I have finally decided to get mobile and am not sure whether I should buy a laptop or tablet pc? I would greatly appreciate some feedback on which technology is really better for agents and why. Also, if you feel strongly about a certain brand, that would help too. Thanks.

What is it you are trying to do and what other computer equipment do you presently use?

I want to be able to communicate with clients while I'm away from the office, be productive while at open houses,etc. But I don't want to be short sighted. If there are things I can be doing more efficiently or give me more flexibility while I'm with customers, then I want to invest in the right tool. I just have a pc, printer and digital camera right now.

Here is what works for me. I have a laptop which is great for working anywhere. I have unlimited internet service on my cell phone which allow me to access email and property information anywhere. My cell phone acts as my communication with clients and prospects via talk and email. My PDA is great for syncing my contact managemtent software and for loading databases and spreadsheets. Technology is getting cheaper and it would appear that the cell phone is getting better. I am presently looking into getting a new cell phone with PDA capability so that I can eliminate one device to carry.

Thanks for your feedback. Sounds like you are really utilizing technology. I'll keep your comments in mind before I make my purchase(s). Thanks1

Definitely a tablet. It's easier to use and more mobile.

It depends on what kinds of tasks you are going to be performing on the tablet or PC.

I do a lot of writing and photo editing.. I also like to be able to burn CDs and DVDs and I like the larger screen of my laptop. Yes it's larger and more clunky than a tablet but that's fine with me - my new laptop is sleeker and lighter than one I had just two years ago, lol...about half the weight, twice the storage and memory and a larger screen size.

Here is a good article I just found:

http://androidandme.com/2011/08/devices/can-a-tablet-replace-a-pc/

Hi.
I suggest you buy the dell and hp system if you are buy the laptop so i think you are buy Toshiba laptop this very useful and table you buy your think is good so i have no say about this thing because i have no experience ....

I would recommend getting a tablet only because it provides you the flexibility to access email/the internet while you're on the go. However, you get more processing power with a laptop or PC. Most people don't need that power though.

Definitely you should go for Tablet PC. Easy and more flexible

There were a couple of articles out lately on the tablet vs netbook comparison. Do a search and you'll find them.
The netbooks won by a wide margin. More capable, easier to use, cheaper.

Definately agree with you 1st Properties. Since moving over to PC from Mac in 1999 for RE then, I have tried Sony, Tosiba, HP, IBM and Lenovo laptops and desktop PCs. I am sticking with the Lenovo brand laptops because I absolutely positively pound the begezzies out of any computer hardware, including this old R61i model now, I own due to hard use either in office, home or in the car. I have ordered a new X220 multi-touch tablet PC because I am tired of filling out hard copy forms in the field on inspections and showings. I will have more power than netbooks, be able to print the offers in the car with the prospective buyers that tablets don't allow locally. Its part of my mobile office in the car with BB Bold as modem and HP wireless printer connected to a Wilson bi-directional cellular data amplifier. Just my opinion that the keyboard Lenevo makes now is still the best to type on that IBM started.

The day we can get clients to sign on the tablet is the day it will be worth the switch from a lap top to a lap top tablet with fully functioning screen. The days of paper contracts are coming to and end soon. I wonder if anyone is doing that now.

LOL they've been saying paper contracts are going away for 20+ years

When I was in 7th grade they said the English system was being replaced by the Metric system too....

I don't hold my breath.

And instead we buy a 2 liter of soda but a gallon of milk...

I do believe paperless is coming sooner then later though and IMO being a tech type, the tablets are going to be the norm over laptops.

Possibly...just not sure when.

Don't get me started on the metric system that I still hate that was rammed down our Canadian throats. It takes me about an hour to figure out how much gas cost and how many miles I get to the gallon. Who came up with liters to 100 km.

I actually have all my signatures in my computer. Took me a day or so to do it. So at least I can send our a contract or all the admin for a contract signed without having to print and sign and scan.

Getting someone to send a signed contract seems like it is getting herder with the demise of fax machines and so many people are computer illiterate. So many printer/scanners only do one page scans then I gets 30 page pdf sent in. I think with I pad and such we are on the verge of paperless.

Probably more of the "illiterate" problem again, lol as I know most of relatively newer models have multiple options for the scans, my Samsung for example allows me to save them all to one or single output even allowing me to specify file type of save, pdf, tif, jpg etc. Probably boils down to agents just not bothering to understand their printer/scanner.

In my opinion, you should pick whatever you are most comfortable with. Some people prefer the tablets because they are more mobile, but some people at the same time hate using them. If you are more comfortable having a laptop that is more familiar to you, I'd say go with that. But if you think adjusting to a tablet will be easier for you, then I would say that is more mobile. They both techinically are going to work the same.

It is usually clients who have problems sending/scanning docs. Most agent send enough they have no problems.

Fax machines are a dime a dozen I have picked a few used ones at recycle to use as loaners for remote clients without scanners.

It surprises me that anyone faxes anymore, scanned documents are just like originals vs the black blurry messes that are fax.

I loathe faxes. I can't believe we still use them either.

So many scanners only do one page. Most people can not do split and merge pdf programs and end up sending an email with 30 attachments which is a real night mare to get.

Some people go to ups stores or copy shops and fax.

I use a fax service as a fax machine they send me an email with pdf attached. Kind of a rip a 10 bucks a month but it's a 1-800 number and clients like that.

Signing on the screen is really going to be nice.

Apple iPad is the way to go when it comes to total mobility and sky is the limit to what you can do with it.

13-14" laptop for sure. Stands up on its own, on a surface, your lap, wherever. Full keyboard. Disc drive. More real world functionality.

I'm still amazed that someone would spend $700-$800 for an I pad tablet when one can by a lap top with a bigger hard drive, full key board, etc.. for less money. If I pads were in the $200 dollar range they would be a good deal. Just listing to a tec show and they are building knock off pads in India for $50 dollars.

I have had tablets, laptops and desktops over the years and I find that this is the best combo for me.

I use a laptop (Toshiba Portege 13.3" w/ i5) and connect to 2 23" external monitors for prospecting and admin. This is pretty much a desktop replacement (very powerful and fast w/ SSD) and I can take the 3.2lb laptop anywhere if need be. When showing property or on listing presentation I use my iPad to sign docs and write up offers on the spot. I use my android phone to scan the earnest money and my offer is sent in to the seller before I get back to the office. This really helps if you anticipate a multiple offer scenario on a foreclosure and need to get a offer in before everyone else. To me this is the most efficient setup. Good luck with whatever you choose.

My personal preference is a laptop. Tablets are so limited with storage and memory. Laptops are much more powerful, have a lot more storage and memory.

Laptops are just as flexible and mobile as a tablet, just a little bigger.

Tablets are only good for checking email, communication and surfing the web, but not for running a business.