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Real World Q&A: Using Revu on a Tablet PC
Since first introducing special tablet features in our version 4.5 release, using Revu with tablet PCs has only become more and more popular among our customers. In order to find out what it is that our customers “love” about using Revu with this type of technology we interviewed two of our most enthusiastic tablet users. Here’s what they had to say.
Interviewee A: Bonnie (Architect)
Interviewee B: Erica (Architect)
What kind of tablet PC do you own? A Slate or Convertible?
Bonnie – A Convertible, Lenovo x61
Erica – I use the J3400 by Motion Computing. Its rugged exterior makes it durable enough to carry around the job site. The case has a flap to protect the screen and a comfortable strap. The stylus is on a lanyard, so you don't have to worry about dropping it or losing it. It also has a built-in camera. It is only 3.6 lbs., and there is enough battery life to last the day.
Why did you decide to use a tablet?
Bonnie – So I could markup drawings and documents and take notes at meetings over PDFs of last week’s meeting.
Erica – I needed to be mobile on the job site of a large project, to be able to reference the drawings and specs at anytime, from anywhere on the site. I was able to store the entire set of documents in PDF form in the tablet and have access to them in a matter of clicks. It saves time from having to walk all the way back to the job trailer to find information. It is also easier to locate information clicking through a few files, than wading through pounds of paper. Another reason was to perform the punch process electronically using the tablet PC and Revu. It was more efficient than doing it manually as I have done in the past. And, the product is much cleaner, which lends to clear communication and efficiency. Going electronic saves time, that's a given.
What kind of job functions do you perform using your tablet PC?
Bonnie – Design and comments (management). I take notes at the job site and even look at drawings on-site with the contractor.
Erica – As one of the on-site Architects, I responded to questions from the contractor and also performed the punch and back check.
How easily are you able to navigate PDFs (i.e. open, review, close, zoom, etc) on a tablet PC with the use of Revu?
Bonnie – Very easily.
Erica - Navigation in Revu for a tablet PC is simple and intuitive. To open a file, just double tap the file icon with the stylus; to pan around, tap the "hand" to grab and shift the view, or double tap the screen to use the in-screen navigation. This is also a quick way to move around the document. To close the file, just tap on the circle with the "x" on the file tab; to view different open files, just tap on the different file tabs; to zoom, tap the magnifying glass and select two points of the rectangle of the area to view.
How well does Revu’s pressure sensitivity technology simulate the characteristics of writing with pen and paper when using the tablet PC pen?
Bonnie – It works well, but I don’t really use this feature all that much.
Erica – It's as easy to write with the stylus as it is to write with a pen. I often get sloppy with my writing and Revu can still recognize the words.
Do you ever use the “Image from Scanner” feature in Revu on your tablet to import images from a camera?
Bonnie – Yes, I have pasted in images.
Erica – Didn't know about this, just tried it. It works great! Just connect your camera directly to a USB port; select "Image from Scanner" under the "Mark-up" pull down menu, and the images from the camera appear. Select an image and then select two points to size the image to be placed. Carry the USB cord with you, and you will be able to import images and note comments right on site. This is great for field reports.
What feature in Revu do you like using most on a tablet PC?
Bonnie – The Tablet Pen features and being able to layer PDFs.
Erica – The Tool Chest is invaluable. Being able to make and reuse tools saves so much time.
Overall, how easy do think it is to use Revu on a tablet PC?
Bonnie – Extremely easy! It was easily the best computer/software match out there for my business.
Erica – Overall it is very easy to use with a tablet, with the great benefit of being mobile. The difference is clicking with the stylus instead of a mouse, which is not too difficult to get used to. When not on site, I would set the tablet on the docking station and use it like a PC, just hook up the mouse and key board and the tablet screen becomes the monitor.
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