Anyone who reads my blogs knows that I believe in "Giving Credit Where Credit is Due". Here are some reasons that I applaud Gateway.

1. They have online chat with Sales; consequently I gave Billy V., a Direct Sales Manager a work out. The same with his team member that 1st assisted me. (I had actually tried to find this person before continuing to work with Billy. I did not know if Gateway worked on commission. The last rep I dealt with spent a good hour with me so I definitely wanted to hook up with him again. My mind was made up to take the plunge and order. Not knowing that Billy was a manager, I verified that the last person I talked to would get credit for the order. Billy, shot me an email to verify his position as well as willingness and authority to give the prior rep credit.
2. That taken care of I took the opportunity to unload on Billy about Gateway was not giving NAR discounts. When I finished this conversation with Billy -we had a nice overall savings- over the online configure your quote version. Billy is advising his team about taking extra special care with REALTORS and offering to configure the same or similar deals for anyone who mentions this blog as he did with me. I came in less than $2,000. I also ordered a couple of items that someone else may not see the need for such as the bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse. (Here is the original configuration)

3. My order arrived earlier than projected, even though it was customized. It is hard for me to visualize actual sizes when ordering online. The 7125C would have been the right choice for many people; but I felt cramped and found myself wishing I had ordered the larger, heavier 210X. I put Billy and his word to the test. I contacted him and let him know that there was nothing wrong with the 7125C but, I felt the 210X would be a better choice for the way I use my Tablet. Billy was kind and considerate through this whole process. He reminded me that: 1) the 210X is a lot heavier, 2) The 210 did not have fingerprint security or touch screen (wacom).

4. I told him that a larger keyboard and screen would be more suitable for how I use the tablet. I go from home office to client office (or kitchen). Its not as if I carry around the tablet for long amounts of time.

Talk about PROfessional courtesy--Billy allowed me to keep the 7125C while the 210X was in shipment without billing me! So that's how I ended up with the two newest Gateway units side by side.

Would I buy from Gateway again? You bet! This is what I like about the 210X: 

Keyboard, feel of the keys, the screen is wonderful, the magnetic pen glides like silk. I appreciate the built in slightly elevated tilt (ergonomics). I like the way it securely closes magetically. There are tons of great features. (Like the button that adjusts the screen automatically for the mode you are using the tablet in).

I am very happy with my set up. I have a lot to learn as I chose to go with Vista Business and Office Small Business 2007 w/One note 2007.

Remember that to make a totally mobile office out of a tablet you should probably add VREO RED. Last time I talked with them, that was a $200 set up fee, then $25 a month. But that also includes a fax# and faxing. Save your Winform or Zipform documents then import to RED. Then clients can sign on your computer. Then you can email or fax copies to them, or use a portable printer if they do not have email/fax capability.

I also use Verizon Wireless which is about $62 a month after set up. There are other choices, and you can hope to pick up connections.

The configuration was different for the 210X than the 7125. If you want to talk to Billy about either configuration I have included his email address with his permission. He may delegate a team member to help you, but they are now more familiar with working with REALTORS and they will be pre-coached by Billy in dealing with REALTORS needs.

I do recommend that you go with a stronger battery or get a back up. Battery is the only weakness I see in the 210X so far. I generally keep mine plugged in AC, even in the car. Then when you visit with a client away from the office or work at Starbuck's, you'll be fine.

PS: The magnetic pen for the 210X is the only one that works with this model. You may want to order an extra. I have a key chain attached to mine with one of those mini-stretchy cords. It makes it easy to find when you lay it down. There is also a "Pen finder" you can configure that I have not configured yet, but I probably should.

I almost didn't buy a Gateway because I read a review somewhere about the pen not seeming to work well. Mine works great. I used the aligning process which is really simple.

Last, I read blogs in which agents have chosen not to use Vista or Microsoft Small Business 2007 because they fear incompatability. You may have to spend a little time with tech support synching your Palm/Supra products. Other than that, I have had 0 compatability issues. The buddy system between Outlook, One Note 2007 is amazing, as well as being able attach emails to accounts with a click.

That's enough for one blog:-)

Billy.VanEngen@gateway.com (paste the link to this blog for fun, or at least remember to tell Billy that you are a REALTOR).