palm pilot or ?

[lawndog]

I was wondering if anyone out there in mower land is using a item such as palm pilot for keeping track of account info thru the day. I've been wondering if there is such a product that I could keep track of what I've done, how much time I spent,etc., on a hand held device and then be able to upload that info directly onto the computer for billing. Anyone know of such a product, a laptop would be too big.

[lawrence stone]

I use a clipboard with pen and paper. On the back of
copy of my contracts I have a printed form of my own design that keeps track of what and when I performed service throught the year. I put everything in a heavy duty looseleaf notebook with the daily workload seperated by file folders with tabs.

I don't see how a hand held will hold up in such an environment.

[GREG R]

I AM NEW TO THIS FORUM, AND DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL HELP BUT CLIP MAKES A HAND HELD FOR THEIR LAWN PROGRAM, I HAVE BEEN USING CLIP FOR 3-4 YRS BUT NOT THE HAND HELD.I'M SURE
OTHER LAWN PROGRAMS CARRY SIMILAR DEVICES.

[Turfclippings]

i looked at the Clip demo, today and they have the sveral versions out. One has the hand scanner that keeps track of all that and u download each evening and it will input and u dont need a paper and pen. each morning print out a list and go, it will start where u left off previous for such delays with rain or breakdowns, then u scan the sheet each stop and go. Looks like a great sytem and reasonable price. I am going to attempt this year.

[Paradise Yard Service]

I got the Palm IIIxe. I use it to list all projects that must be done and parts needed to do job. Recent sprinkler repair was a breeze as I had all info needed in the Palm and this cut down on time trying to remember if I got everything from the supply store etc. I do other stuff as well. Esp. scheduling, reminders, mileage, and spur of the moment windfalls that will be forgotten if I don't jot it down. I don't know how you will adapt to your particular needs, but it really helps me stay in tune at 40 years with a tinge of pre-alzhiemers! Don't know how I did without.


P.S. I'm a Franklin Covey Day Planner reject/has been and Palm saved the day!
SURFS UP!

Aloha, P.Y.S

[JVS]

I have the Palm V- Its great! I keep track of notes in the field & Schedule appointmentswith a beep! you can keep a ton of info in it. It comes with software and cradle that interfaces with your computer so the tranaction of info is easy. Very easy to use-, stores all info and you can use it in the rain! I recommend it.

Joe

[capital]

I use a Visor Palm Pilot. We are currently testing it for using quick notes on landscaping jobs we are going to have to bid. Its an ad on feature that looks like it will work well instead of pieces of paper all over the truck and offices. It also is a huge help in calling back clients who call through out the day but fail to leave there number so we can look them up on the client list. Like everyone said you can set your apts up and also track your job schedules for landscaping and such so you can tell how far out you are or if you can slide a job in between. It is well worth the money invested.

[parkwest]

Lawn Monkey software now has PDA capabilities. Sounds like exactly what you're looking for. You can download a demo by clicking on the LM banner at the top of the page.

[Esby]

I also use the Palm V. Its one of the best investments I have ever made. It keeps me organized and cuts down on the possible mess of papers. I recommend it to anyone!!

[HOMER]

LEGAL PAD!

[ron]

I also have the palm V the best investment money could buy, no more paper balls inside the truck laying on the floor,next to the cell phone..
http://homestead.juno.com/skyler72/ron.html

[JVS]

Legal pad ...dude its 2001

[HOMER]

DUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEE!

I know what year it is, and so do the makers of legal pads cause they still sell em' by the thousands! You play with your palm pal and I'll write my notes! :cool: LATER DUDE.

[Premo Services]

I just bought a palm 3xe and downloaded the demo of lawn monkey software and the LMDC add on (This is what you use to syncronize the data with the computer and the palm) from lawn monkey & I have entered some info and it looks like it will make scheduling and invoicing a lot easier.I downloaded a free mileage program for the palm and this has made keeping track of milaeages a lot easier, when you enter the start,end miles you just specify if its bus. or personal miles and it seperates them. Also I have used the to do list and it will eliminate all the sticky notes that used to clutter my nice truck. :)

[Edited by mow money on 02-03-2001 at 08:59 PM]

[BUSHMASTER]

i have a casio pm200 2mb memoery..... less than $100. when i brought it no email but great daily planner , notebook,etc etc and it docks with my pc at home so all info
can be sorted ....i like it. and i do carry a pen and small flip pad just in case i need to write someone a note.

[JJ Lawn]

I use a Palm IIIc and I love it. I keep a data base of my customers, and business contacts. I also keep a database of all my equipment. I keep records of repair and maintenance, a list of commonly used part numbers so all I have to do is call dealer tell them what part # I need and it is waiting on the counter when I get there. Saves time of them having to look up, and me waiting on phone. And a lot easier than saying, I need a thing-a-ma-bob for a trimmer that has the model # worn off.

I even have pictures of my Grandkids on mine. The list of software is almost endless and is growing every day. And for the real Geek, you can even check your E-mail or check lawnsite.com. Do that with a legal pad. :)

I used to keep a Day Runner with all this info, but the palm fits in my pocket and is a little easier for me to cart around. And it will hold as much, or more info as the DayRunner. My IIIc has 8megs of memory.

And if I have to go to the Dr. or some other appointment where I have to wait, I can play a few games or read a book. Can't do that with a DayRunner.

There is so much that you can do with a Palm, and best of all you can transfer info to your PC and vice versa.

And the # 1 reason!! I just love gadgets and any thing to do with this wonderful technology that we are blessed with to make my day go by smoother and more enjoyable.

Jim

[GroundKprs]

And when Big Brother has everyone by the family jewels, and won't let go - Homer is still free with his cute legal pad.

P.S Can you tear pages out of a Palm to leave notes for people?

[lee b]

I'm right there with you Homer. I've never dropped my notepad and broke it, and the batteries don't ever go bad.

[JVS]

Palm V does not work on installed batteries. Anyway you guys just dont get it.

[lakegastonla]

I'll stick with my franklin-covey planner. It's a good system, and I can find stuff in it faster than you guys with your gameboys. Just try to look up a phone number faster, I'll beat the pants off a palm pilot any day.

[lawrence stone]

Maybe it is my eyesight due to advanced age but looking at that little screen while not trying to sweat all over that thing while holding that little fake pen offers no appeal.

[jrblawncare]

Legal Pad for me too...I have a hard time with this thing in front of me now as it is!!

[greenlawncare]

hey mow money,

Check out the option on the LMDC to enter the start and stop mileage on each task. That way lawnmonkey automatically adds equipment usage costs to a job depending on the odometer. Works really well for detailed costing of travelling between jobs.

[1MajorTom]

While you guys feel that your palm pilots are the next best thing to sliced bread, I will stick with my system. It includes a compact card file box which holds 3 x 5 index cards with all our customer information on them and clipboard, notebook and pen.
We have our daily schedule written out on a legal pad, but we know our daily route without having to extrapulate that information.
I agree with Stone and Homer, we must be the cave men of Lawnsite.


Jodi

[HOMER]

I don't mean to sound ride or anything but--------------I KNOW WHERE I NEED TO GO! Even if I forget my "LEGAL PAD" I still know my route. Must be all that training I had decades ago when I had my paper route. We didn't even know what a computer was then, much less a Palm Pal.

UGH UGH. Tell em' Jodi!

[BUSHMASTER]

darn just listen to all of you.....i bet when the first mid size mower came out folks were reluctent to be the first ..uh......people resist change until they try it and then watch out..we find more produtive waye of operating,and getting the job done....my casio is in a zippered leather book sorta like a day runner. it hold my unit and a small pad and pen, some bizz cards, works great batteries soo far havent replaced them thier about 2 years going..........TRY IT YOU'LL LIKE IT ..if you own and enjoy your pc this make a great addtion.....you'll wounder how you got a long without it ...somtimes change is good.

[Paradise Yard Service]

Did you know you can get CPR instructions set-up on the Palm? Check out http://www.cprfirstaid.com. Can come in handy for workers or someone in trouble on the road.
Aloha,
P.Y.S.

[Paradise Yard Service]

Hello Mow Money,
Can you post the web site where you got the Mileage Program for your Palm? I would greatly appreciate if you can.
Thanks,
P.Y.S.

[Sammy]

Here are some links:

http://www.palm.com
http://www.handspring.com
http://www.pocketpc.com
http://www.psionusa.com

[Premo Services]

Originally posted by Paradise Yard Service
Hello Mow Money,
Can you post the web site where you got the Mileage Program for your Palm? I would greatly appreciate if you can.
Thanks,
P.Y.S.
http://www.lwsd.com
click on check out vehicle log it will take you where you can get demo download,I have been using it for about 1 1/2 months and no more figuring miles at end of year, I am preparing for taxes and I have to figure bus. personal miles for last year,for me this takes a lot of time,but not any more!

[Paradise Yard Service]

Thanks Mow,
I went to the web and like what I see, will get the program. Looks like mileage will be a breeze this year!
Again thanks for the help.
Aloha,
P.Y.S.

[Acute Cut]

So, if i were to go out tomorrow and get a palm pilot, which one is the best one to get? I would of course get the neato keyboard too being as how i cant hardly read my writing anways.

And just for the record, i have been keeping 80% of all customer info up in my head. Only thing i ever need to look up is phone numbers. I can even tell you my smallest accounts' cats names. I dont think they care what i use as long as i pet them and say hi to the little old lady whom owns them. Have a good one yall.

Acute Cut

[thequeen]

:blob3: Am I the FIrst female to post on this thread?? Anyway, My husband is a confirmed post-it-noter, legal pad, write it on the paper towel kindof guy, But not for long! I've been working on him and after a year I may soon have reason to celebrate! I know after using the LMDC he'll be thanking me. Welcome to the Starship Enterprise Honey!

[Eric ELM]

No, you are the second female to post on this thread. 1MajorTom's name is Jodi and she is our first of 2 female moderators here on Lawnsite.com ;)

Could you fill in your location in your profile? If you do not know how, email me and I will do it for you.
Thanks
Eric

[HOMER]

And 8 months later that legal pad is still going!

Welcome Queen.

[mlc4163]

Most of the people I know who use these type products love them.
BUT, there is a lerning curve, something to do this winter, and the biggest hassle I've seen is if there is a power glitch. You'll lose everything.
Make sure you hot sink ( save info ) daily so worst case you'd lose one days info. I saw guys lose months worth of data because they did'nt read the instructions.
May get last year model at real savings.
Good luck

[thequeen]

If you upload from your PDA daily into your PC, why would you still need to back-up your info? I burn a full backup every week from my PC.:confused:

[cantoo]

I think we made a rule when this was Hall of Forums that women posters had to post a pic so we could be sure they were female.. And we did have another girl here beside Jodi, she was from Toronto I think, remember she was the one who's boss told her she couldn't wear the revelling shorts anymore? She sent pics.
Welcome to LS the queen, I used to let my wife post here then she started telling everyone how she was the one doing the work and I was just the string trimmer boy.

[thequeen]

Well, you know what 'they' say, "Behind every good man is a great woman!" .

[ron]

I love my Palm m100 works very well with me.Holds tons of info.............. ..

[wolfpacklawn]

Do you legal pad guys still use ditto machines to make copies? I remember getting to make copies for my teacher in grade school. That great smell as I would turn the handle on the ditto machine to make copies of that days math homework. What fun!

On the more serious side. It sounds like the way to go is with the Lawnmonkey software and some sort of palm. Does Clip software have the ability to do the same thing? How about Quickbooks?

[Paradise Yard Service]

All You Legal Pad People!

Does yor legal pad instruct you step by step through the proper CPR procedure when a crew member is in need of CPR? My humble little Palm Pilot can if I want it to. Do you have a current list of all equipment part numbers that need replacing (ie. belts, blades, spark plugs, etc.) on your legal pad? I can go on and on and I will say PDAs have limitations, but you won't find me without mine.

Also, laptop people watch out, PDAs will be the only thing we will need to carry along one day! Really, can you guys actually type at a decent pace on the laptop keyboard? Come on now, only the best in typing can work those crowdy keys.

Nuf said

Aloha,
P.Y.S.