Desk set-up advice

[Tabletrealtor]

I would like to tap into the Buzz's collective wisdom.

Background: I am a real estate broker. When I first started in this business 4+ years ago, organisation was my biggest issue. I finally found a system that has been working well for the past 3 years. It included banishing the post-it notes and scrap paper I was using and switching to a day runner and Outlook.

Here is my current issue: I would like to switch from my full size day runner to One Note on my LE1600. The issue I am running into every time I try to make the switch is that If I have the tablet on the convertible keyboard, it is not in a position were it is easy to jot down a quick note while I am on the phone or talking to a client in my office. So, I find myself slipping back into the messy scrap paper and post it note world.

Does anyone know if the Flexdock from motion is designed for inking while the tablet is in the dock.
Are there any reviews of the Flexdock online?
Where might I find range-of-motion pictures of the Flexdock?
Are there any other docks that I should be considering?
Thanks in advance for you advice.

[jcaldwell]

I will offer a couple of suggestions about the issues you have raised. The biggest would be to consider setting up your work desktop with the tablet just to the side (not in a docking station) and a separate monitor as the main one for work. You could use the tablet to take any notes on and use the keyboard and other monitor as a "regular" setup. Then you could have the best of both. If you have not looked at it you might really enjoy Michael Linenberger's book, "Seize the work Day Using Your Tablet PC", especially since you use Outlook. (He advocates using a separate monitor). You might also consider looking into Tablet Enhancements for Outlook (software) because of your use anyway of Outlook (I have not used it because I have not really used Outlook although may change that). Linenberger also has a fairly well reviewed book on Outlook.

[ddvitale]

You should also check out both One Note and the Franklin Planner software for organization - it synchs with Outlook and has some cool features - although I personally think it's a tad slow. I agree with jcaldwell about keeping the tablet out of the dock. I use a wire rack that you can rest the tablet on without covering the air vents. You can also go to Target and buy a couple of $2 wood book stands that work well. You have to remember that when you spend the extra $$ on a tablet PC it's because it's a tablet -- if you put it in a dock with a monitor and keyboard - you've just bought a slow expensive laptop.