Real Estate Appraisers, as a group, have been very quick to adopt new technology. Online appraisal ordering, Internet delivery of reports (EDI), digital imaging, laser measurement of properties, and electronic data collection using hand-held Pocket PCs are but a few of the "commonplace" technologies that appraisers pioneered long before their clients were up to speed.
One of the problems with emerging technologies is achieving that blend of the right hardware and the right software at the same time. For example, both appraisers and their clients can remember how digital imaging was held back because of the poor quality printers available back in the "early adopter" stage. For years, appraisers have had mobile and desktop sketching programs but the "mobile" hardware and software have never hit that "sweet-spot" where it could really take-off and be universally adopted by appraisers in the field.
That's ALL about to change. After reading recent comments by Randall Garrett, CEO of Apex Software on the introduction of the UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) and Apex's next-generation mobile sketching software, I think this combination may be leading a trend that will ultimately replace the appraiser's FAVORITE piece of equipment!
The following comments have been snipped from Randall Garrett's post to the public Mobile Appraisers Forum.
Should I buy now?:
"All that being said, I believe that we will see the UMPC replace the Pocket PC as the preferred mobile device for appraisers. Some people will still want/need a “true Tablet PC” and we are already seeing noticeable price drops in those units. You can obtain an LS800 for at least $200 less than you could a week ago, and I predict even further drops in the weeks/ months ahead. Let’s face it, the typical Tablet PC is nearing where it is “yesterday’s technology” so why would you want to pay a premium for that?"
Apex has been named as one of the first distributors of the TabletKiosk eo™. eo™ represents the new generation of mobile computing. Measuring 9”W x 5.75”H x 1”D and weighing just under 2 pounds, eo™ is the most portable and convenient Tablet PC device for taking handwritten notes, accessing the internet, instant messaging, listening to music, viewing movies and playing games. eo™ enables you to connect, communicate and accomplish any task anywhere, any time, and be entertained and informed wherever life takes you.
What issues are there for "early adopters?:
"The number one problem with the early UMPCs will be the screen. The next most important factor is the battery life. No manufacturer has specified whether or not they will offer a UMPC with a good indoor/outdoor screen and if the battery life will be comparable with today’s Tablet PC’s when you compare their capacity."
"I’m betting that a LOT of appraisers will be able to “live with” the first generation (G1) UMPC’s deficiencies given the comparatively low price. We’ve seen this over and over during the past few years. Appraisers (generally speaking) SAY they want devices that are rugged, weather-proof, fully featured, etc. But when they consider the cost, about 99% of them back off in a hurry, despite “White Papers on ROI” and all that."
"BUT, if you can wait, now is not the time to buy a Tablet PC unless you realize that there are better ones already “in the pipe” or unless not having one is costing you more money than the unit can help you make in 6 months time."
Will Apex be coming out with UMPC compatible sketching software? :
According to Apex, Version 3 of Apex MobileSketch Touch Tablet (MSTT) is ready! You may have seen their MobileSketch press release discussed on industry leading sites such as TabletPCTalk.com. But if you want the non-techno-geek version, check out their press release or watch this video. See field sketching and free form note taking in action. You’ll get a great sense of how your work can become a lot less complicated and more enjoyable!
The latest addition to the Apex Sketching family, MobileSketch Touch Tablet (MSTT) has been designed to allow you to quickly and easily draw your sketch's in the field using a Tablet PC. Within MSTT, you will find all of the same features you've come to rely on from MobileSketch PPC Edition and more, along with an easy to use tablet interface.
For more information on UMPCs, try blogging at the Apex Mobile Technology Blog
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