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Victoria, BC
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[#1] Posted: 12/26/2003 - 11:48:50 PM |  |  |
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I've been using the Casio Fiva pen tablet (MPC501-M40E) for about a year now to do on-site reports. Here's what I liked and didn't like about the unit.
The website pictures don't do this computer justice. When I first opened the carton for this unit, I was astounded at how small this computer really is. It's not much larger than one of the larger palm computer devices. Fold a piece of letter-sized paper in half and you'll know what I mean - the folded paper will be larger than the entire computer.
The Fiva is about an inch thick and weighs about 2.2lbs. with a touch screen display that measures 6.7-inches diagonally. It comes standard with WIN 98 SE, 32 mb of RAM, a 200 Mhz Geode processor and miniature 6 Gb hard drive. This is not a CE device, palm or pocket PC. This is a real, full-blown computer wrapped up in a tiny package.
The Fiva has a very sturdy housing and has a neck strap included so one can wear it around the neck like a camera. Like any computer, you're not supposed to use it in the rain or get it wet. I get around that by simply slipping it into a heavy duty Ziploc sandwich bag. This keeps it completely dry and free of dust, and the polyethylene serves as a scratch guard for the screen. From the start, I was delighted with its convenience and functionality. After storing more than 15 years worth of CPSC product recalls, my complete JLC CD Rom IV, a complete on-site report system, five years worth of contact files, MS Office Premium, and several separate construction estimating programs on the Fiva, I still had over 3 Gb of hard drive space left to utilize for everyday computing functions. I was able to toss the 3 inch thick binder full of recalls that I used to lug around in my van, and with the JLC CD encyclopedia on the device I was able to quickly and easily retrieve data about virtually any condition found in a home while on site. It's great for those times when you run into a contractor who insists you've made a wrong call. Within seconds you can pull up any number of articles about the issue and blow him right out of the water. On-site editing of my report narratives is done with an optional USB keyboard and mini-mouse, and I print the report using a portable color printer. The computer has a lot of gee whiz appeal, especially to folks who work around computers for a living. Data input through the screen is done using a stylus and is amazingly quick. With the handwriting recognition feature you can train the computer to input data on the fly, and I was even to teach it to use one or two letter macros to generate whole paragraphs of pre-written text. Although the battery only holds its charge for about 3 hours this isn't a problem at the typical inspection, since I input most of the descriptive data immediately and then set the machine up in a central location on the AC adaptor.
What I didn't like about the unit was the fact that this tiny screen wasn't designed for the bespeckled eyes of those of us who've already put half a century behind us. Errors in punctuation and excess spaces between words are are so tiny on the screen that if MS word didn't have those little green and red squiggly lines to point them out, I probably wouldn't have been able to detect them. There is an accessibility option, so one can magnify the area of the screen being worked on, but the split screen confused me and I didn't have the patience to really learn how to use it. The touch screen display is pretty bright, but tends to reflect the sky or sunlight, forcing me to seek shelter in the shade of a tree, in a garage or on the shadow side of a home to do input. Without a built-in CD rom or floppy drive, one is forced to purchase a whole platoon of extra devices (port replicator, USB mini hub adaptor, mouse, keyboard, external floppy drive, mini-CDRW to bring this guy up to the productivity level of a conventional notebook. For the average inspection report program, the Fiva is plenty fast enough for anyone, but it seems to process printing tasks very slowly and every once and a while hangs up in Word, causing me to bite my tongue in order not to let loose with a string of invectives.
After a year of normal usage, the only sign of wear is the screen protector. Overall, I have no complaints about the quality of the Fiva or its convenience factor. I just wish that the screen had been about an inch longer and wider, so that editing report comments wouldn't be so much of a chore.
For a home inspector, this device shines in the hands of someone who uses a computerized checklist/matrix type or report, where only short boilerplate comments, not narrative, are used. Those of you who, like me, still want to slam away on a keyboard are still better off purchasing a notebook computer with a screen you can see easily.
ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!
Mike O'Handley, Editor
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Tallahassee, Florida
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 Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#2] Posted: 01/13/2004 - 11:05:21 AM | | |
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Mike:
What software do you use for your reports on the Fiva? MS Word proper or a commercial reporting tool running in Word, another product or standalone?
Thanks...Bobby
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Bobby, Tallahassee Florida
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Kenmore, WA
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#3] Posted: 01/13/2004 - 11:26:32 AM | | |
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| Quote:Originally posted by Bobby Ryon
Mike:
What software do you use for your reports on the Fiva? MS Word proper or a commercial reporting tool running in Word, another product or standalone?
Thanks...Bobby
Hi Bobby,
I had Microsoft Office Premium installed on that computer running Word 2000 and the software program I initially used was InspectIt. I found the InspectIt program too limited though and eventually switched over to the same one you use - Inspect Express - which is what I still use.
Since I wrote that review, I've sold the Fiva. Not because I didn't like it - because I did - but because I sort of hate to use boilerplate, any boilerplate, even my own, and like to type my reports. With the Fiva, I had to hook up an auxiliary keyboard to do that. I've replaced it with a touchscreen notebook, thus eliminating the need to hook up anything extra. It is a little bit of a pain, because the keyboard sort of gets in the way for data input when walking around and inspecting, but after the full coverage warranty has expired I'll sell it and get a new pen tablet that hides the keyboard.
ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!
Mike
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Chicago, IL
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#4] Posted: 01/13/2004 - 1:19:15 PM | | |
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The Fiva is outdated now, due to the release of Windows Tablet PC's.
I'm going on one year now on my Compaq T1000; no complaints, nothing but praise. Since this is my 11th laptop computer, I have some background for making comparisons. Don't believe anything you've read that says anything negative about this machine; they are wonderful.
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Kurt in Chicago
"If I smell it, it goes in the report".............Phillip Smith...2012
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Rochester, New York
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#5] Posted: 01/13/2004 - 1:43:38 PM | | |
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I have a notebook, it's a "steno" brand. For larger jobs I pull out the big gun and use the "legal" brand. I'd use my laptop, but my wife's always on it.....
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Chad Fabry
StructureSmart Home Inspection Rochester, NY
www.structuresmart.com
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Gilbert, Arizona
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#6] Posted: 01/14/2004 - 01:18:12 AM | | |
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Chad,
Don't take this personal.
I use a pocket PC and the 3-D system to do my reports. I have had 3 handhelds in 4 years. When anything go's wrong with a unit I just replace it with the latest, newest version. I have a roil-up USB keyboard I can plug into my unit if I need to enter allot of text, otherwise I just type on the screen.
There is not any tool that I use as much as my pocket PC and I would not think twice about going out tomorrow and buying another.
I tried the laptop idea but I like to enter the info on the fly. I almost bought the Casio Fiva that Mike was talking about but couldn't justify the price when I can do the job with a hand held.
The day's of a pen and paper are gone with Knob and tube wiring. Time to Invest in yourself and your success.
Find a system or write your own and go computerized.
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Scott Warga
ACSI American Construction Specialists & investigations
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Rochester, New York
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#7] Posted: 01/14/2004 - 02:56:20 AM | | |
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Hi Scott,
My entire post was meant as a joke, even the wife using my "laptop" part.
But I do thank you for the advice, and I agree with you completely.
I don't hesitate one moment to spend money on equipment or tools to make me a better professional. Heck, in 1979 I bought a computer for my auto parts wholesale operation that cost me nearly 300 grand. It had a gig of memory and used giant round disc's for the hard drive. It was bigger than the average buffet cabinet and had to be kept at 71 degrees in a clean room w/ anti static pads everywhere.
I currently own 5 computers. They're all pretty current except for the one I use here on the internet. I call this one my empty box because I have no personal or business info on it so I can surf the web worry free. I tried firewalls, but they bugged me. I keep all my business boxes offline to preserve the integrity of my data and my piece of mind.
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Chad Fabry
StructureSmart Home Inspection Rochester, NY
www.structuresmart.com
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Livermore, CA
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#8] Posted: 05/04/2004 - 5:57:45 PM | | |
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Swarga, What pda unit do you use with the pocket pc. I would like to pick up one of the usb keyboards but those that I have seen are too small for these large fingers. I go to hit the "d" key and end up hitting "e" and "s" at the same time. Its a drag. I'm hoping to plug in a keyboard that is just a bit larger.
I'm with you on the pda in the field but I still have to take a laptop out with me for termite inspections.  l]
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Gilbert, Arizona
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[#9] Posted: 05/05/2004 - 01:19:06 AM | | |
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I use the Casio Casiopeia E-200.
For the record the name is Scott, frequently refered to as "The Warganator" Don't ask me why.
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Scott Warga
ACSI American Construction Specialists & investigations
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Littleton, Colorado
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[#10] Posted: 05/10/2006 - 3:53:10 PM | | |
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I notice that nobody has replyed in the last year. I'm new in the buisness and considering this route as well. Currently I only own a Dell Axim v50,(more or less for personal use.) Anybody have any current advise? Better options for 2006 that wont cost an arm and a leg,as well as any CHEAP recommended software? (Denver's gas prices are rising again,I'm just starting out,and I'm married with children,which translates to NO MONEY)
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Kenmore, WA
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#11] Posted: 05/11/2006 - 12:15:39 AM | | |
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Cheap software produces cheesy looking and often confusing reports. At least that's what I thought of the cheap software programs that I've looked at. Your report is going to be your work and what you produce is going to speak to the professionalism of you and your company.
Take the plunge and buy a decent software program that produces a great looking report and is easy to customize. Some choices:
Inspect Express (Full Narrative or Partial Narrative - Just came out with a palm computer app and it's dirt simple to learn. I know, I'm a computer idiot and it's what I use)
Intelligent Reporter - Mark Cramer's software - can't get much better than Mark Cramer in this business.
3-D. I personally don't like the way it works but a lot of folks swear by it.
InspectIt - I used it for about a year and a half. It was sorta/kinda okay but hard (for me) to modify/customize and had a really irritating way of freezing up on me.
InspectVue - Sort of reminds me of 3-D but dump the danged boilerplate and write your own. The boilerplate is all over the map. Way too much high fallutin nonsense and says, "Look at me, I'm a PHD and enjoy putting on airs.
Spend the money and get a decent program. This is a business and your future you're investing in. If you're not ready to dig deep to run a business you should probably re-think your choices.
ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!
Mike
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Littleton, Colorado
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[#12] Posted: 05/11/2006 - 08:03:47 AM | | |
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Your comments are greatly appreciated. Being new in the "Buis" is very confusing with all the options out there. I think I will invest in the software(as soon as I can get the kids to stop eating and the wife to stop shopping..hehe).
Do you still recommend using the PDA I have, or should I invest in a laptop?
I have also read in other forums that many swear by using a voice recorder and camera to do all their work, and then writting up the report at home. This giving them the ability to produce more professional,personnal appearing reports, and then delivery by email also followed by a next day delivery.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks, Gregg
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Kenmore, WA
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#13] Posted: 05/11/2006 - 10:10:33 AM | | |
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Hi,
I've done both.
Working on-site requires you to tweak your boilerplate so that it is worded in such a way that it can be easily and quickly customized at the home. One advantage of the laptop on-site is that I have my JLCD Rom discs stored on the machine and can quickly word search 17 years of previous issues to find references to deficiencies I uncover, so that I can print those off on-site along with the report I produce.
You need to have a very fast and extremely reliable printer. I found out the hard way that the little portable HP and Cannon printers just weren't up to the task, so I replaced them with a standard sized inkjet. It gives me ability to quickly print and package a very nice professional looking report in a couple of minutes after I've done compiling the info into the program. I use an Epson Stylus-Photo 820 printer that fits nicely inside of a 10 gallon Rubbermaid Roughneck storage box along with a comb punch/binding machine, combs, paper and a printer cable. I can arrive on-site, take the printer out, place it on the closed lid of the box, plug it in and run the 10ft. long printer cable to my laptop in about 30 seconds.
I prefer to compile hand-written notes on site and then return home and put the data into the program at home. However, when someone needs to have the report quickly I have a Panasonic Toughbook computer with a touch screen for producing the on-site reports. Inspect Express has been designed around the idea of simplicity and speed using a touch-screen computer. It runs in word and is bug-free. If one takes the time to customize the look of the program and tweak the boiler plate to suit personal taste and local conditions and on-site work, it's pretty easy to crank out a report on the fly and by the end of the inspection you have something that's about 99% complete. You might need to insert a few edits to customize it to the home, but it's pretty done. Some folks use the boilerplate the way it is and therefore don't have any lag between end of the actual inspection and printing, but you'll be happier if you tweak it to fit you.
Does your wife work? My wife and I do inspections as a team. She goes through the interior, checking appliances, testing windows and doors, checking walls and floors for moisture, looking for leaks at fixtures and testing all of the GFCI's/AFCI's and as many receptacles as she can get to, while I do the exterior, roof, electro-mechanicals, site and drainage, landscaping, attics and crawlspaces. It saves a lot of time and she's good at distracting nosy/manipulative 'zoids that want to eavesdrop on what I'm telling my client.
Another method I've used in the past when working with folks I've mentored, is to work as a 2-man team with one of us sitting at a laptop and compiling the report while actively listening in on the "presenter" via an FM intercom/headset while he goes through the home with the client.
Everything the presenter sees is described out loud and the inspection is done in the same order as the program is laid out, so that the person working the computer can move smoothly through the program from front to back and make the input in order. At the same time, the person at the computer has the ability to couch the presenter and inform him when he's missed looking at something that needs to be in the report or can advise the presenter on what to recommend.
It's fast, unobtrusive and usually the report is done and already printing by the time the presenter and clients are coming back to the kitchen for the sum-up by the presenter. When I was mentoring one fellow, we spent a couple of months with him working the computer and listening to me present and then we swapped roles. If he didn't understand something, he'd tell me to delay for a minute while he walked over to where I was with the clients, got a look at what the issue was, so he understood it better, and then he'd return to the computer and I'd pick up the pace to make up for the few minutes of time I'd stalled. The clients never knew I was using it for a teaching moment and he was able to learn a lot that way. In this manner, he learned the program well and became very familiar with the ins and outs of issues, how to present them and what kind of recommendations to make.
If your wife worked with you on the computer, you could gradually teach her everthing that she needs to know about the biz. Who knows? One day you might be able to split into two separate teams and hire secretary to sit at the computer and do the input while each of you is doing inspections and relaying the findings to that person via intercom.
ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!
Mike
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Littleton, Colorado
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[#14] Posted: 05/11/2006 - 10:16:39 AM | | |
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Very interesting....
Yes, she does work, but in a job that she hates....hmmm.
You've given me something to ponder.
Thanks alot!
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Cartersville, GA
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#15] Posted: 05/11/2006 - 11:07:57 AM | | |
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Mike -- (or anyone who knows) ---
Does InspectExpress work with the OpenOffice progtrams, or just MS Word??
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| It's so much easier to pray for a bore than to go and see one. --- C. S. Lewis |
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Victoria, BC
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[#16] Posted: 05/15/2006 - 5:30:31 PM | | |
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Inspect Express runs in Microsoft Word (2000 or later) only, it does not work with Open Office.
We have a new companion PDA software program that works with Inspect Express that will run on the new Dell Axim handhelds. You can print a summary right from the PDA, but you will still need the full desktop version of the software to print a full report. Later we will add full report printing to the PDA.
As an introductory offer, we are offering Inspect Express Mobile for PDA's with Inspect Express at no extra charge - it's a great deal for a quality product!
Rose Balden
DevWave Software Inc.
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Kenmore, WA
Posts: 15413
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Casio Fiva Pen Tablet
[#17] Posted: 05/15/2006 - 6:17:22 PM | | |
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See?
I toldja dey was lurkin sum'ers!
Thanks Rose! Want a job as moderator on a software forum? 
OT - OF!!!
M.
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