Expensive, but Worth It!
Written: Nov 25 '07 (Updated Dec 15 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Rugged-You don't have to worry about dirt getting in or dropping it.
NEW: See Update.
Cons: A ruggedized machine is expensive.
NEW:
Probably not worth it.
The Bottom Line: If you work outdoors -in construction or out with field. this is the right machine to get. Anything less will just get broken or damaged.
New-
Don't Bother
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| gardenerbob's Full Review: Xplore Technologies iX104C3DV 1.2 GHz Tablet PC wi... |
As a professional gardener, I have to make long lists of plants & materials that I use on jobs. A regular Laptop just doesn't have bright enough screen nor can I use a keyboard as I have to walk around as I make my lists.
Hence, my need for a tablet PC
I chose the Xplore Tablet for 2 major reasons. First, you can buy it with an optional All-Vue screen that allows it to be used in direct sunlight. Secondly, the entire computer is 'ruggedized' . This means it can take a fair amount of physical abuse before it will be damaged. And if you know gardening, you know there are a lot of bumps and a lot of dust & dirt.
The unit is warranted for 3 years -2 years more than a standard laptop -but I doubt I'll doubt needing it as the quality & build is exceptional.The magnesium case protects everything inside.
The All-Vue screen works pretty well outdoors. I wouldn't say it works in direct sunlight as the manufacturer claims. In fact, I find it very hard to do anything in direct sun-I usually go to a nearby tree or shady spot to make entries.Compared to a standard laptop, it is definitely superior.
The battery has about 4 hours of power -so you either get the optional 12volt car adapter or put the computer on Standby if you wish to work all day without recharging.(Xplore also has a vehicle mounted dock should you work more in your car than in the field and will allow the battery to be charged constantly from the car battery).
I purchased a home docking unit which holds the tablet at a comfortable position while working at a desk. It also lets you charge the battery, as well as add Peripherals.Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the built-in finger print scanning device for keeping your data safe from prying eyes or thieves.
I have used this tablet for about 1 year & can see no problem with construction nor with the internal components-A very solidly built machine
UPDATE!! 7/2009
An unfortunate meeting with a blunt object resulted in the screen being damaged. When I sent in the Tablet for repair, I was given a quote in excess of $1,000 to repair it. Mind you, I like this machine, but it was getting a bit slow with newer applications- heck it was getting slower with old applications. So....
I asked xplore if there was any way to upgrade.
HoooNooooooooo, was the response. Take it or leave it.
So, there I was, with a 2.5 year old machine with a cracked screen that would cost about one third of the price of a new machine to repair.
I declined to repair the Tablet and, instead, bought a Toshiba Portege M750 ( review coming soon).
Why?
If you read my initial review, you would see I believe in buying quality over price. As a business owner, the biggest factor in getting repeat business is by providing a quality experience- this includes customer service.
What I found at Xplore Technologies was not that.
RMA's that were completely automated, no human interaction orfollow up.
Notes detailing problems were unread.
The unwillingness to provide current owners a way to upgrade their machines.(- One this, see below).
Do not warranty the most vulnerable part of the Tablet.
For a medium sized company, they really should try to get their customer relations in better order.
I purchased this Tablet from Group Mobile, even on their website, there was mention of this (damage to the screen) as a recurring problem. (Oddly enough, that page seems to have dissapeared in recent weeks....you be the judge). That Xplore sees this a 'non-warranted' is a slap in the face to all that buy their products. Why the heck call it ruggedized, when a bump on the screen results in a very expensive repair? (For the prices they ask, why not just add a little to cover the eventual screen damage?).
Insult to injury, when I asked about an upgrade, they said no. Now, on Group Mobile website, they are allowing a whopping $300 bucks if you trade in your old one for a C4. Mind you, the new updated C4 is in the exact same case as the C3. Nothing changed except the CPU and maybe the Hard Drive.
For me, I say, 'No Thanks'.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
gardenerbob
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Member: Bob
Location: Northeast US
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Gardener for hire, so to speak.
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