Paul’s Picks: Get the right device this holiday season

Written by on December 5, 2013

Paul is one of our Appraisal Product Instructors. He's an expert on a la mode software and mobile workflow solutions, and is an unabashed gadget hound and device geek. He's taught hundreds of classes over the years to appraisers and, along with Joel Baker, has been on the road for our Mobile Appraisal Workshops over the past several months. Sign up to attend one next year.

I know that not everyone has the time to spend hours poring over technology blogs and gadget reviews in order to get their head around all the choices and features available in the market today. And the 2013 holiday season has more new devices to consider than ever before. But have no fear, I'm here to help.

If you've attended one of our Mobile Workshops over the past few months, you may have seen the wide variety of devices we had on-hand for appraisers to try out. We didn't just pull that list of devices out of thin air. We spent the time to talk with appraisers about what they use in the field, and to research what devices made the most sense as field data collection tools. We know what works and what doesn't.

After talking to hundreds of appraisers about devices and the types of things that they're concerned with when considering what they should buy, one thing is clear to me. Everyone has something different that is their primary consideration. Some folks want specific operating systems (e.g. iOS or Android), others are more concerned with the size of a device, while some have cost as their main concern. As a result, it's impossible to make a blanket recommendation for every person.

I can tell you what I use right now (an iPad mini 16GB WiFi-only with retina display, and a Google Nexus 7, because I personally prefer smaller devices), but again that may not be what's best for you. Instead, I've put together what I call my device picker matrix. Use it to help narrow your list of devices to consider. All the devices I've included below are ones that I've used and that I feel like represent the best of what's available today.

Don't get stuck with a tool you'll be unhappy with. Tell Santa what you REALLY want. And if you've got a device you're finding works well for you that we didn't list here, or questions about a device you're considering, let us know by e-mailing MobileExperts@alamode.com.

To the lists!

Below, you'll find several different lists of my picks, each arranged according to that primary device consideration you may be most concerned about. This list is based on my experience with these different devices, and reflects what I consider the best device to be in each category. Remember, these are opinions, but if you have questions about why I felt like one device was better than the other, e-mail me at MobileExperts@alamode.com and I'll be happy to let you know. Also, mobile technology is continually in flux, so it's important to realize that pricing and links below can change.

Overall
1. iPad mini w/Retina display – 16GB, WiFi-only $399 Apple
2. Nexus 7 – 16GB, WiFi-only $229 Google
alaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) – 16GB $499 Amazon
Pad Air – 16GB, WiFi-only $499 Apple
5. Lenovo Yoga (10 inch) – 16GB $259 Amazon
Price
1. Galaxy Tab 3 (7 inch) – 8GB $160 Amazon
2. Nexus 7 – 16GB, WiFi-only $229 Google
3. Galaxy Tab 3 (8 inch) – 16GB $250 Amazon
4. Lenovo Yoga (10 inch) – 16GB $259 Amazon
5. iPad mini (2012) – 16GB, WiFi-only $299 Apple
6. Galaxy Note 8.0 – 16GB, WiFi-only $329 Amazon
7. iPad mini w/Retina display – 16GB, WiFi-only $399 Apple
8. Nexus 10 – 16GB $399 Google
9. iPad Air – 16GB, WiFi-only $499 Apple
10. Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) – 16GB $532 Amazon
Small Tablets
1. iPad mini w/Retina display – 16GB, WiFi-only $399 Apple
2. Nexus 7 – 16GB, WiFi-only $229 Google
3. Galaxy Note 8.0 – 16GB, WiFi-only $329 Amazon
4. Galaxy Tab 3 (7 inch) – 8GB $160 Amazon
5. Galaxy Tab 3 (8 inch) $250 Amazon
Full-sized Tablets
1. Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) – 16GB $532 Amazon
Pad Air – 16GB, WiFi-only $499 Apple
3. Galaxy Note 10.1 (2013 Edition) – 16GB $429 Amazon
4. Sony Xperia Z 10.1 – 16GB $437 Amazon
5. Lenovo Yoga (10 inch) – 16GB $259 Amazon
Android
exus 7 – 16GB, WiFi-only $229 Google
alaxy Note 8.0 – 16GB, WiFi-only $329 Amazon
alaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) – 16GB $499 Amazon
exus 10 – 16GB $399 Google
5. Lenovo Yoga (10 inch) – 16GB $259 Amazon
iOS
1. iPad mini w/Retina display – 16GB, WiFi-only $399 Apple
Pad Air – 16GB, WiFi-only $499 Apple
Pad mini (2012) – 16GB, WiFi-only $299 Apple
4. iPod Touch – 32GB $299 Apple
Windows

While I honestly believe that most appraisers will have a better in-field experience using a dedicated data collection tablet running either Android or iOS, I know that there are some folks out there who will always prefer a true PC/tablet experience. There are only a couple of devices out currently that I can recommend. You may know of others, and if you do, please send them to us at MobileExperts@alamode.com and let us know what you think of it.
1. Surface Pro 2 $899 Microsoft
2. Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro $1,199 Lenovo
Phones/Phablets

Phablets are interesting, and some people will prefer them simply because they combine phone and tablet functionality into a single device. And while TOTAL for Mobile will certainly work just fine, I don't personally feel like sketching becomes truly feasible until you have a device with at least a 5.5 inch or larger screen. Data collection and photos are fine… but I need a larger screen for sketching. Your mileage may vary.

NOTE: You should check with your cellular carrier before purchasing one of these devices to ensure that it can run on their network. Alternatively, some carriers will offer these devices directly, which will ensure compatibility.
1. Galaxy Note 3 – 32GB, LTE $695 Amazon
2. Galaxy Mega 6.3 – 32GB, LTE $435 Amazon
3. Galaxy Note 2 – 16GB, LTE $488 Amazon

Merry Christmas –

Paul

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