HomeGauge computer hardware recommendations

HomeGauge runs on Pocket PCs and Touchscreen Phones with Windows Mobile 5 or 6, as well as desktops, laptops and tablet PCs running Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7.

Computer choice

HomeGauge Inspection Software can run on any Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 computer — desktop, laptop or tablet.

HomeGauge's current favorite choice is the Tablet PC. Search for "Tablet PC" in your search engine for different brands.

Some tips:

1. Indoor/outdoor screen is an optional add on
   Without it, you cannot see the screen outdoors. You could use your camera like a notepad outdoors and use the tablet indoors and not need the outdoor capability, although you will miss having it at times.
2. The outdoor screen is not as viewable outdoors as the indoor screen is indoors
   Some inspectors are surprised to find out that outdoors, the outdoor screen is still somewhat difficult to view although you are able to see it. There are a few different types of outdoor screens. While some are extremely clear and visible outdoors, most are less than expected.
3. Some tablets are able to hold two batteries
   The CD rom drive can be removed and an extra bay (slot) becomes available for an additional battery to allow longer time between charging.
4. There are two types of tablets
   A Tablet laptop has a keyboard and operates like a laptop except it is able to rotate the screen and lay it down over the keyboard, making a slate. A slate tablet does not have a keyboard and is always a slate.
5. A bunch of extras are not required to run HomeGauge software
   Try not to load up on more memory, ram, hard drive, etc., other than what it comes with unless you need more power for something other than HG. 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) touch sensitive 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 touch sensitive 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 111 Classic Handheld (110 Series) and the HP iPAQ 211 Enterprise Handheld (210 Series) . 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 from Amazon much cheaper than from HP by clicking the links above.

Digital Camera

Most any new digital camera will do the job these days, although you may want to avoid low end cameras.

Tips:

1. Get a camera with a removable memory card for flexibility
   Some cameras come with "internal memory" built in and it's usually not enough. Make sure it has a removable card. You can download with the camera cable, or take the card out of the camera and insert it into your laptop. Many newer laptops come with a built in smart card reader.
2. Try to buy a camera that uses a lithium chargeable battery as opposed to disposable batteries
   The lithium rechargeable battery fully charged lasts for many many home inspections. Some cameras that use disposable batteries lasts for 2-3 inspections and the batteries are dead. That can be unnecessarily expensive. If you have a camera that uses disposables then buy the disposable lithium batteries as they are far better than regular batteries.
3. Wide angle cameras offer better pictures of small rooms
   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

Printers are becoming less important nowadays because agents and customers would rather have them emailed (see our upload service) 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.