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#34364 02/10/04 01:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 38
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Hi folks!

I'm considering a palm top organizer, just to remind myself of stuff I need to remember on the job. Now I use a small pocketsize notebook that I jot stuff down in.
However, it gets severely dog eared.

I've seen some other guys using the palm top organizers and they seem ambivalent about them. My main concern is damaging a reasonably expensive tool, as I carry it with me on the job. What are your thoughts?

-Thanks...sparkin' away in Colorado

#34365 02/10/04 02:12 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,374
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Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
#34366 02/10/04 02:42 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 449
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I bought a Palm Zire 71 with the built in camera last June. I don't know what I did without it! On sale for $250.00. I added Documents to Go so I could use Excel spread sheets. I identify circuits in a panel as I land them. Hot sink the Palm when I get back to the office, print the directory, laminate and install it on the panel door the next day. I also use the camera feature to document insurance jobs, existing conditions/violations before I start a job and to record work I have just completed. I also use a spread sheet to log hours spent on what job. I also loaded ampacity charts, conduit fill tables, single and 3 phase FLA charts and heater element tables. Not to mention the address book! I also have my tool and equipment inventory, all license numbers, TIN number, blank materials list forms, my current wire inventory, etc. I carried a notebook for years and didn't ever have as much info at my fingertips. It has held up very well in the field. It did get too wet last summer from sweat and wouldn't work right until it dried out. No problems since. I would like to get a rubber protector for it to help guard against drops. So far I haven't dropped it.

#34367 02/10/04 06:24 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,143
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Just got a HP iPAQ (hand held PC), Heard of lots of problems with windows apps on PalmOS, and I got a good deal on the HP.

I asked around about this, and I wasn;t the first to do so. So far it's more of a neat gimmick - it's nice to keep notes and schedules that can get updated automatically for billing purposes.

I've got a camera phone, so I was less concernefd about that aspect.

I've sene "Fluke meter" style rubber holsters, and I've thought about one of those. Right now I keep it in a "dayrunner" style zippered case that lets me keep business cards, and has a small notepad too.

#34368 02/11/04 12:45 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 687
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Has any one tried using a laptop/notebook computer in the field?

I haven't but gave it some thought. I seen plug in GPS locators for them that will give you instant driving directions. Maybe a small printer for invoices and etc.

I would like to find a program with a built in timmer that would keep track of hours at each job and for pay at the end of the week. The worker would log in and out. I know quickbooks has one but I did not like it. I seen ones listed that also keep track of days off and tarties but they are big money.

Tom

#34369 02/11/04 12:58 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36
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some of my buddies use notebook PC's. Mostly for the maps, but also keep billing paperwork organized as well. If I had a palm pilot, I would opt for the one with the code.

#34370 02/12/04 10:42 AM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 328
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I had a Palm M515 (I think that's the right model) and generally loved it. It's wonderful to make notes or schedule stuff and then have it on both the handheld and the desktop computer via the hot-sync. I also had the Documents to Go. I would think one with a camera would be ideal with the added bonus of on-the-spot documentation of existing conditions. On the downside, I placed mine on its recharge cradle and went back to it in about 20 minutes and it was hotter than blazes - so much that I could barely touch it. I couldn't find any evidence of it being mis-seated on the cradle nor any physical damage but it obviously had something wrong because it cooked as it sat there. I did a google.com search for info on Palm problems and found that cracking the screen is both common, ruins the device, and is not covered nor easily repaired. I carried mine in a neoprene Palm case that was extra cushy and I don't remember it being dropped or handled roughly but that's a possibility. I'll probably get another handheld for the convenience but I'm not sure it'll be a Palm.


If I get a PC-based handheld there's a version of ConstructCALC (see it at http://www.winest.com/products/other/calc.asp ) for it that matches what I use on my PC at work.

I lug around a laptop daily and it's NOT fun. I just got a backpack for it yesterday and that's an improvement. I also have a couple of docking stations for it which make it much more tolerable to use at either end of the journey.

There are some advantages:
- sit in front of the screen as few times as possible for any particular event (data entry, report writing, quote building, etc);
- all data is available where you are working
- larger keyboard/pad makes typing easier

There are also disadvantages:
- Heavy or cumbersome to carry
- more wear & tear on laptop
- overkill on many occasions
- space to work in a truck might make it less convenient

#34371 02/12/04 08:14 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 110
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Member
I have used a Pocket PC for years. My 1st was a Jornada, then Toshiba and now an Ipaq 2215. I created my own spreadsheet in Excel. It has worked great for me. Especially when you are away from the PC and need to jot a few things down. You can also add drawing tools that will sync with .dwg or .dxf files. I would create a qwick sketch of a job. If I need to find an address I have MS Pocket Streets on mine. Although each application on its' own is not that great on a handheld, having them all at the same time is priceless.

Blessings, Mark


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