Are you caught up in iPad fever? Is every one you know buying one and you are feeling left out? Well, bunky, you are not alone.
I was feeling the same way, even though I had made up my mind to wait it out until the second version comes out. But the constant onslaught of reviews, posts, pages, tweets and other new media ramblings and musings was starting to have it’s way with me.
It got to the point that I was almost convinced that I had to have one. Then I remembered that I had a Motion Computing LE1600 Tablet PC sitting in drawer. I’ve had this for a few years and only ever fire it up when I want to demonstrate why tablet computers are not a good deal for real estate agents! I’ve never really used this machine because I found it awkward to use the pen device to input information into the interface. I prefer a keyboard, even though I only use two fingers to type! Go figure.
My idea was to wipe off my personal info, restore it to factory condition (I still have the original packaging and documentation) and offer to trade it for an iPad on Craigslist. I am sure that there is someone out there who bought an iPad only to find out that it won’t really do what they wanted it to do. I thought that maybe they’d like to trade for this full featured Windows XP machine.
But, then I thought WHOA! What are you thinking? I already know that the iPad will not access our antiquated MLS system here in the San Francisco East Bay, it requires Internet Explorer in order to work and the iPad cannot run Internet Explorer. (For the record, I am a Firefox user and only use IE to access the MLS). Then I remembered how often I like to work with two or three programs running at a time, like Windows Live Writer, Word, my browser and so on. The iPad has limited ability to multi task so I wouldn’t be able to work in the way that I have become accustomed.
I also remembered that I do have the external keyboard for the tablet that allows me to use it like a laptop. I know that the iPad can be equipped with an external keyboard, but at additional cost.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the tablet PC could do everything that that the iPad could do except for running apps (No need for apps when I have the actual software already). The iPad can connect via built in 3G but I don’t need that as I have a Sprint MiFi which will give me that functionality. My tablet weighs 3.2 pounds which is twice what the heaviest iPad weighs. Th iPad is reported to have a long battery life of at least 9 hours. I am sure that the tablet won’t even come close to that.
The tablet has a slew of in/out connectors as opposed to the iPad which only offers the dock connector. In all ways, the tablet is a better computer that can do more the iPad. Knowing all of this, I brought the tablet out of storage this morning, and I have updated all the software on it and I am using it to write this blog post. I still might want to trade it for an iPad, but the fact remains that this device will perform much of what the iPad can do, some things the iPad cannot do, and it will tide me over until until Version 2 of the iPad shows up!
So why is it that I still want the iPad? 🙂
How about you? Are you feeling the pressure to buy an iPad?
Jerry,
I HAVE succumbed! Today I picked up my 3G 64 gig iPad. Then it was time to go to the in-laws for Mothers’ Day dinner and I just got back. Now I’m headed to the App Store to load it up and work it out.
I will report back.
sj
Try to get some sleep! You may be up all night long playing with it!
Jerry I feel no pressure at all it is just a glorified i phone and I already have one of those. PS we can run MLS on firefox now maybe you can as well. I hope all is well. You should take something for that I pad fever.
Jerry maybe a few Tylenol would reduce that fever. LOL.. I am waiting for G4 to come out before I spent money on that machine. Have a great week.
I just read your post and I could not agree more. I really want the iPad. My idea was to take it along to visit homes with clients, use the internet to review (pics) of other homes and even look up listings on the way. I even had it figured out that I could you ZipForms online and Docusign to create and sign contracts, forward them to the listing agent all before I left the client! Well, I am sure you know that very little of that is possible on the iPad. I'm sure that one day the MLS will be available on Safari. They tell me at CCAR that it will be in 3-6 months. Unfortunately they have been telling me that for a long time. Docusign is accessible via the iPad but you can't drag the signature box with the current limited browser. So, like you I will get one, just not today!
I think the iPad has the potential to be a game changer in many ways…but in it's currently available configuration it requires too many compromises to be a tool that I would want to invest in.. I am hopping that Apple comes out with the second version fairly soon!
Jerry – the only computer I ever wished I'd not bought was the Motion Computing Tablet. I thought I'd find a use for it, but truly hated using it.I played with the iPad for several weeks before I got one, and considered it to be a large iPhone, and definitely not lust-worthy.It's not an iPhone and still not lust-worthy.It is an astonishly useful tool – far more than I imagined – and these days when I leave the house I take the iPad and usually leave the Mac Book Pro at home.
Was showing a house today.Brought up blog posts, maps, an app I bought to show where the sun is at different days of the year and times of the day, maps to show where the house was relative to shops and transportation.At breakfast showed friend how I uploaded photos to flickr and mapped the location.It's not a laptop or netbook. So what.It's turning out to be a vastly more useful tool than I had imagined.And I love that digital interface – using my finger is was more efficient that using a mouse.Let's have lunch with Ginger & Andy when they're in town.Ira
Interesting Ira. I had the exact same feelings about the Motion computer … until Saturday. Once I fired it up and cleaned it up and spent a few hours with it I found out that I actually like it. It's biggest issue for me is that it does not run OSX! Bt then again neither does the iPad! I am going to Japan at the end of the month and haven't yet decided which device I am taking with me since my iPhone will not work there. My choices are an Acer Netbook, small and light; my Motion Tablet, small, but bigger than the netbook and twice the weight; or my MacBook Pro, big and heavy but runs the OS I prefer.Again, as much as I don't want to do so, I will sit out V1 of the iPad and pray that THE STEVE improves upon this device in V2.
Derick … I agree with you … only thing is the listing agents with Wachovia REOs don't want us to use docusign. What's up with that? Jerry .. bring your MacBook Pro, big & heavy but will make you happy. Trust me, you don't want to be unhappy when you are in Japan…LOL Have a great trip….
Jerry – it all depends. On my next trip I'll take iPad AND MacBook Pro AND Airport Express AND iPhone (will remove the Simm Chip when on the plane- I need different tools for different jobs.Mac Book Pro – For email, photos, video, creation – the MBP is the tool for the job. Can't do that on iPadiPad – a great device for the flight and getting around town on trainiPhone – wireless works great – just remove the SIMM card so you don't get roaming. Use TruPhone for phone callsAirport Express – most hotels still have hard-wired ethernet. Plug the cable into Airport Express and you're wirelessCameras – of course!Doesn't leave an baggage allowance for undies … but what the heck.Where in Japan are you going to?
Going to Tokyo and Kyoto. I'veo nly ever been to Okinawa before so I am really looking forward to this trip. I am wanting to go as minimalistic as possible on this trip so I may opt to leap off of the grid altogether and take nothing! GASP! Heresay! It'd be nice to to completely disconnect though I doubt that I will be able to as Diane will no doubt need to stay in touch with her clients.
Tina- I doubt that I'll be unhappy in Japan. I love Japanese food and culture and am looking forward to seeing all of the tech gadgets at the Aki Hab bara (SP?).
Exactly, Jerry…. and don't get too drunk with those sake…LOL I like the idea of going without connection …. That would be an ideal trip.
Jerry – everything has pros and cons and every technology will become obsolete. http://activerain.com/blogsview/1620043/every-realtor-needs-an-ipad-
Hi Rick- Trust me, I am well aware that tech changes over time. But, in my not so humble opinion, the first generation of any new tech tool is not the one to buy for most real estate people. Just ask the ones who bought the first iPhone, only to se the 3G come along for less money and with more capability! (Let's not even start on the 3GS!)I think that eventually the iPad will be the tool to own, but not yet for most users.! Thanks for the comment!
thanks Jerry, you just saved me a bunch of money!
Hi Linda! Glad to have helped. I wish it was time to buy one, but unless you are an early adopter type, sit this one out! Are you going to REBarCampSacto in June? If so, I'll see you there.
Totally agreed with Jerry … With 1 exception that unless you don't have any Tylenol to take to reduce the first version "high fever".
Tina, when are you going to come assist me? 🙂 I really do want an iPad, but until it can do what my Motion Tablet can do, I just can't justify the expense, both in terms of money and frustration! And I am an early adopter of most things.However, if someone wanted to gift me one I think I could deal with the frustration! 🙂
Got Paragon? This link will give you essential information. Not the same as accessing using IE, but works in a pinch.http://maxebrdi.mobile.fnismls.com/
Jerry – Every computer I've bought from Apple seems to be the same price, and each latter one is faster and has more memory or a larger hard drive.Technology is just a tool.There's value in not being on the bleeding edge – buying V1.0 when it's first available is not necessarily a good idea.But – waiting to buy because the next version is better or less expensive is a spurious argument.I bought one new car in my life. Not sure about now, but for many years people would buy a new car every year or two … KNOWING that the moment they drive it off the lot it's worth less. Cars cost more than iPads.
OK Jerry – here's what to bringiPhone (remove the SIMM card so you can use it wirelesslyAiport Express (configure it before you leave home – set up a password) – that will let you use iPhone wirelessly when in JapanNetbook or Motion Tablet PC
I feell it – totally want the toy – BTW I have been using a tablet for over 4 .5 years now but never bring it with me as I thought I would. I emailed CAR today and there is no capability with the ipad – docusign is just fine all you need is a pdf app. oh well we shall see – may be cheaper than getting GPS in my next car ?? Think we need a tablet that light and that should do it 🙂
Ira .. I am waiting for you to adopt me and buy me all the tech toys … LOL
I love the GPS of the 3G.What I need is a USB charger for my WiFi card – it's only good for 4 hours or so.
Ira my friend, "Not the same as accessing using IE" … is typical of the compromise in standard workflow that bugs me about the iPad. My tablet doesn't have to go through this…
Ira, I think that you could use the iPhone USB brick and a standard USB cable to charge the WiFi card.
The issue is that the MLS is coded with non-standard Java. FWIW I think it's a design issue on the part of the MLSUSB – I wasn't clear enough – I meant a portable USB charger I can carry around with me – like the iPhone charger I bought at iPhone (oops Macworld) in January.
Oh, yeah, I have one of those with a USB connector on it. And I totally agree with you that the design flaw is with the MLS, but it's what we have … for now anyway.
What model charger with USB connector do you have.
I use the iGo. You can buy a battery pack at Radio Shack and then buy tips for whatever device you want.
The $29.95 LogMeIn iPad App works fine (though a bit clunky without a mouse) and I'm able to access the MLS on my Dell Computer.Not quite as good accessing the MLS using LogMein on my Mac or MacBook Pro (the mouse helps) but does the job. I rarely sit in front of the Dell computer now – almost always log in using LogMein on the Mac Mini Server.So . for $29.95 you have MLS access.We now have ZipForms on the mac.The ONLY thing I now need to use Windows for is WyldeFyre – and that works great on LogMein.Downside – an hour after using LogMein, you want to use your Mac again.
This post from a REALLY smart guy pretty much sums up what I have been saying all along about jumping on the iPad band wagon right now. This is what the average user experiences. The smart, techy types will of course figure this out, but the average real estate agent….? Just sayin'…http://www.chrisbrogan.com/grrr-apple-grrr-part-deux/
Thanks for pulling me away from the iPad. Hubby still wants one, though. But, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my motion computer. I actually had to take my labtop out of the drawer and dust it off the other day just to see if it still worked. I've had my tablet for five years now and will not part from it for nothing.
No iPad for me yet! Most of my business partners have them! Including my kids.
http://bit.ly/azEpBi — VoIP World
Simple yet effective techniques, this is my type of stuff!
No iPad for me yet! Most of my business partners have them! Including my kids.