It was July of 1992 that I wrote an article for The Real Estate Professional titled "Is There a Palmtop Computer in Your Future?" Models available at that time included the HP 95LX, PoQuet PC, Psion Series 3, Sharp Wizard and the Casio BOSS. They all had "chicklet" mini keyboards and very bad screens. And in most cases didn't synchronize or communicate with real estate specific contact management software. But they did offer "pocket" access to names, phone numbers and schedules.
It took longer than I would have predicted, but eight years later, the handheld computer has come of age and is now a necessary component to any agent's technology arsenal. There is an entire new generation of handheld computers for real estate agents that offer remote access to their database information, MLS data, e-mail, web surfing and offer additional software such as financial calculators, wireless lockbox access, GPS and mapping directions and more.
Gone are the "chicklet" keyboards and there are even color screens that can display pictures. Data is input via a stylus pen that taps a screen keyboard or writes on the screen and is converted to text automatically. The new buzz terms include PDAs (personal digital assistant), PalmPilots, Handhelds and Pocket PCs.
The bottom line is, if you are using technology in your real estate business, you need a handheld computer. The next choice is which one do you buy and why? The following advice will help you decide which model to buy and, just as important, offer tips on how to use your new computer in your daily work schedule. To complete your new "wardrobe" I'll list some of my favorite accessories including 3rd party software, carry cases, digital camera attachments and more.
Five Reasons To Use a Hand-held Computer
Pocket Size Portability
Laptop computers are great, but they still weigh 8-10 pounds and take 2-3 minutes to "boot up". Handheld computers offer "instant on" capability and weigh less than 12 ounces, some a little as four ounces.
Take Your Data With You
Most all real estate contact management software now communicates to a handheld computer and offers quick access to names and information and schedules when you are away from your main computer.
Synchronization
You can be entering or editing your contact or schedule information from your handheld computer away from the office and have an assistant or staff person changing information on your desktop or laptop computer back at the office. When you return to your office, simply put your handheld computer in a cradle, tap one button and information is exchanged and updated between the two computers.
One Button Backup
Every time you synchronize your handheld computer, you have an instant backup. If you lose, drop or "misplace" your handheld computer, you simply buy a new one, drop it in the cradle to synchronize and you have your information restored in minutes. Loose your day timer and you could be crying for two weeks.
E-mail and Web Capable
Agents are now more dependent on e-mail communication and instant access to information on the Internet. Most current handheld computers offer a variety of ways to access email and wirelessly connect to the Internet.
MAC vs. PC. PalmPilot vs. Pocket PC
When purchasing a computer, your first decision is whether to buy a PC or a MAC computer. While they are still computers, they speak different languages. In general a PC is the best choice because of the software available for real estate applications. When it comes to handheld computers there are also two distinct software platforms, the PalmPilot with its Palm operating system and the Pocket PC with the new Windows for handhelds. Generally, software made for the PalmPilot doesn't work on the Pocket PC and vice versa.
The PalmPilot handheld computer has become an industry standard because it does a little bit very well. It offers a scheduler, contact database, to-do list and memo list. It also has hundreds of 3rd party software designers making new applications daily. Currently PalmPilot handheld computers own a majority of the small computer market.
The Pocket PC handheld computer is the current Microsoft version with the look and feel of the software on the handheld looking like a miniature version of Microsoft Windows. Most Pocket PC models come with software versions of Word, Excel, Outlook and other Microsoft software. There are many handheld manufacturers using the new Microsoft software, but generally is referred to as The Pocket PC.
Initially, designers of handheld computers wanted their units to do everything a desktop or laptop computer did. The popularity of the PalmPilot has proved that users didn't want everything on their handheld. Ultimately, a handheld computer does not replace your desktop or laptop computer. It is an extension of your desktop or laptop computer.
A PalmPilot or a Pocket PC?
So, which handheld computer do you buy, a PalmPilot or a Pocket PC? Here are four questions to help you decide.
Current Database Support
It is important that your current database software supports information exchange and synchronization with your current database software. Currently the top real estate contact managers of On-Line Agent, Top Producer and PREP have software support for the PalmPilot, not the Pocket PC. If you use one of the mentioned contact managers, it's easy, you buy a PalmPilot.
Which Handheld Does Your MLS Support?
MLS software providers have a choice to support the PalmPilot or the Pocket PC handhelds. In most cases, it's one or the other, not both. Most MLS software providers are choosing the PalmPilot. What this means is you will have your MLS information available on your handheld computer or have access to it through a modem designed for your handheld computer.
Do You Use Microsoft Office Products Exclusively?
If you use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook or Access, you might be better off with a Pocket PC, because the software on the handheld looks just like it does on your desktop or laptop.
If You Don't Have a Preference... Which One Do You Like?
If you aren't currently using a real estate database, the PalmPilot or the Pocket PC offers their own database software. So, try them out. Which one do you like? It's kind of like floor plans. Which one makes sense to you?
Pocket PC Background and the HP Jordana
As the handheld computer has evolved over the last eight years, Microsoft has continued its development of software that is essentially a miniature version of the Windows operation system but for handhelds. Previous versions were called Windows CE and were not very successful in the marketplace. Their newest version is incorporated into handhelds marketed by HP, Casio and others and is generically called the Pocket PC.
One of the more popular handhelds using this new Microsoft software is manufactured by Hewlett Packard is named the HP Jornada. Their three models include the Jornada 540, 545 and the 548. The HP Jornada 540 comes with 16 Megs of Ram and a high-resolution color screen. It synchronizes to your desktop or laptop with a USB cable and includes software versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Outlook. Its additional features include the ability to play MP3 music in stereo, listen to audiobooks and view color pictures. A compactflash card expansion slot offers the ability to add more memory, a modem or wireless accessory that would allow remote access to email and selected web surfing. A unique feature with the HP Jornada allows access to America Online and Yahoo Messenger software, a feature not available with the PalmPilot handheld. The retail price of the HP Jornada 540 is $499.
If you use Microsoft office software, want access to your America Online email account and want the look and feel of the Windows software you are accustomed to, the HP Jornada Pocket PC is a handheld for you to consider. It is certainly the best handheld Microsoft and Hewlett Packard has developed to date.
PalmPilot History
The rise in popularity of the PalmPilot has been a phenomenon in the technology industry. Starting in 1996, sales rocketed. Currently they own a majority of the handheld market with total sales over 4 million units. Then they did what Apple should have done with their MAC and that was to open up their operating system to software developers. Software developed by 3rd party companies for the PalmPilot number in the hundreds, if not thousands. An entire new industry has emerged devoted entirely to making accessories and software for the PalmPilot.
What separates most of the PalmPilot models is the amount of memory, unit size, screen (b/w or color) and the option of a built in modem. If, because of your real estate contact manager and/or your MLS, you have chosen to buy a PalmPilot, check to see what each recommends for model specifications.
PalmPilot Software and Available Models
When you purchase a PalmPilot handheld computer, it comes with a docking cradle to communicate to your desktop or laptop computer, a case or cover and it's own software called the Palm Desktop. Even if you use additional real estate software to sync with your PalmPilot, you will still need this software. It includes a scheduler, contact database, to-do list, memo list and a basic calculator. If you don't currently have a schedule or database program, this software will serve you just fine. If you want to later move to one of the real estate software programs mentioned, your information will transfer over.
Current PalmPilot models include:
- PalmPilot IIIe priced under $150, has only 2 Megs of memory and a b/w screen.
- PalmPilot IIIxe priced under $250, has 8 Megs of memory and a b/w screen
- PalmPilot IIIc priced under $450, has 8 Megs of memory and a color screen
- PalmPilot Vx priced under $400, has 8 Megs of memory and a b/w screen
- PalmPilot VII priced under $450, has 2 Megs of memory, b/w screen and a built in wireless modem
Personally, I would recommend a unit with 8 Megs of memory. The PalmPilot Vx is the slimmest unit that easily fits in a shirt pocket. However, I don't like the backlighting on the Vx. It is a "reverse" type of backlighting much like a negative. The PalmPilot VII is the first unit to have a built-in modem that allows you to send and receive e-mail and do some limited "surfing" on the web. However, the unit only has 2 Megs of memory and the modem is quite slow. I'll wait for the next generation PalmPilot VII.
My favorite is the PalmPilot IIIc, the first color screen PalmPilot. The screen is constantly "backlit" and very visible in all types of light except overhead, direct sunlight. It's not the slimmest unit, but the screen readability is more important to me than size.
But Wait, What About the Handspring Visor?
Members of the original team that developed the PalmPilot left 3Com and formed a new company called Handspring. It markets a hand-held computer called the Visor that is "Palm compatible" but has a few different twists. Essentially it uses the same software as the PalmPilot, so any software application that works with the PalmPilot also works with the Visor.
What makes the Visor different include several modifications. The Visor comes in several different colors. It also uses a USB cable for faster connections. But the biggest difference is the built-in expansion slot on the backside of the Visor. Expansion modules can be purchased that include additional memory, pager options, universal remote, GPS (global positioning satellite direction software), digital camera lens and more under development. At the current time Visor only has a b/w screen.
Current Visor models include their standard model with 2 Megs of memory (around $175) and their deluxe model with 8 Megs of memory for under $250.
You Want Accessories? We Got Accessories!
An entire new industry has developed around hand-held computer accessories including 3rd party software, carry cases, bags, stylus pens, wireless modems, digital camera attachments and more on the way. In this section, I will summarize some of the best I have found for your review.
Real Estate Software for PalmPilots and Visors
The real value of a handheld is the ability to communicate and synchronize information between a desktop or laptop computer and the handheld. To have contact information and schedule information on a handheld and have the ability to make changes in the field while at the same time information is being changed on the computer back at the office or at home is what real estate agents have been needing for a long time.
For users of real estate contact management software such as Top Producer, On-Line Agent, Agent 2000, PowerPak21 and PREP Prospecting, the wait is over. Users of Top Producer can buy 3rd party software that will synchronize their information to the PalmPilot handheld computer. The price is $150. VistaInfo, makers of On-Line Agent, Agent 2000 and PowerPak21 recently made available on their website a "free" download software that synchronizes the contact manager and scheduler to the PalmPilot handheld. PREP Prospecting is now releasing their version 4.0 that includes software to communicate to the PalmPilot handheld.
Other Software Available For PalmPilots and Visors
Supra eKey is a software companion to a PalmPilot by the makers of lockboxes for real estate. A special PalmPilot Vx provides software that will provide access to Supra lockboxes, showing information, MLS data, hot sheets, showing schedules and more. If your MLS is working with Supra, this software is a must for you to have. For more information, check out, Supraekey.com.
Throw away your financial calculator. Over 25 different software financial calculators are available for the PalmPilot and Visor handhelds. For as little as $15, you can download software to your handheld from the Internet. My favorites are the Loan Wizard, Mindweave.com, FCPlus, Infinitysw.com, and financial consultant, Landware.com. If you are doing your vehicle time, expense and mileage logs by hand, you can purchase software at lwsd.com or eb7.com.
For more listings of software and accessories for the PalmPilot and Visor, check out:
Bags, Cases and More Accessories
When it comes to my wallet and coin case, it's personal. Don't even try to buy me one for Christmas. The same holds true for my handheld accessory cases. I have five different cases, depending on the occasion. Many agents still want to carry a "day timer" type of case. With a handheld, you can buy many different styles that allow for your handheld to be fastened to one side and on the other a pad of paper, a calendar, post-it notes or whatever. For more examples of bags and cases for your new handheld take a look at:
Misc. Accessories and Hardware For Your PalmPilot
Data entry for your handheld can be accomplished on your main computer and transferred to your handheld when you synchronize or you can tap away on your handheld with your pen/stylus. Or, you can purchase portable keyboards that attach to your PalmPilot. A folding keyboard, no larger than the PalmPilot itself can be found at Palm.com or the GoType keyboard available at Landware.com. If you find yourself constantly dropping "things", consider the Bond Latch, Force.com, a neck lanyard that attaches to your PalmPilot. Want to have your PalmPilot accessible while in your car? Take a look at the UniMount, Revolve Design.
A recently announced accessory for PalmPilot handhelds is the SmartPad by Seiko Instruments. It is a zippered carry bag that holds your PalmPilot on one side of the opened case and provides for a regular pad of paper on the right. Using a special pen, anything you write or draw on the pad of paper magically appears on your PalmPilot. This is accomplished by a special Infrared device built-in to the SmartPad. Once in your PalmPilot, your notes or drawings can be attached as a note to a contact, scheduled event, a to-do or a memo. It can then be printed or even emailed later. Street price is around $199 with more information available at 800-688-0817 or at Seikosmart.
Regular modems and wireless modems are now available for your PalmPilot handheld that allow for remote access to your email and limited web surfing. More information can be found at Palm.com or Novatel Wireless.
Want to take a picture with your PalmPilot? Now you can with the Kodak PalmPix attachment to PalmPilot III's and the V models. It's a rather small device (approx 3" x 2.5") that attaches to the bottom of your handheld. Activated, your PalmPilot screen becomes a preview screen to the lens. It takes color image in 640 x 480 resolution. While it doesn't replace a regular digital camera, it's a great accessory that is small to carry. Street price is around $175. For more information look at Kodak.com.
Conclusions
When I conduct seminars on handhelds, I ask at the beginning of the session for all users of handhelds to get their unit out of their pocket, purse or briefcase and hold them up. It's amazing to find 30-40 percent of agents have some type of handheld computer. Then I ask them to offer their best tip or advice to those who don't have a handheld computer. I would have to say that 50 percent of those offering advice say, "just go out and buy one". I would like to follow that advice with this observation. I know of no agent that has purchased one of the units mentioned in this article that has returned what they bought.
This article is reprinted by permission from Rolf O. Anderson and The
Real Estate Professional magazine.
Rolf O. Anderson is a third generation Realtor of 20 years. He owns
and operates the 80-year-old family agency in Forest City, Iowa. Rolf
has been a computer user for over 16 years, a national speaker,
consultant, trainer and author on the subject of computers and real
estate for over 14 years. For more information, visit Rolf's website.
The Real Estate Professional magazine has been serving
Real Estate's top professionals since 1977.
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