Welcome to the Tablet PC User's Group!

I would appreciate knowing what types of Tablet's people are using in the real estate industry and why you selected the Tablet you did!

What is the coolest software you use on your tablet?

For me:

• it is using Windows Journal to take notes on the actual MLS sheets while I show properties.  That way, I can always refer back to my clients likes and dislikes and can even email the listing agent those comments instead of recreating the data later.
• It is the ability to sign contracts anytime any where without ever hitting print and being able to email the original version straight to the client, the lender and the title company - no more unreadable fourth generation fax copies!
• It is learning how to tag photos so I can reference all the kitchen photos of all the new homes and sort by that or by the builder, etc.

Barbara,

I have found the old tablet pc's were good for what they did, but the new ones are so much better.  For example, the handwriting analysis difference is about as much as voice recognition software due to faster processors and more RAM and of coursed better software too.

I will have to try emailing as a web page.  I never tried that before since I don't always know what type of web browser someone will use so I used .jpg or .pdf files  You can change the default settings on either to maximize file quality if you don't mind larger files.  My new HP is much simpler to save and send files than my previous program thanks to One Note.

The Snipping Tool is great, you are right!

I hope to get more users on this site so we can share and learn how to better use these fantastic tools!

Here is a short video promo for HP's soon to be released "Slate" which is their version of an Ipad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3MSjwUrxT0&p=912FC4549847323A&index=2&playnext=1

@John, I agree that touch screens and the ability to use programs like Windows Journal are a huge benefit of Tablets!

@Eric, since I started using DocuSign, I don't sign on the screen as often as I used to for my contracts.

@Brien, I just received an Ipad as a gift and think it is pretty sweet!  I have never owned an Apple product but the main things I like about the Ipad are:  how quick it turns on and off (like a TV), size/weight, and the apps you can buy are very inexpensive or free.  I am still looking for a program like Windows Journal for it.  I have not yet used it to VPN into my network to see if I can use programs like Journal on it after I VPN into my Tablet.

I really like the Android functions on my HTC EVO and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of several Android Based "pads" that are currently in the works.

Google is Beta testing their Chrome OS with a laptop now.  

Remember, if the IRS lets you write off the entire purchase of a computer in the year it was acquired, the actual shelf life is probably shorter!

There is no "one best" tablet to use.  It depends on what software you use (or plan to use).  Some only work via Windows, others are designed for the MAC (very few in real estate) and some for Android (getting more popular).

I just received an iPad as a gift for being President of our Association and I am loving it!  Our MLS uses Paragon (LPS) and I have been beta testing Paragon 5 for a few months.  It works on my iPad and with Googles Chrome browser.  I am hoping to get on the beta test for Google's new Chrome OS but have not heard if I get blessed with one of their new laptops yet or not.

One thing that I have definitely learned about PDAs/Smart Phones/Computers is that you need to make sure you vendors support them!

As much as things keep changing, I would plan on budgeting for a new phone and computer about every 18 months.

@Hans, I am not sure what to say about the blank screen without sitting in front and watching it boot up.  If possible, hook up an alternate monitor to see if it is software or hardware.  That should maybe give you a starting point at least.

@John,  I had not heard of PDF Annotator, so I will look into it.  Thanks for sharing.

@Cindy, Realtor.com did launch a mobile app in November.  However, on a desktop or tablet PC, you might as well just go to their website and search by map, then put in if you are looking in a one mile or five mile radius, etc.  I have never done this till now as an agent, since I prefer to get to go to the original source of the housing data which is our local MLS.

In Paragon 5, you can also search by map and you can draw your own circles, shapes and designs.  That is how I typically do it.

Since I got an iPad, I must admit I use my Tablet more as a backup device these days.  I love the instant on and off feature of being solid state.  HP will be releasing their own versions soon, so I look forward to seeing what bells and whistles they have coming out.

Welcome to the Tablet world Paul!  Once you get used to the touch screen and the ability to sign contracts on it, you will probably never go back to a conventional laptop again.

On my iPad, I added a Bluetooth wireless keyboard so it is effectively a Tablet now too. Each has their purpose.  When I have lots of work to do, I sit at my main PC for the full keyboard and screen.  In my home, I still use the Tablet via WIFI.  However, on the road, it is 90% iPad now since it is instant on/off and so light weight.