Who has a Netbook (Laptop) in the truck?

[AdamChrap]

I just got a HP MINI 1000 from Verizon with built in Broadband. My question is how many people have laptops in the truck with them? Do you use them for bidding? Printing contracts on the spot? How do you like it? Has it upped your closing % on contracts?

[bohiaa]

Getting to the point where I dont do much field work anymore. and while going to check on jobs I always get calls where I need information from the database.

Just today a major client called about billing while I was on the road. all's I could do was tell her I will have to call back when I get to the office.

also, I'm finding that I need plans that are on the database when there is a Q about this or that...

[AdamChrap]

That is the same situation I am in. I also have GoToMyPC.com and it works great! I can pull my quickbooks up right in the field! In used it today to take a credit card right on the job site. I am loving this thing!

[amor4421]

how much did that cost you? for the laptop.

[Roger]

Adam ... I've considered this kind of setup, exactly for the reason you stated -- access to my QB back on my PC. Explain how this works. Do you have a wireless card on the netbook? Which network? Netbook big enough to manage with large fingers?

Thanks.

[AdamChrap]

Originally Posted by Roger

Adam ... I've considered this kind of setup, exactly for the reason you stated -- access to my QB back on my PC. Explain how this works. Do you have a wireless card on the netbook? Which network? Netbook big enough to manage with large fingers?

Thanks.

The wireless card is built right in. Verizon is the network. Some have small keyboards but the HP mini 1000 has a keyboard that is 92% the size of a full size keyboard. Go to you local verizon store and check it out. I payed $200 for mine but that is with a 2 year internet contract.

[corey4671]

Laptop AND printer in the truck. Someone asks for a quote while I'm out, I print off form, they sign, I make a copy. Make copies of checks for records. Print invoices on the spot and leave it. Saves on postage. I have an At&T wireless card, but usually I'll just try to find somewhere that has free WiFi and pull into the parking lot and use it.

[PROCUT1]

Im on the road most of the time and rarely make it back to the office.

I have a laptop with a verizon modem in the truck along with an all in one printer copier thing.

I deal mainly with commercial property owners and managers and theyre all wired up. So 99% of anything I do gets done by email.

A parking lot owner calls for an estimate, I go out there, usually measure it right from google earth, just use the visual to determine how dirty or badly cracked it is.

I have my proposal templates loaded on the laptop. So I just fill in the numbers and email it off.

Most of the time they have a proposal within a couple hours of when they call which is a huge advantage over my competitors who will get back to them in a week with a crappy page faxed to them.

[Roger]

Thanks, Adam. I currently have Verizon as my provider. I will check it out.

[grass_cuttin_fool]

I purchased a notebook last week....loading alot of my customer info in to it for the field....mine came with a wireless card built in and I just find free wifi in town when needed also....like most of yall...Im finding out that clients...new/old want info now....not 2-3 hours from now or the next day...