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TechMate Hardware Options |
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In response to the many phone calls and emails that we have fielded over the past several months relating to hardware, we thought it appropriate to outline some of the platforms upon which the SalesMate software can operate. Please be aware that there is no right or wrong answer; and that this is purely a matter of preference.
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Pocket PC
Summary:
- Cost: $400-$500 (New)
- Suggested Manufacturer: HP
- Screen: 3.5" (Corner-to-Corner)
- Weight: 4-7 ounces
- Operating System: Windows Mobile 5 or Windows Mobile 6
- The PockePC has historically been the most popular platform however, more and more users are now migrating to the TabletPC
- There are thousands of users worldwide on this platform
Benefits:
- Portability/Size
- Price/Cost
Drawbacks:
- Less powerful than a TabletPC
- Small screen result in less items reflected on the page (size)
- Speed: (slower than a TabletPC)
- Less functionality than a TabletPC
Click Here for a Detailed Spec Sheet |
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SmartPhone:
 Summary:
- Cost: 199-$499 (New)
- Suggested Manufacturer: Speak with your cell phone provider - hardware pricing is usually negotiable, contingent upon your continued use of their services
- Screen: 3" (Corner-to-Corner)
- Weight: 4-7 ounces
- Operating System: Windows Mobile 5 / WM 5.2 / WM 6.0
- Built-in wireless functionality with purchase of data plan from cell provider
Benefits:
- Combination of multiple functions into one device (PDA plus Cell Phone)
- Less expensive than "regular" PDA
- Built-in wireless capability
Drawbacks:
- Screen size is smaller than "regular" PDA
- The phone uses a lot of the resources on the PDA (limits available memory)
- Less powerful than "regular" PDA
- Should turn phone off when completing on-site survey
Click here for detailed specs on sample Smart Phone |
Tablet PC
Summary:
- Cost: $800 (Refurbished) - $1500 (New)
- Suggested Specs: 9"-12" Screen, Extended battery life, Bluetooth
- Operating System: Windows XP Pro (Tablet Edition) / Vista
- Weight: 2.5-5 lbs
- This is a fully functional Laptop and can be loaded with whatever software will help you to conduct your business/sell your services
Benefits:
- Desktop and portable system combined into one device
- Great for customer presentations
- Wireless internet/email is available as an option
- Bigger screen equates to more items on the screen at any given time (more like a handwritten cube-sheet)
- Much faster and more memory than a PDA device
Drawbacks:
- Significantly heavier than a PDA
- Cost: More expensive than PDA
- Not as mobile/portable as a PDA
Click here to see specs for a sample Tablet PC |
Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC)
Summary:
- Cost: $800 -$1100 (New)
- Suggested Specs: 5.5"-7" Screen, Extended battery life, Bluetooth
- Operating System: Windows XP Pro (Tablet Edition) / Vista
- Weight: 1-2.5lbs
- This is a fully functional Laptop and can be loaded with whatever software will help you to conduct your business/sell your services
- Be advised this platform does not have an integrated keyboard (although one can be attached)
- Represents a "middle-ground" between the Pocket PC and a Tablet
Benefits:
- Desktop and portable system combined into one device
- Great for customer presentations
- Wireless internet/email is available as an option
- Bigger screen equates to more items on the screen at any given time (more like a handwritten cube-sheet)
- Much faster and more memory than a PDA device
- Lighter and more portable than a conventional tablet
Drawbacks:
- No integrated keyboard
- Cost: More expensive than PDA
- Not as mobile/portable as a PDA
- The screen size can be a factor when using applications (including those outside of our surveying software)
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“I
have been using TechMate
for years and would never work for a company that
was stuck in the dark ages using Pen and Paper.
I booked more than a million dollars in linehaul
on my SalesMate last year.”
