Computer Hardware Recommendations

HomeGauge runs great on Windows 7, Vista and XP computers. This includes tablets, slates, laptops, netbooks, and desktops.

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.

HomeGauge supports Android devices with the HG Companion for Android. This app can be downloaded from Google Play. More information can be found on our main Android page.

For handheld devices Pocket HG runs on touchscreen Windows Mobile 5 or 6 with a resolution of 240x320 or greater. This includes Pocket PC's and phones.

Currently, the iPhone is not "yet" supported but HomeGauge is working on re-writing our software to work on these devices.

HG Computer picks

In the office our favorite computers that we have used are the Asus Eee Slate and the Fujitsu Lifebook

Dell Inspiron 1018

• Windows 7 Starter
• Dual Core 1.66GHz Processor
• 1GB DDR2 Ram (Max 2GB)
• 250 GB Hard Drive
• Weight Aprox. 5 lbs.

Acer Aspire One

• Windows 7 Starter
• Dual Core 1.66GHz Processor
• 1GB DDR2 Ram (Max 2GB)
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• Weight Aprox. 3 lbs.

Lenovo G555

• Windows 7 (64-bit)
• Dual Core 2.1 GHz Processor
• 3GB DDR3 Ram (Max 8GB)
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• Weight Aprox. 8 lbs.

HP G62-340us

• Windows 7 (64-bit)
• Dual Core 2.2 GHz Processor
• 3GB DDR3 Ram (Max 8GB)
• 320 GB Hard Drive
• Weight Aprox. 8 lbs.

ThinkPad X201 12.1"
Tablet PC (2985-F3U)

• Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
• Quad Core 2.0GHz Processor
• 4GB DDR3 Ram (Max 8GB)
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• Weight Aprox. 4 lbs.

Sahara Slate i440T

• Windows 7
• Dual Core 1.5 GHz Processor
• 2GB DDR2 Ram (Max 4GB)
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• Weight Aprox. 3.57 lbs.

If you are planning on using HomeGauge in combination with an Android device or Pocket PC, an inexpensive laptop or desktop computer may be a better choice for you. A combination of an inexpensive Android device and a reasonably priced laptop or desktop is a great option.

Android

HomeGauge Companion for Android will run on a variety of devices. Recommended Android devices for HG Companion.

Pocket PC

Pocket HG will run on any Pocket PC that has Windows Mobile 5 or 6 and a 240x320 (QVGA) touch sensitive screen.

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 like an sd card. You can download with the camera cable, or take the card out of the camera and insert it into your computer. Many newer laptops and tablets come with a built in card readers.
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 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 and less important because agents and customers expect to have their report delivered electronically by logging in to view an uploaded report or receive it by email (see our upload service) We recommend getting an HP business grade ink jet printer, generally priced $100 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 or higher. Do not bother with the $50 models.