Thread: Palm-Tech users come in

I am comparing several different software packages and want to hear from Palm users. I plan to use a tablet PC or a CTL NL2 10" "netbook" not a tiny hand-held.

I have been using a Word-based program for four years and like some aspects of it but managing photos is a pain and it would be really tough to complete much of the report on-site.

I take notes then input into the software at the office and I am trying to reduce the duplication in hopes of saving time.

Current users who do most of the report on-site, what is your overall impression and how efficient is the system?

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Palm users? I didn't know there were any more of those!

Originally Posted by Randall Clark

I am comparing several different software packages and want to hear from Palm users. I plan to use a tablet PC or a CTL NL2 10" "netbook" not a tiny hand-held.

I have been using a Word-based program for four years and like some aspects of it but managing photos is a pain and it would be really tough to complete much of the report on-site.

I take notes then input into the software at the office and I am trying to reduce the duplication in hopes of saving time.

Current users who do most of the report on-site, what is your overall impression and how efficient is the system?

CTL NL2 10" "netbook" with 3D is the way to go!! Been using 3D 10 years and the CTL 18 months GREAT combo.

Mike

Originally Posted by Mike Inspector

CTL NL2 10" "netbook" with 3D is the way to go!! Been using 3D 10 years and the CTL 18 months GREAT combo.

Mike

Thanks. Do you use this to write most of the report on-site? Did you ever just use written pages of notes and how much time to you think you save with the 3D and CTL?

I use Palm Tech on a Dell Axim X51v and have been for years. The Dell is old but works.
I'm using version 5 of the PalmTech program and version 6 is out but haven't switched.
I do reports on site then email reports and photo's to client and realtor.
No real complaints on the PalmTech or the handheld.

Originally Posted by Randall Clark

Thanks. Do you use this to write most of the report on-site? Did you ever just use written pages of notes and how much time to you think you save with the 3D and CTL?

I use it all the time except when I do multi-units (4 and above) or large commercial ( above 7000 sq ft). 100 percent done on site except for what was just mentioned. Saves me time on every inspection as I only proof read when I get to the office.

Mike

Originally Posted by Mike Inspector

I use it all the time except when I do multi-units (4 and above) or large commercial ( above 7000 sq ft). 100 percent done on site except for what was just mentioned. Saves me time on every inspection as I only proof read when I get to the office.

Mike

Mike if it really saves time why are you not doing it on multi unit buildings ?
I would think any major software has fast on the fly template change capabilities.

Originally Posted by Bob Elliott

Mike if it really saves time why are you not doing it on multi unit buildings ?
I would think any major software has fast on the fly template change capabilities.

I could, I just am used to doing larger properties on pad and paper then inputing later, personal preference. I truley do hate to take work home.

Mike

Originally Posted by Mike Inspector

I could, I just am used to doing larger properties on pad and paper then inputing later, personal preference. I truley do hate to take work home.

Mike

Know the feeling.
Just downloaded a record over 400 pictures to look at for a home.

Originally Posted by Rick Vernon

I use Palm Tech on a Dell Axim X51v and have been for years. The Dell is old but works.
I'm using version 5 of the PalmTech program and version 6 is out but haven't switched.
I do reports on site then email reports and photo's to client and realtor.
No real complaints on the PalmTech or the handheld.

Rick, do you use a narrative or checklist style report?

What did you use before Palm?

I've used Palm Tech for years. I'm on my 3rd or 4th handheld mostly because I'm inordinately rough on them. I dropped the Axim and cracked the screen, Kicked the NEC down a gap in a frame wall just big enough to get it in.
I've always found the people at Palm Tech to be very forthcoming and I highly recommend them. I do use version 6 and have customized the basic template to my satisfaction.

I now use an IPAQ handheld in the field. Fits in my pocket or tool bag. Sync it up to the big box, collate the photos, and send it off. Not as fancy as Home Guage I guess, but it's comfortable and the clients approve. I'm not a fan of instant reporting anyway. I need time to ponder what I've seen, listen to my verbal notes, look at the pictures, then write the finished product.

JLMathis

Originally Posted by Randall Clark

I am comparing several different software packages and want to hear from Palm users. I plan to use a tablet PC or a CTL NL2 10" "netbook" not a tiny hand-held.

I have been using a Word-based program for four years and like some aspects of it but managing photos is a pain and it would be really tough to complete much of the report on-site.

I take notes then input into the software at the office and I am trying to reduce the duplication in hopes of saving time.

Current users who do most of the report on-site, what is your overall impression and how efficient is the system?

I have been using the same Palm Tech software for over 9 years - it's awesome - narrative and checklist format and comments easy to make property specific if you want something other than generic, vague boilerplate BS. Still using a MobilePro 900 but NEC no longer produces anything with instant "ON", a near full size keyboard with a touch screen that fits into your Carpenter Bags / Nail Apron. Reports on site if they like, then email another copy with the inspection photos later.

Take a look at eInspections. I have been using it for a few years and it is very versitile. Lots of ability to customize and is great for using "canned statements".

Originally Posted by Dave Burch1

Take a look at eInspections. I have been using it for a few years and it is very versitile. Lots of ability to customize and is great for using "canned statements".

Can you put photos in the summary?

Do you write reports on site?

I can put photos in the summary, in the report body, or both. I can write the reports on site and have in many cases. It just depends on how involved the report is going to be. I usually do it offsite because then I can relax and not worry about the agent "hovering". I take lots of pictures. Most do not make it in the report but I have them for future reference if need be. eInspections has a free demo download and a website that shows you a lot of the capabilities. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Jim Hintz

I have been using the same Palm Tech software for over 9 years - it's awesome - narrative and checklist format and comments easy to make property specific if you want something other than generic, vague boilerplate BS. Still using a MobilePro 900 but NEC no longer produces anything with instant "ON", a near full size keyboard with a touch screen that fits into your Carpenter Bags / Nail Apron. Reports on site if they like, then email another copy with the inspection photos later.

I having been playing around with PT and have a question for those that have been using it. I write my comments by describing the defect then state the location. For example, "Repair. A receptacle was found to have reverse polarity. Location(s):"

Problem with PT is that there is not another notes button next to the notes button describing the defect. I need another button with just locations. Otherwise, I would have to enter locations by typing/writing or I would need to have about a dozen or more comments like the one above but each specifying a different location. That would make it hard to find the comment you need when you also have comments related to other receptacle defects like missing cover, loose, etc.

PT phone support said I could buy the add-in software that would allow me to do this but I wondered how others deal with this issue.

Then if I had a second notes button, I would need a way to add a comma between locations if same problem showed up more than one time. I guess this could be done without too much trouble by bringing up the qwerty keyboard.

Originally Posted by Randall Clark

I having been playing around with PT and have a question for those that have been using it. I write my comments by describing the defect then state the location. For example, "Repair. A receptacle was found to have reverse polarity. Location(s):"

Problem with PT is that there is not another notes button next to the notes button describing the defect. I need another button with just locations. Otherwise, I would have to enter locations by typing/writing or I would need to have about a dozen or more comments like the one above but each specifying a different location. That would make it hard to find the comment you need when you also have comments related to other receptacle defects like missing cover, loose, etc.

PT phone support said I could buy the add-in software that would allow me to do this but I wondered how others deal with this issue.

Then if I had a second notes button, I would need a way to add a comma between locations if same problem showed up more than one time. I guess this could be done without too much trouble by bringing up the qwerty keyboard.

Try going through every line you want to add the location note. Click on Add-a-line, then "Standalone note". You even add a label like "Location" to the note. Edit the list adding locations. When you go through all aline you want to add the notes to, save the report as a template. I use Inspection Designer so I have never done this but it should work. Try a test on a couple of lines and save the inspection as a new template like "Newtest" then see what you get when you start a new inspection using that template.

Originally Posted by Randall Clark

I having been playing around with PT and have a question for those that have been using it. I write my comments by describing the defect then state the location. For example, "Repair. A receptacle was found to have reverse polarity. Location(s):"

Problem with PT is that there is not another notes button next to the notes button describing the defect. I need another button with just locations. Otherwise, I would have to enter locations by typing/writing or I would need to have about a dozen or more comments like the one above but each specifying a different location. That would make it hard to find the comment you need when you also have comments related to other receptacle defects like missing cover, loose, etc.

PT phone support said I could buy the add-in software that would allow me to do this but I wondered how others deal with this issue.

Then if I had a second notes button, I would need a way to add a comma between locations if same problem showed up more than one time. I guess this could be done without too much trouble by bringing up the qwerty keyboard.

My MobilePro by NEC has an actual 3/4 scale keyboard, not a touch screen keyboard. Locations of outlets is fairly simple - NW corner under window has a missing coverplate, SE corner outlet above baseboard has reverse polarity, SW corner outlet near door is damaged, etc....PT programmed comments are vague and generic. You can go thru and delete all their programmed comments and use your own, or, add yours to their templates. Make sure you use the edit button to add all comments you want to add to the template and then hit the save button after each change/addition so it is retained within the program and not just the one clients inspection report.

Thanks guys!

Try going through every line you want to add the location note. Click on Add-a-line, then "Standalone note". You even add a label like "Location" to the note. Edit the list adding locations.

That could work but it adds the locations to a new line below the stated defect then numbers that line like it is a new defect. Like:

1. Reversed polarity noted.
2. Location: Master bathroom

Originally Posted by Jim Hintz

Locations of outlets is fairly simple - NW corner under window has a missing coverplate, SE corner outlet above baseboard has reverse polarity, SW corner outlet near door is damaged, etc....

Do you have these comments stored in PT? Ie: "SE corner outlet above baseboard has reverse polarity"

Or do you type them in as you go? I am trying to avoid typing as much as possible.

Originally Posted by Randall Clark

Thanks guys!




That could work but it adds the locations to a new line below the stated defect then numbers that line like it is a new defect. Like:

1. Reversed polarity noted.
2. Location: Master bathroom



Do you have these comments stored in PT? Ie: "SE corner outlet above baseboard has reverse polarity"

Or do you type them in as you go? I am trying to avoid typing as much as possible.

Randall, if you are trying to type as little as possible yet providing a property specific report, maybe look into Naturally Speaking by Dragon and get away completely from any template - type software. With Naturally Speaking, you talk into a recorder then download and whatever you say is printed automatically. Most Clients and Realtors aren't interested in all the little checkmarks next to the components that have no issues anyway, they want to READ about all the defects you find - just a thought... Good Luck.

Originally Posted by Randall Clark

I am comparing several different software packages and want to hear from Palm users. I plan to use a tablet PC or a CTL NL2 10" "netbook" not a tiny hand-held.

I have been using a Word-based program for four years and like some aspects of it but managing photos is a pain and it would be really tough to complete much of the report on-site.

I take notes then input into the software at the office and I am trying to reduce the duplication in hopes of saving time.

Current users who do most of the report on-site, what is your overall impression and how efficient is the system?

Not sure what problems you're having importing photos but if it's the size thing try a Canon camera. Their default setting to import into a MS Word doc is 3.56" wide (when taken in 640X480)... EVERY other brand camera puts them in a HUGE size and they must be re-sized and then they jump around and cause all kinds of problems.

I used to be very frustrated until I figured this out.... now I just drop them in and go. Report writing with my Word template couldn't be easier.... it's got a few quirks but I can fill out the house "specs" in less than 10 mins, then putting in problems and pictures of course varies but my average is about 30 mins. An easy house takes 10 mins....a dump? well, you know how it is....

From there I pdf it and out it goes. I'm not sure if I'll check back on this thread so PM me if you have anymore questions about working in MS Word... I"m 10 years in now and am overall very happy with my setup.