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Tablet or Notebook?

I'm upgrading my laptop to either a notebook or a tablet pc and am looking for input from the pros in the field.

I'd love to know what helped sway your purchase decision, and what specific factors you were focusing on.

In my mind, I'd love to have the ability to complete offers on the road, to save my buyers and sellers time. The tablet pc's can do this. A wireless printer would make me a true road warrior, and that would be a next purchase.

If you have have a tablet or notebook, do you just use it for the road? If so, what do you have back at the office as the office workhorse? Do you have trouble syncing your data between the two?

I know Realtors get deals from Dell - what other offers are floating around out there?

Suggestions, input, research links are all welcome - I want to hear what you like and don't like about your current computer setup.

Posted by Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, SRES on 07/12/2008 10:35 AM

Comments (13)

tablet pc, notebook, wireless printer, road warrior, technology

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13 Comments on Tablet or Notebook?

I have gone with the tablet pc because of its flexibility. I use it out & about and at home. At the office I have a desktop. Check newegg, this link should take you directly to their tablets available.

07/12/2008 10:48 AM

by Trey Affolter (Keller Williams Realty)

I use my notbook on the road and in the office so I really don't have to sync...but I do have a Seagate drive that runs software called Free Agent that is a great resource to sync...although I just use it for backing up. It's 250GB and cost me $99

07/12/2008 11:02 AM

by Vickie Nagy, Realtor, Specializing in San Ramon, Danville & the Tri-Valley! (Empire Realty Associates)

I have both. I like my IBM X41 for size, weight, keyboard. But, the sceen is small. I have a Motion 1300, Love the screen, hate the heat, no keyboard.

Part of the problem you'll find is software to "write" on the document, then send. It will be better to use the USPS accepted electronic signatures like Instanet Forms now uses.

I'd save the money, get a better laptop.

07/12/2008 02:53 PM

by Greg Fox (Realty World Wichita)

I am wanting to upgrade but know very little so will watch your post for info. :)

07/12/2008 04:53 PM

by Trey Thurmond, College Station , Texas Homes (Classic Realty Inc./GMAC Real Estate)

I currently have a Notebook Laptop and I love it. I do from Time to Time think of getting the Tablet because they are just so cool. There is an Agent in my office that has one and they are definetely Nice, but I am sticking to what I have. Just call me Comfortable!

Kathy Hyatt, Ft. Laudedale, Florida

07/12/2008 07:32 PM

by Kathy Hyatt, abr-chms-ahwd (ERA ACE Realty & Investments, Inc.)

Carol, I really, really love my MacBook Air. It's so lightweight and it does everything I need it to do. If you've been using a PC, there is a learning curve, but there are so many huge advantages to Mac that it's worth it.

07/12/2008 10:07 PM

by Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company)

Thanks for all of the info!

07/13/2008 04:52 PM

by Norma J. Elkins (Coldwell Banker Realty House)

UPDATE: I got my HP tablet PC last Friday and I'm in love with it - it's so portable, and lightening fast!

08/18/2008 09:13 AM

by Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, SRES (Vanguard GMAC)

I weighed the options last year and ended up buying a laptop from DELL. I am glad I did. It's an xps m1530.

08/18/2008 09:30 AM

by Realty Executives - Erica Ramus - 570 622 6006 - Schuylkill

well I am thinking the same and after reading these response still haven't made up my mind

08/18/2008 11:42 AM

by Shannon Gilmore, Realtor® Naples Florida Real Estate (John R. Wood Realtors )

I came close to buying a fujitsu tablet. I am not sorry I just bought a notebook from Dell.

08/18/2008 02:16 PM

by Realty Executives - Erica Ramus - 570 622 6006 - Schuylkill

A tablet is for carrying around and entering data while you walk. Many appraisers are using them in the field. Tablets can run 2-3x lap top prices.

A lap top might be a better option and also less expensive. You can find a good quality lap top online or at any store selling computers. It all boils down to personal preference. What ever you do make sure you do your homework and don't buy the first thing you see. Impulse buys can be very expensive and regretful.

08/18/2008 03:08 PM

by Kenneth Miller, NW Ohio FHA Appraiser (Miller Appraisals)

I have a laptop from Dell they have a very good warranty on the business side of Dell. I only use

my laptop, I just take it everywhere I go. I use a portable printer and do my contracts at the clients

home. I am also wanting a tablet so I will watch this post for reviews.

08/18/2008 06:53 PM

by Sandy Gleason Southern Idaho Realtor (Silver Sage Realty Inc)

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