BiggerPockets

A ultra slim notebook is cool. A tablet is not a computer. You need to subscribe a wireless internet service as well.

Originally posted by Xing Zhu:
A ultra slim notebook is cool. A tablet is not a computer. You need to subscribe a wireless internet service as well.

I agree, the ultra slims are really awesome! My tablet can do everything my PC can though. Except have multiple things running on the same screen (which seems like they're working on that now though for Android's....)

This may be a better option if you want a little more bulk for more familiarity as you can get a ultra thin Windows or OSX(?) computer as opposed to using the Android OS or the iPad OS.

Great idea!

Originally posted by Manuel Acuna:
Well since it's an on-the-go type setup you need, you'll probably want:

1. A tablet computer - Either an iPad or an Asus Transformer. I can't recommend a Windows tablet as I haven't used one yet. If you want my opinion, I'd go with the Transformer, but the iPad is a great decision as well.

2. A editing and printing app. I know they have printer apps for Android tablets (the Asus Transformer) but I've never checked for the iPad but I'm sure they do.

3. A mobile printer.

***You will need your tablet to be 3G capable or buy a WiFi hotspot from a cell phone company. Alternatively (and this may be hard if you're not technically inclined but I thought I'd mention it anyway) you root your iPhone/Android phone (I have a Samsung Galaxy S3) and use it as a Wifi Hotspot for free, as buying/paying for the service is fairly expensive, at least for me.***

How's that sound?

Thanks Manuel this is exactly what I was looking for. I forgot I also want to scan at times so I assume a droid phone should be able to take nice pics and handle that (too embarrassed to tell you what I have now but it's basically the cell version of a rotary phone). Will likely go with Android or windows tablets (must/should have a usb port) as opposed to an ipad. And I am technically inclined so will tether my cell phone as a wifi for the tablet. Verizon Wireless' tablets and accompanying service are way overpriced imo. Thanks again man.

Anyone else?

Thanks @David Niles. Didn't know there were apps for this. Verizon wireless charges $20/mo. Are you saying there are apps (free or otherwise) that allow this without paying VW?

If you have an Android phone, try the free app, Foxfi, uses your 3 or 4g from your phone and is fast.

Thanks David!

Actually, Michael was researching them for all of us. He's decided we are going with the Surface. For our needs it will work good, though it doesn't have as long of a battery use as the Asus, but when the Surface Pro comes out Michael's getting that because of the resolution, he needs for graphics, etc.

Ibrahim, I love my iPad (on it right now) but I find it to be pretty restrictive for my real estate needs. Actually, I find the sites I typically use are restrictive. For instance, my MLS back end only works on Internet Explorer. And it's not some po-dunk MLS, this is Houston! They have a new one in Beta but even it does not work on the iPad. I am not familiar with Windows 8 yet but i do know you can open 2 screens at once. Printing comes standard and is not a luxury only if you have the right printer (not sure how the ipad or even an Android would do with your mobile printing. The printer and tablet would both have to be connected to wifi, and i dont know of any android tablets that have usb. Windows 8 tablet would give you option to do usb or wifi. I know there are plenty of apps on iPad that allow you to upload a contract and can be filled out and signed right on the iPad. I'm sure something will be available for windows 8. As far as the two versions, you would probably only need the RT version vs the Pro version. RT is more for a tablet and Pro more like a laptop. This is my plan anyway. Keep us posted on what you choose and how it works out because I'm very interested in figuring it out for myself too.

Originally posted by @Eric Thomson:
Ibrahim, I love my iPad (on it right now) but I find it to be pretty restrictive for my real estate needs. Actually, I find the sites I typically use are restrictive. For instance, my MLS back end only works on Internet Explorer. And it's not some po-dunk MLS, this is Houston! They have a new one in Beta but even it does not work on the iPad. I am not familiar with Windows 8 yet but i do know you can open 2 screens at once. Printing comes standard and is not a luxury only if you have the right printer (not sure how the ipad or even an Android would do with your mobile printing. The printer and tablet would both have to be connected to wifi, and i dont know of any android tablets that have usb. Windows 8 tablet would give you option to do usb or wifi. I know there are plenty of apps on iPad that allow you to upload a contract and can be filled out and signed right on the iPad. I'm sure something will be available for windows 8. As far as the two versions, you would probably only need the RT version vs the Pro version. RT is more for a tablet and Pro more like a laptop. This is my plan anyway. Keep us posted on what you choose and how it works out because I'm very interested in figuring it out for myself too.

Eric the Surface has a usb port. Just not sure how many printers would work with it (assuming I don't get a wifi printer). Also I'm assuming Adobe acrobat (AA) would work on the surface and allow you to sign documents. AA is what a friend of mine uses on his Samsung Galaxy 10.1 when he has sellers sign contracts right on the spot.

@Ibrahim S I think the reason he's decided on the Surface over the Asus is the Surface has higher resolution. We are real estate developers, and view renderings and pictures. Also, with the Pro version I believe it has a stylus, that way on jobs if there are changes to a detail, stairs, walls, or ? he can draw them.

The upside of the Asus is that it has longer battery life. Either one is a great product in my opinion.