Mobile Computing Part2 (Laptops)

[1BadHawk]

Anyone using laptops in the field ? A great idea but the cost is not justifyable solely for this, in my case.

However, maryland does have a state surplus where you can buy lots of used state equipment, inlcuding laptops. Their not top of the line, but for simplicity sakes, they may be worth the money, at about a 100 bucks each.

[digger242j]

Call me old fashioned but...

Personally I like to keep things as low-tech as possible. It's hard enough to make a run without getting a paper log sheet wet or dirty somewhere along the way. If it falls out of the truck into a puddle, all it has to do is dry out and the data entered on it can be retrieved. Try that with a laptop...

[chtucker]

No to be to offensive.

Every single post you seem to make needs to moved to the proper forum category.

[1BadHawk]

Sory, not my fault.

Guess I havnt figured out the system yet.

[Heron Cove PM]

I use a laptop for every aspect of my daily routine from plowing, to estimating, time sheets, cutting grass, landscaping, etc., etc., etc. I then take it to my wife and she networks the 2 computers to get the info. So... yes we are high tech.

Marshall.

[BRL]

Originally posted by 1BadHawk
Sory, not my fault.

Guess I havnt figured out the system yet.

It's pretty simple actually. The site is divided into 34 different subject forums to cover our various interests. I know you know this because you have replied to all of your threads after they were moved to the correct forums. Most thread topics are pretty easily fit into one of those subjects. Feel free to start putting the threads in the one you think most closely matches the subject of your thread when you start the thread. Once in a while a subject is difficult to place, and if the wrong forum is guessed, we'll put it where we think it might better work, as that is what we're here for. Thank you.

[wyldman]

I couldn't live without my laptop and my IPAQ.I use them for everything.

If you buy a surplus unit,it will probably be too out of date to run the newer software needed to make it beneficial to your business.

[phoenix827]

btt, same as the palm thread.

[Johnny5104]

Although I'm not currently in the plowing business I can tell you there is a benefit to using mapping especially with GPS. Garmin has a GPS unit with mapping that will surprise you. It can map routes, talks to you telling when to turn, gives you 1/4 mile warning for a turn and pretty much walks you through. I know some guys who use it for mowing and plowing who have found it beneifical and time saving. If you have a place that's not on the map you can mark the GPS spot essentially making your own map. I used the system to drive from Indiana to a remote town in West Virgina and is my life savior. (Microsoft has a similar concept with maps and streets but I prefer garmin) As far as doing other business on the computer I would have to say it's all based on your comfort level with computers and technology. Computers are only as helpful as your knowledge with them.

John

[ROTTBERGZ]

here is a pic of a decent snow in Cleveland on the 22nd, radar on the laptop shows the LOW spinning on top of Cleveland for about 6 hrs, left 12-14 inches

[ROTTBERGZ]

radar

[parrothead]

what are you using to download the weather map?

[Robh]

this is a link to where he got his map:

http://www.weather.gov/radar/latest/DS.p37cr/si.kcle.shtml

[ROTTBERGZ]

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/forecasts/OHZ011.php?warncounty=OHC035&city=Cleveland

laptop is in the police cruiser, we use an alltel cell connection