Need a Computer Now, But Can’t Run Windows Vista?

By Chad A. Johnson · February 12, 2007 · 3 Comments 

I have found myself in a bit of a predicament these last few weeks. Occasionally I’m approached by a real estate agent for recommendations on what computer to purchase. Up until recently, I have always had an answer for them. This all changed with the introduction of Windows Vista. As I discussed in my recent posting, “Real Estate Agents: Windows Vista Isn’t a Good View for You, Yet.”, it would be ill-advised to recommend a computer running Windows Vista to a real estate agent at this point in time. It could take months for all of the programs that a real estate agent relies on to become Vista compatible. There are still options of purchasing a Windows XP machine. Dell and HP are continuing to offer Windows XP on their business series computers. You can also find remaining inventory of Windows XP computers in local electronic stores. Recommending this option is difficult for me, though, since Windows XP is a 5 year old operating system. Why purchase dying technology? You could always upgrade to Vista on one of these machines once compatibility issues have been resolved. The upgrade would be a costly endeavor in both time and money. I have run across a solution to this recent dilemma. Polywell Computers (http://www.polywell.com/), an award-winning computer builder based out of South San Francisco, is offering to install both Windows XP and Windows Vista on the same computers. This is what is known as a “dual-boot” machine. Upon starting the computer, you are given the choice of working in Windows XP or Vista. Having a dual-boot machine gives you the best of both worlds. You can continue to run your real estate business on Windows XP and slowly acclimate yourself to Windows Vista. Once all of your programs are updated to run smoothly on Vista, you can simply phase-out your use of XP. If this solution sounds good to you, keep these 2 things in mind. First, you will be purchasing 2 operating systems, so your computer will cost you about $200 more than a single-boot system. Second, don’t skimp on hard drive space, since you will be actually splitting your hard drive in half. Additional hard drive space is cheap these days, so this shouldn’t be too much of a concern.

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Becoming a Mobile Agent

By Reggie · August 13, 2006 · Leave a Comment 

If you are trying to become effective with your mobile technology, it’s important to understand where you will get the best results. In my opinion, you should be looking into the following categories:

• Handheld / Mobile Phone Combination: According to the CAR 2005 Member Use of Technology survey 31% of members surveyed said that a Blackberry or Treo was their MOST important technology upgrade in 2005. In my opinion, that’s because with a combination device agents can not only get right back to phone call, but send and receive emails and view appointments as well. With the 3rd Generation network speeds, MLS data is better than ever. You can use an application like Pocket MLS to easily access property listings via the internet to view key information such as Listing Agent, Showing Options, Photos and more. To view popular handhelds click on one of the following links: Blackberry, Treo 700P (Palm), Treo 700W (Windows), Cingular 8125
• Laptop or Tablet PC: This technology is vital for a technology savvy Real Estate agent. With mobile computing you will have access to your data wherever you are! Need to fill out a contract with your client, no problem with Winforms. With a Tablet PC you can take it even a step further and sign your contracts, take handwritten notes, and draw as needed in a presentation situation. For Laptops I recommend Dell and for the Tablet PC I recommend HP.
• Wireless PC Card (Aircard): I recently purchased a wireless PC card and was not to impressed with the speed, yet this tool sure comes in handy when you need access to the Internet outside of your office. Setup was very simple and now I can access the Internet virtually anywhere. I simply insert the PC Card into the PCMCIA slot on my HP Tablet. From the Cingular software, I click connect and away I go! An agent could access MLS, email, online disclosures and more. Click here to visit Cingular and learn about 3G and their BroadbandConnect next generation network.
• Mobile Printer: If you start really using the technology above you will ask yourself “What good will the Tablet and Wireless Card do if I can’t print out the documents I create?” That’s where mobile printing comes in. Two popular models are the HP Deskjet 460 and the Canon PIXMA iP90

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