Many who know me or have read my blog in the past know that I am a fan of using desktop replacement tablet computers. Such tablets are powerful enough to replace a desktop computer but also portable enough to be used in the field. I just purchased a new Motion R12 tablet after using a bulky Motion J3500 for five years while trying to decide if I should wait for the release of the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. Here are videos describing the Motion R12 Windows tablet.
The reasons why I decided to spend almost exactly twice the money for a Motion R12, rather than buy a Surface Pro, are listed below.
The Surface Pro 4 is not yet available, but my old workhorse J3500 tablet needed replacement now.
The Surface Pro 3 docking station does not work with any rugged field case. This means that if you use a field case, you cannot use the convenient docking station without first removing the case (there goes the convenience). The Motion R12 has a built-in case.
The Surface Pro does not have a docking station designed for a vehicle. It is awkward to hook up wires for charging or holding your computer when working on it in the car between jobs. Aftermarket mounting systems for the Surface Pro are not as sleek as the Motion docks. With one click, a Motion docking station turns any car into a mobile office. Real work can be done anywhere you decide to pull off the road, grab your wireless keyboard, and take care of business with a full Windows desktop experience.
The Motion R12 can get wet and it often rains In Portland, Oregon. I am much more comfortable standing in the rain with a computer that I know is designed for this type of use.
The Motion R12 features a monitor designed to be more easily viewed in bright sunlight; something we do not get as often in Portland, Oregon, but can still be troublesome.
The Motion R12 has a tether and slot (“barn”) to store the digitizer pen when not in use. This is a small issue, but very handy. The Surface Pro has only a magnet to hold the pen and few good options when cases are installed.
The Motion R12 features a larger battery that can be swapped in the field or replaced when the battery starts to lose its resiliency. Computer batteries typically become weak after about two years and I plan to keep my computer longer than the life of the original battery. Also, even with long battery life, it gives piece of mind to have a backup battery in case your charger gets inadvertently unplugged or other surprises occur.
Did I leave anything out or do you want to join in the conversation? Let me know in the comments below.
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Thanks for reading,
Gary F. Kristensen
I am an appraiser who embraces mobile technology to the extent that my business is completely digital; but with a paperless office comes the risk of computer failure. Last Thursday the inevitable happened, in the midst of a job in the field, my computer crashed and refused to restart. A hurried trip to a repair facility was not encouraging. To my surprise, the technicians were unable to restart the computer without first resetting it and eliminating all files from the disk. After resetting and testing, it was determined that there was nothing physically wrong with the computer hardware. The technician speculated that a corrupted file probably caused the crash.
This misadventure represented a major setback. Not only did I lose the time spent arranging the repair, I also had to bring a backup computer out of its mothball state. That task was complicated by the fact that the backup had not been started in over two years. The resulting wait seemed endless while operating, virus, and appraisal software went through innumerable updates (150 in Windows alone). The single bit of good news in all of this is that I subscribe to Carbonite, an online backup service that only costs about $60 per year. Every appraiser (or anyone with a computer) should subscribe to just such a service.
Carbonite normally works in the background, continuously backing up everything on your computer while you work. It provides access to all active files, and even gives a 30-day look back at files deleted from the hard drive. Note that backup services like Carbonite do not replace long-term storage for appraisers like a la mode’s Vault. However, with Carbonite I was able to go online and download everything needed to get up and running again. That included the most recently saved version of the appraisal file that I was working on, several other unfinished projects, all saved internet links, every software license, all saved software settings, everything on the desktop, and anything else that was not duplicated by the file sharing services I use (like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive). Whew! Thank you Carbonite.
Oh, and what is my takeaway from all of this? I have learned that now the backup computer is coming out of the closet on the first day of each month for a little runtime and update. That way, a future hardware or software failure will not catch me unprepared.
I am always excited to hear about the newest gadgets for appraisers. Today is day one of Microsoft’s Build Developer Conference and some exciting news should come out of the show. Particularly, I’m excited because rumors are swirling that Microsoft will announce the new Surface Pro 4 to be released with Windows 10 later this year (Maybe July). Surface Pro 4 will likely have more processing power, generate less heat, have more memory, and more screen size options.
Those who regularly follow my posts (or know me personally) also know that I prefer using desktop replacement tablets. These tablet computers allow field workers to use one device at home and in the field, without the need to maintain, learn, or transfer files between multiple devices. Prior to the Surface Pro, the only devices with the power of a desktop computer in a handheld device were significantly larger and heavier than other tablets (like the iPad), and very expensive like the commercial Motion Computing tablet that I use today.
With the introduction of the Surface Pro in 2012, things started to change for desktop replacement tablets. Now, a computer featuring the same chips and memory of many desktop or laptop computers, a penabled screen, and all in a package not much larger than an iPad was available. However, the first generation of the Surface Pro was launched alongside the Surface RT and Windows 8, both products that had problems and lot of negative press.
In generations two and three, public perception changed as the Surface Pro was refined. Today the Surface Pro 3 is being advertised as, “The tablet that can replace your laptop.” However, I still do not think that the public fully realizes or believes that a laptop or a tablet like the iPad is no longer needed; while others think that the Surface Pro is just too expensive. My response is, “How much do two devices cost and how much time is spent maintaining, switching between, or learning two devices?” Thomas Edison said, “Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can’t afford to lose.” I think the Surface Pro is a bargain starting under $1,000 and at about $1,300 well equipped. Take a look at this video showing the Surface Pro 3 in action as a desktop computer with multiple monitors.
On Thursday, July 10, I gave a presentation titled “Three Steps to Mobile Appraiser” at the Portland NAIFA monthly luncheon. Turnout for the event was very good. Many attendees asked thoughtful appraisal-related questions at the end. We discussed why the use of mobile appraisal tools is so important for appraisers and how A Quality Appraisal, LLC uses multiple monitors, paperless office, file sharing, file backup, tablet computers (including tablet desktop replacements), and laser measurement (Disto) to increase the efficiency and production of our office. If you missed the luncheon, here is a video of the presentation:
I believe that using mobile field devices, including tablet computers and laser tape measures, are as important for appraisers today as digital cameras, yet few appraisers have made the transition. If you watched the “Three Steps to Mobile Appraiser” presentation and have any questions about how real estate professionals can use tablets or other devices in the field, please contact me. I love to help my appraiser colleagues. If you would like me to speak at your event, please give me a call.
If you find this information interesting or useful, please subscribe to my blog. Also, please support us by making Portland real estate appraisal related comments on our blogs and YouTube videos. If you need Portland, Oregon area residential real estate appraisal services for any reason, please contact us. We will do everything possible to assist you.
Gary
On Thursday, July 10th at 11:30, I speak at the Portland Rose City Chapter of NAIFA luncheon. Any of my Portland, Oregon area appraisal blog subscribers are welcome to attend. Admission to the event is $15 for guests with a buffet lunch included. My presentation will start shortly after noon and will last about thirty to forty-five minutes.
Some appraisers may be hesitant to take full advantage of the mobile computing and software options that are available today. My presentation is based around personal experiences with these tools, and how three easy steps can lead from being an appraiser tied to an office computer to one who can work anywhere and be productive everywhere. Even if you are an appraiser who does not plan to use a mobile device in the field, valuable tips are provided to help you have a more productive and less complicated office. I look forward to seeing you there and to discussing mobile appraisal technology with you.