up checking a few different sections before you insert a picture into one.