Appraisal Scoop

Video Sneak Peek: a la mode's DaVinci for iPhone coming soon to the Apple App Store

DaVinci for iPhone has been submitted to Apple by a la mode, inc., and they're waiting to hear when it will become available for download on the iTunes App Store (probably week or two).

To promote the pending release of DaVinci for iPhone, a la mode created a really slick commercial that was debuted at the Valuation 2009 trade show earlier this week.

They first announced they were working on DaVinci for iPhone this past Spring.  Since then, it's received a ton of positive response from appraisers, primarily through its page on the a la mode labs

I've been testing the beta version of DaVinci for iPhone for several weeks and I think they've going to have a real winner on their hands.  Watch their YouTube video to see what I mean.

Press Release: ACI Strengthens Offering to Appraisers with ACI Sketch™

May 15, 2008, Palm Coast, FL. ACI, a leading innovator in providing technology solutions for the appraisal industry announced today that it has acquired the source code of the RapidSketch™ floorplan software from Buffalo-based Utilant, LLC. RapidSketch is one of the most popular software applications for creating accurate floorplan layouts and is used by tens of thousands of appraisal and insurance professionals throughout North America.

RapidSketch, which has already been integrated with ACI’s entire product line is now enhanced and re-branded as ACI Sketch™. ACI Sketch works on the desktop, tablet, and web, and incorporates numerous productivity-enhancing features:

• Mouse and keyboard drawing with precision settings
• Extensive drag-and-drop symbols library
• Editor to create custom symbols
• Library of stock labels
• Drag center point of any line to quickly create an arc
• Copy-and-paste cloning
• Undo and Redo feature
• Rectangle tool to draw the most common floor plan shape
• Shapes tool for drawing octagonal decks, pentagonal sun-rooms, and geodesic domes
• Image or blueprint tracing with auto-scaling
• Angle, Rise & Run Display
• Standard or metric support for U.S. and Canada appraisers
• Display decimals or inches, or fractions of inches
• Online help with video tutorials

According to ACI president Dave Roberts, "The acquisition of RapidSketch as the foundation for ACI Sketch complements our strategy of providing clients with a full-range of appraisal technology. While we will continue to offer appraisers a variety of sketch options, we have developed ACI Sketch to stand head-to-head with any product in the market. By owning the technology, we can develop and support the application without relying on any third party--translating into a better product wtih tighter integration and lower cost for ACI customers."

“ACI Sketch is one of the best new efficiency products for appraisers,” said Jay Delich, President of Arizona Appraisal, LLC. “We use it in the office and on our tablet PC’s in the field, both with great success. We are particularly impressed with the free-form approach that ACI Sketch brings to creating floorplans.”

Interested parties may contact ACI Sales online at www.aciweb.com

Free Webinar Wednesday May 7th - Motion F5 Mobile Field Tool - Motion Toughens Up with Semi-Rugged Slate Tablet PC for Appraisers

Appraisal Scoop author John Hill, from Allegiance Technology, and Motion Computing are sponsoring a webinar tomorrow for people that want to learn about the Motion F5 Field Tablet PC.

The Motion F5 Mobile Field Tool is the first semi-rugged slate PC designed specifically for the mobile appraiser that combines durability, mobility and integrated functionality with the benefits and convenience of tablet input. See our Motion F5 Brochure.

The nice part is that if you are thinking about one of these tablets, there is an opportunity for webinar attendees to purchase one for $1,000 off the list price.

Sign Up HERE! - F5 Webinar hosted by Allegiance Technology

The F5 is IP54 rated to meet the demands of the job from dusty construction sites to the occasional drop from a vehicle or exposure to a rainstorm. In fact, the F5 is designed to protect from the top three causes of notebook damage, which continue to be drops, liquid spills and objects being dropped on to notebooks.

Additional F5 capabilities include:

• Thin and light with high performance capabilities (approximately 3 lbs.)
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and optional integrated mobile broadband
• Shock, drop, vibration and temperature resistance
• Vehicular docking capabilities
• Intuitive buttons and triggers
• Integrated barcode scanner (optional)
• Integrated RFID reader offering quick and simple inventory tracking and management
• 2.0 megapixel camera
• Integrated fingerprint reader to simplify password management while increasing data security
• Natural handwriting interface for convenient data capture while standing or walking
• Speak Anywhere® audio technology for convenient access to voice notes and advanced communication

Webinar 4/18/2008 - Mobile Appraisers Answer Your Tablet PC Questions!

WEBINAR UPDATE:   The webinar on Friday went well and John was able to recorded it for anyone who didn't get to attend.  Many thanks to Greg Davenport for bringing his unique perspective and for the attendees who asked such relevant, thoughtful questions. 

You can see stream it here and download it here.

To help show some of the differences between operating systems and tablets, John Hill of of Tablet PC News at TabletPCBuzz, is going to host a webinar tomorrow (April 18th), at 2pm EASTERN STANDARD TIME.  It will absolutely NOT be any kind of sales pitch.  It is intended to be a forum where people can ask questions and get answers from other appraisers.

If you are an appraiser and Tablet PC owner who would like to be answering questions, please email John at john@alltp.com.  This will allow him to identify you and unmute your call so you can share your expertise.

If this goes according to plan, John won't even talk except to repeat questions to the appraiser experts.  His only shameless plug will be to tell you about their Tablet PC demo program which you can read about on his website - Click here.

Here is the meeting information - please add it to your calendar:

Topic: Appraiser's Tablet Questions
Date: Friday, April 18, 2008
Time: 2:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time
Meeting Number: 559 076 182
Meeting Password: tablet

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To join the online meeting
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1. Go to https://alltp.webex.com/alltp/j.php?ED=96320107&UID=0
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: tablet
4. Click "Join".

Call-in toll number (US/Canada):          1-650-429-3300      

To add this meeting to your calendar program (for example Microsoft Outlook), click this link:
https://alltp.webex.com/alltp/j.php?ED=96320107&UID=0&ICS=MI&LD=1&RD=2&ST=1&SHA2=5IWVHl7NYT-AfVAHj1SVwC0YFvBv7ZMsezPeAJ2mk/Q=


John will attempt to record this meeting (sometimes it works and sometimes not) for later viewing/listening.

Author: John Hill - Enjoy the best source for Tablet PC News at TabletPCBuzz    Visit our Tablet PC Store .  If you have any questions, email me at john@alltp.com

ALLTP Website

ALLTP Tablet PC Store

My blog: John Hill Talks Tablets

a la mode Announces "Appraisal Press" Industry Newsletter

I'm at the a la mode Las Vegas convention this week participating in their "Real World" series of appraiser seminars. Patrick Egger (Outside The Boxes series) and I (Appraisal Scoop - Paperless Office) will be presenters on April 12-14.  The “Real World” series are courses are taught by a la mode customers and are designed to show real life examples of how technology can make a difference in your office.

One of the first announcements was the start of a monthly print and online newsletter called Appraisal Press. 

Dave Biggers, a la mode Chairman said, "We realized that producing this monthly print and online newspaper, instead of various printed and online advertising pieces and newsletters, was the best way to really affect the transformation and aid our customers. So, in here, you’ll find candid, first-person, timely, hard-hitting articles and op-ed pieces — usually delivered in irreverent and edgy style."

Dave also said, "So, why not just write a blog and go doubly green by saving a few trees? Well, blogs are cool, but they aren’t read by the majority of appraisers. By printing a real newspaper while also providing a true online destination (http://www.appraisalpress.com) with the printed articles and more, we reach more people and offer the best of both worlds. We hope you agree."

Click here for a sampling of timely articles and opinions....

On The Road: Google Maps - Don't Leave Home Without Them! (Video)

AUTHOR: Richard D Ferris - AmcAppraisalsinc.com -  Servicing all of Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole Counties. Also servicing Deltona, Deland, and Orange City in Volusia County. - Phone 877-789-5249or email me: richard@amcappraisalsinc.com

I recently purchased a Tilt from AT&T as my central tool for field data collection.  Using the Tilt, I am able to carry all of my appointments, contacts, and files in one device.  It takes some getting used to - typing or writing on a smaller screen!  But there are some definite benefits to utilizing mobile technology!

The other day, I was traveling from Florida to South Carolina, and forgot to print out my maps from Google or Microsoft Streets and Trips as I usually do.  Instead of turning around, or finding a Kinko's to get online - I took a look at the features in my Tilt.

One of the applications I downloaded was Google Maps.  I actually downloaded this from the web browser on the phone, so I knew I was getting the mobile application.  I then learned that my Tilt actually has a built in GPS!  Although scary to the paranoid conspiracy theory side of my brain - the tech geek in me viewed this as a BIG plus!

Click here to continue reading and video link . . .

Geek's Corner: Top six ways to extend battery life on mobile devices

As an appraiser, you are mobile by nature.  If you aren’t out in the field, then you aren’t making money.  Because we are all tied to and dependent upon mobile devices, maintaining and increasing battery life is a constant struggle.  Here are some tips that I came up with for Tablet PCs but obviously work with laptops and some other devices as well:

1. Screen brightness is your biggest power draw – if you can turn it down a notch you’ll get more battery time and your computer will run cooler as well.  Most tablet PCs have programmable buttons on the outside.  I use the ones on my tablet to turn the screen off when I push them – they screen comes right back when my pen gets close.
2. Install as much memory as possible in your tablet/notebook/pocket PC.  Memory is inexpensive and will let your computer run faster.  In addition, it takes much less power to retrieve information from memory than the hard drive because there is no physical movement.
3. Set your Power Saving settings to turn off the screen automatically when not in use.  These settings can be changed if you go into the Control Panel.  When you are talking with the client or crawling an attic it is easy to forget to turn off the screen.  Instead of burning extra battery, have it automatically turn off after 1-2 minutes.
4. Using your tablet or laptop on AC power?  If your computer can run without the battery being in it, completely unplug it.  This is more likely to be possible with laptops or convertible tablet PCs than with slate tablets.  Not only will you reduce the heat to the battery (which shortens life) but reduces cycling of the battery.
5. Do you have an extra battery?  Don’t let it sit out – Lithium Ion batteries deteriorate the moment they leave the factory and their capacity diminished when subjected to heat.  It may sound silly but keeping spare batteries in the refrigerator will lengthen their life.
6. Use a device like a CoolPad to elevate your tablet or laptop and keep it running cooler.  Heat is a major factor for lessening batter life and when you run your device on a flat surface with no airflow, store it in your trunk on a hot day or constantly have it charging when the battery is already charged you are shortening the overall battery life.

Author: John Hill - Phone: 877-772-5587 x101 - Enjoy the best source for Tablet PC News at TabletPCBuzz    Visit our Tablet PC Store 

ALLTP Website
ALLTP Tablet PC Store
My blog: John Hill Talks Tablets

Geek's Corner - What is (and isn’t) a Tablet PC?

John Hill, TabletPCBuzz, Owner and Allegiance Technology, CEO has agreed to help guide appraisers through some of their questions with regards to what a Tablet PC is and what it isn't!  I've attended two of John's webinars for appraisers on Tablet PCs and have learned a TON both times.  Welcome John to the Appraisal Scoop blog!

Rather than talk about “feeds and speeds”, advocate or bash certain brands or advise you on what your setup should look like, I’ve decided to help set your expectations about Tablet PCs.

A Tablet PC isn’t a Swiss army knife

It isn’t a computer that weighs 1.2 pounds, has a 17” screen and 16 hours of battery life with a built in 8 megapixel camera and is Mil-spec ruggedized for drops of 30’ and submersible to a depth of 100 meters.

It is a fully capable Windows computer - You can run ALL your Windows compatible software the same as you do on your desktop or laptop computer.  It runs the same version of QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Apex, WinTOTAL, ClickForms, ACI and any other software without requiring a special “tablet” version.  You can get a very capable tablet PC with a weight under 4 pounds with a high resolution screen and 5+ hours of battery time.  With the right case, you can protect your tablet from rain and mishaps.

A Tablet PC won’t work where I live

I know, you are in Florida where the sun is intense, or Arizona where it is 120F in the shade, or Washington where it rains six days out of five, or Vermont where it is always twenty below.  Tablet PCs, like other mobile computers, are designed to work in a variety of environments.  The outdoor viewable screens aren’t perfect, but they are way better than any standard notebook screen.  All are rated to a wide variety of temperatures. 

Treat it the way you would any expensive device - Feel free to lock it in the trunk of your car when you don’t want it stolen – just don’t leave it there for several days in the baking sun or freezing cold.  Get some rain on the screen and you can just wipe it off – but please don’t use it to complete forms while you are in the tub with your rubber duck.  Drop it off the desk onto the floor when you trip over the cord – our rule is that any fall that would injure you would probably hurt your computer too.

To continue reading, click here . . . .

DaVinci, a Revolutionary Field Data Gathering and Sketching Application For Appraisers Debuts At a la mode Convention

I just got back from Las Vegas last night, where a la mode labs introduced its first prototype - field inspection management software application this week.  Convention attendees saw DaVinci in action for the first time at the a la mode labs booth in the event's exhibit hall at a la mode annual convention.

ALL of the attendees were given a CD with the new prototype application to take home and try.  For those that could not attend, you can download and try DaVinci out for free at http://www.alamode.com/labs.

I'll post the official news release below, but it's important to note a few things!

This is prototype software!  There's no tech support for this!  If you get errors or something doesn't appear to work correctly, or if you just have some feedback and suggestions, please send an email directly to labs@alamode.com.  Their labs team can then read and respond to the message.

The build that's available for download at www.alamode.com/labs is just a prototype and is not final software. It hasn't been through a QA (Quality Assurance) cycle nor has a beta test cycle been completed on it. They hope you'll install it, try it out and send them your feedback. A la mode will then use that feedback as they continue to fix, refine and improve the product.

This is the FIRST TIME, that I've ever seen an appraisal software company let appraisers in on the development process this early on!

According to Chris Low, Product Management, a la mode, inc.

"They haven't set pricing for this product yet, since we're still in the development phases. But we plan to offer it for download at no charge for limited time. So go get it, install it, and have fun with it. In the near future (as soon as we get home from the convention), I'll have more information on documentation, online classes about DaVinci, and tips and tricks. Please stay tuned."

Click below for the complete news release from a la mode:

Apex Software Releases Mobility Software for Tablet PCs

NEWS RELEASE: Today, Apex Software, the standard in sketching in the real estate valuation market, announced at the Northern Colorado Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NCAREA) conference the immediate availability of Apex Nexus™, the company’s revolutionary new mobile sketching and data collection tool.

Nexus takes field sketching and data collection to an entirely new level by fully embracing Tablet PC technology, providing a natural approach to drawing floor plans, taking notes, and gathering data during field inspections.

“Our goal was to develop a solution that is superior to pencil and paper in every way,” said Robert Smoote, Apex Software’s Vice President of Product Development. “Nexus accomplishes this feat by truly revolutionizing the inspection process.”

Traditionally, fee appraisers use pencil, paper, tape measure and clipboard to measure a home, sketch its floor plan and annotate property details. The resulting paper documents are then redundantly transcribed back at the office into desktop software and the paper work files kept in physical file folders for a period of at least five years.

Using Nexus on Tablet PCs, appraisers simply draw on screen with a pen or stylus. Nexus takes the etch-a-sketch-like information and automatically transforms it to data. Jagged lines become straight, scrawled angles and curves convert to measurement, scribbled dimensions auto convert to exact lengths or angles and detailed room-by-room INK notes are digitized.

Click below to read on . . .