In general, for your business, you need high-quality and up-to-date equipment. Sometimes the least expensive hardware can cost you more in the long run.
Computer Choice
HomeGauge Inspection Software can run on any Microsoft Windows XP or Vista computer — desktop, laptop or tablet.
HomeGauge's current favorite choice is the Tablet PC. Two popular manufactures are Motion Computing and Fujitsu. If you plan on using this computer outdoors, we recommend researching the special indoor/outdoor display. When buying a Tablet PC, be sure to consider if you want one with a full attached keyboard (convertible model) or a slate style computer (no built in keyboard). See our download page for more info on hardware requirements.
If you are planning on using HomeGauge in combination with a Pocket PC, an inexpensive laptop or desktop computer may be a better choice for you. A combination of an inexpensive Pocket PC and a reasonably priced laptop or desktop is a great option.
Apple Mac Notes: HomeGauge does not run as a native application on Mac OS computers. However we have several users that have reported no issues with using the technology that allows you to use a Mac but also run Windows applications. You can use Parallels Desktop for Mac, VMWare Fusion or Bootcamp.
Pocket PC
Pocket HG will run on any Pocket PC that has Windows Mobile 5 or 6 and
a 240x320 (QVGA) screen.
Any new Pocket PC that is running Windows Mobile 5
or 6 will have enough storage and memory to run Pocket HG.
You may want to consider getting the models with more memory and
storage for convenience or if you plan on using it for other tasks.
Also, getting one that has wireless network abilities can be useful
if you have a wireless network in your home. Only use a Pocket PC phone model if it has a 240x320 (QVGA) resolution screen and is not labeled as a smart phone! The phones with the smaller screens will not run HomeGauge well.
A couple of current popular PPC choices are the HP iPAQ 110 / iPAQ 111 ($299) and the HP iPAQ 210 / iPAQ 211 ($449). The more expensive model's primary difference is a brighter, clearer and somewhat larger screen. Otherwise, both models work well for running Pocket HG. You can purchase and find more information about these Pocket PC models at www.hp.com.
Digital Camera
Most any new digital camera will do the job these days, although you may want to avoid low end cameras. In general, you should get a camera with a removable memory card for flexibility, and get a matching memory card reader for your computer, if it doesn't already have one built in.
However, if you want to step things up, get a camera with a wide angle capability (such as the Canon Powershot).
In the HomeGauge software there is an overview section at each category (i.e. Kitchen, Baths, Dens, Bedrooms, etc.) with an area to insert one or more complimentary photos. By placing pictures in these areas, it can help offset the negative pictures that point out problems. If you have a clean or virtually discovery-free report, you will still be able to spread some photos throughout the report to maintain visual impact. You can also show an overall view of a room (you can get a wider range with a wide angle lens) to demonstrate the inaccessibility of the room, its floor, or walls during your inspection.
Printer
We recommend getting an HP business grade ink jet printer, generally priced $200 and up. You will want to get a model that uses at least 4 separate ink cartridges (more economical) and is rated to print around 24 pages per minute in color. Do not bother with the $50 or $100 models.
Warning: We have had reported and verified that the HP 1200 series printer has trouble working with 3 hole punch paper. If you plan on using 3 hole punch paper, you will want to choose a different model.
Power Inverter for Your Vehicle
A 400 watt power
inverter plugs into your vehicle and usually provides (2) 110 outlets for your
printer and computer. This allows you to use a full size
printer, which we strongly recommend for print quality and speed.
