TOPIC: Does Mobile HIP save much time, and what set up is recommended?

Hi,

I am in the process of setting up my own inspection company. I would like to know what is the recommended setup for quick efficient reporting.

I worked for a company in the past where we had a camera, walked around the inside of the property took our photos then sat down at the computer (Macbook pro) and entered all the data that we could recall. We would then repeat this process for the roof void, outside and rooftop areas. At the end of this process we would upload the photos and tag them to their relevant sections. There would sometimes be time spent going back and forward as I occasionally noticed a problem in a photo which i missed in the initial data entry.

1) By using HIP Mobile I take it I can snap a photo, tag a comment from a template and assign it to it appropriate section as I go.Once the inspection is finished is it easy enough to load it up to my laptop to proof read it and make any adjustments.

2) I prefer to use a mac for my laptop but tend to like to use android phones over apple. Is it easy enough to use an android and mac combined?

3) What is the most efficient or recommended way of using HIP Mobile?

4) Any suggestions for equipment. I was thinking of getting a macbook pro and using either a Sony z3 or Galaxy note 4 for the mobile. Im sure you guys will have more experience What combinations do you recommend? Are tablets a better option over laptop or mobile? Or are the phones to small to effectively record and write a report.

Thanks for reading, any advice is much appreciated. 

Any advice for pros and cons from past experiences with different mobile phones/tablets/i pads is appreciated.

Have you looked at the Samsung Galaxy Camera?

Hi Dominic,

Thanks for the reply. I had read a few reviews on the samsung camera a little while back and saw mixed reviews which put me off however the reviews were most likely not from a property inspectors point of view. Have you had any experience with it yourself, and what are your thoughts? A camera android does interest me. Pros vs Cons?

Once again thanks, your forums have been a great tool for information.

Galaxy camera works fine however it is a little slower than cell do to zoom lens open and close time.

The recent update which allows you to take a picture into any category and change it with a double tap defiantly makes it a good option again .
This allows you to use it as any regular camera and mass import into HIP app then slot .
The reason I like the new option is you can keep the larger MP file for reference if needed and never worry if a glitch will lose any shots.

Should the app ever crash OR NOT REGISTER [ HAPPENS BUT NOT OFTEN ] YOU LOSE NOTHING AND CAN KEEP MOVING.
I suggest looking into it.

Try using your cell first and make sure you like doing mobile before investing .

If you like good pictures or do not want to always tie up both hands skip tablets.

As Bob said if you have a device that can run HIP Mobile try it out (You can sign up for a trial here www.homeinspectorpro.com/view/subscribe.html click the Cloud Service Trial). If it works for your inspection style then there is no need to invest in an Android Camera, but if it doesn't then check out other options.