I am a newbie at tablet computers. The concept r
I am a newbie at tablet computers. The concept really appeals to me. I am looking for a direction to start looking in for one.
What I want to do with it;
1. Access the internet and email remotely. The main software I use is an online version for construction management
2. Run CAD software - SoftPlan is what I use
3. Would like a keyboard too, either remote, covertable or docked
4. Download and display pictures for customers
5. As fast as can possible, within reason compared to $$$
6. As tough as possible
7. Weight not a huge issue, but would prefer to lighter end of scale
Other options I might look at would be a way to print on site. Would also need good carrying case.
I guess this is enough specs to start with. Please forgive my ignorance of some of the specifics to tablet computing as it is still a new area to me.
Thanks,
Jim B
Sounds like you need a tablet with a good outdoor as well as indoor screen and a ruggidized model. Probably would like a large screen with reasonable resolution. You might look at a ruggidized version of the Motion 1400A with the optional indoor/outdoor display. While its graphics are not the best, it should give adequate performance.
Internet access depends on your service provider. Best provider varies with your location. I use T-Mobile service with a Sierra 750 Aircard and usually get a strong connection in the DC metro area. Drops significantly out in the country and, for some reason, in a friend's townhouse. Works outside his house though. Same with another friend's T-Mobile phone. It's like he has a shield tuned specifically against us.
You might also want to be sure that you have a unit that can print to a printer via either infrared or bluetooth. That would handle field printing--if there is power available for the printer. Most Tablets today offer at least bluetooth, I think.
Another advantage to the Motion line is the hard top keyboard. It doubles as a screen protector when the unit is in transit.
A Panasonic ToughBook 18 with the internal Bluetooth and cell modem options sounds perfect for you - convertible, tough, outdoor-viewable, remote wireless connectivity... a little extra $ but optimized for these types of applications...
Thanks for the input.
The Panasonic ToughBook 18 sure does look tough.
The Motion 1400 does get some good reviews too. As I am in Canada I will have to check with them to see about sales, service, etc.
Our cell phones are no Bluetooth enabled so I would have to get a USB cable to use them as a modem, or are there other modem solutions that would work?
This HP Deskjet 450 mobile printer looks good. Are there any other good options.
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/un/WF05a/18972-236251-236267-14438-236267-81913.html
Jim... I'm an architect using a Motion... works great, but not at all in direct sunlight...get a Tablet and play with it for a project or two... you'll always learn the most by doing what you normally do day-to-day
Stephen,
I have been checking up on the Motion 1400. I get the idea from some of the reviews that the screen is better on it than the M1300 you have. Anyone know this for sure? I would be using it outside a fair bit.
As an Engineer, I've been using a Motion 1400VA to view building drawings at jobsites (these are mostly foundation and framing plans/details for large houses). The screen works quite well except in direct sunlight, where it is still viewable but finding shade helps a lot.
I create my drawing on a Mac system, print pdf's of the drawings (these are 24"x36" drawings), then put the pdf's into the Motion using the wireless network. I tried viewing them using Acrobat Pro, but it is slow and the ability to take notes on the drawings is not good at all. I found that instead I can open the pdf's in Acrobat Reader 7, then use the Journal Virtual printer to create a Journal print, so the drawings can now be opened in Journal where I can easily zoom in and out, pan, and take notes on the drawings. If someone wants a copy of my noted drawing, I can print a pdf using a shareware pdf printer, Primo pdf. Sounds clumsy but actually works quite well.
SEH,
The process you describe with prints on jobsite is definitely something I would like to do. For all our projct, whether I do the drawings or they are done by our designer, we always print them to a PDF file. So a virtual printer with which I can do markups on site would be a great idea. That, combined with a mobile printer so a subtrade or whoever could get the marked up changes right away.
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