suzuki98 14 Report post Posted January 7, 2007 does anybody use a pda or smartphone applications while on the road to keep track of estimates, jobs, etc? If so what program do you use? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Camelot 68 Report post Posted January 7, 2007 I use a blackberry and LOVE it...there's a program for "writing" notes, etc...works well for me. - John Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Integrity Curb Appeal 64 Report post Posted January 8, 2007 Windows smartphone withWindows mobile 2003. I can sync with outlook for schedule, and contacts. I can also perform excel functions with pocket excel. I cannot imagine not having it. Before this one which I purchased 1.5 years ago I had a Palm phone. The palm was great too. One thing I liked better about the Palm was the graffiti using a stylus. I believe, (am not certain) the new Treo 700 is a mix between Windows and Palm. Functionality and Graffiti. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
suzuki98 14 Report post Posted January 8, 2007 thx guys:) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Orr 206 Report post Posted January 8, 2007 I recently needed to replace my IPAQ (lost or stolen by a FORMER employee) and switch carriers (from Sprint to Cingular). I bought Cingular's 8525. Syncs to Outlook, nice, full keyboard, Bluetooth. I use it for: phone calls, contacts, internet (weather.com), calculator, 2.0M camera and GPS mapping using MS Streets and Trips. OK, occasionally a game or two while killing time.) The phone is pricey, but since I was going to have to buy a new pda and a phone anyway, it made sense. My biggest concern is how well it will stand-up to real world use. Cell companies, as I found out, do not always offer insurance on the most expensive phones/smartphones. I found coverage with Safeware for about $70/yr. I also use a protective sheet for the screen and use the Bluetooth so that the phone stays in its protective belt clip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyanH 14 Report post Posted January 8, 2007 Smartphone through Verizon (Motorola Q). Functions very well as a phone, email center, wireless internet connection (through USB or BT for a laptop). Functions very poorly as a calculator or spreadsheet editor without added software. Cingular makes a very nice proprietary smartphone that's the size of a normal candybar-style phone (non-flip). I think they just released the BlackJack...looks very cool. I think it's a blackberry device. If you need full blown application ability (word, excel, copy/paste function, etc.), get a PDA, though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyanH 14 Report post Posted January 8, 2007 Also, considering you'll be working in wet conditions, you might want to consider a GSM phone. As much as I like Verizon and the coverage of their CDMA network, you really can't beat the convenience of having the GSM card. If you drop your phone in water, pull out a backup (older phone usually) and swap the cards out. Back up and running instantly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TNT Pressure Washing 14 Report post Posted January 9, 2007 Smartphone through Verizon (Motorola Q). Functions very well as a phone, email center, wireless internet connection (through USB or BT for a laptop). Functions very poorly as a calculator or spreadsheet editor without added software. Cingular makes a very nice proprietary smartphone that's the size of a normal candybar-style phone (non-flip). I think they just released the BlackJack...looks very cool. I think it's a blackberry device. If you need full blown application ability (word, excel, copy/paste function, etc.), get a PDA, though. Ryan, what type PDA would you reccommend? Ive been looking at the Palm Z22. Anyone have this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyanH 14 Report post Posted January 9, 2007 I've never used Palm software, so I can't say. I've played with the Samsung PDAs and like them for PDA phones. I used an HP 73?? for work for awhile and it was okay, but I used it mostly for wirelessly controlling motors and actuators, not so much for other PDA use. Batteries on all of them suck from what I understand. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PowerPlay 14 Report post Posted January 9, 2007 I use the Palm T/X and love it. It has Wi-Fi so I can check Internet e-mails from anywhere in my house. I use it as a scheduler and if you used a Palm and try to go to a smart phone you will miss some functionality. I love Plams for organization and if I lost it I would be lost, so I back-up often. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick G 14 Report post Posted January 10, 2007 http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=businessNews&storyid=2007-01-09T195343Z_01_N09482420_RTRUKOC_0_US-APPLE-MACWORLD.xml&src=rss&rpc=23 Im looking foward to this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Orr 206 Report post Posted January 10, 2007 My Cingular is about the same size (maybe a little narrower) and layout as my IPAQ - except the top slides over to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. It runs Windows Mobile 5.0 and comes with Word, PowerPoint and Excel Mobile. Also GSM and 3G, so it will run video from Cingular and uses a micro SD card Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A Fountain 14 Report post Posted January 10, 2007 Black Berry here and very happy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
