Hardware Recommendations.

We are still building on the information here and would appreciate any views from practicing inspectors.

There are 5 setups available :
(1) Checklist Report with pencil - Not Recommended
(2) Checklist Report with Desktop computer at the Office with Software
(3) Laptop Computer in filed with Software
(4) Handheld Computer in field with Software and either Laptop or Desktop
(5) Tablet PC in filed with Software

I recently traveled to a conference for a major software manufacture to review upcoming products. While there I had a chance to discuss with experienced inspectors what their preferences where. None liked or would recommend (1) or (2). Their votes were evenly split between (3), (4), and (5).

For a new system as a minimum I recommend 1.5 GHz processor, 256mb memory, 40Gb hard drive Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 Professional operating system. My personal experience has led me to buy exclusively from DELL. Good prices, good support, hardly any challenges. This is based on buying over 30 computers from DELL over the last 8 years for an Engineering and Inspection Company. I also recently acquired a Panasonic Toughbook 18 Tablet PC and have been quite happy.

The first step is to decide which setup you want to use. The Laptop is bulky but can function in the field and office. The handheld requires a second computer but is very easy to use in the field. The tablet PC is in the middle and at times is just perfect, at at others too small or too big. I recommend you try out a few systems at Best Buy or the like and get a feel for each system.