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Jeanette
25 Posts |
 Posted - 02/16/2003 : 17:49:03
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We currently travel in a conversion van with a table set up in the back, but would like to know what options or ideas work well in a pick-up truck. How do you set up your laptop and printer? Where do you stow your forms and papers? What system of organization do you use to keep track of your daily schedule, maps, claims, etc? Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
click here for full size image
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mshort68
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2003 : 18:04:50
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| Nice SF calculator. I use a Suburban with a ladder rack on the back with a Mobile desk in the backseat. |
The grass is always greener on the other side, but it still has to be mowed! |
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mshort68
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2003 : 18:10:35
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| Oh yes, I have a 3 outlet 600 watt inverter and sit in the passenger rear seat with my printer in the rear bucket behind driver's seat. A van can be very useful and especially productive for 1st contact settles. |
The grass is always greener on the other side, but it still has to be mowed! |
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KileAnderson
USA
875 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2003 : 18:23:14
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| I had been working out of a 4-runner. I'd sit in the back seat to write my estimates. I had a large hanging file box with my printer velcro'd to the top behind the back seat and I'd sit the laptop on my lap. That worked pretty good for 150,000 miles. Last month I traded the 4-runner in on a Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab. I'm having a weather guard weekender ladder rack installed in the bed to hold a 24' ladder. I think I will still sit in the back seat to write estimates but I will place the computer on the large center console and the printer on passenger's side of the back seat. I'm working on building a desk for the front seat to hold my other laptop running delorme. |
Edited by - KileAnderson on 02/16/2003 19:56:35 |
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mshort68
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2003 : 19:43:55
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| I run delorme off mine in the front. Let me know, Kile, how your desk works out. |
The grass is always greener on the other side, but it still has to be mowed! |
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Jeanette
25 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2003 : 21:11:14
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I would like to see your desk, Kile. I have heard of a desk that folds across the user's lap, allowing easier use of the laptop in the vehicle, but have never seen one. I came across this desk similar to the Jotto desk but made for placement in the seat:
http://www.airdesks.com/CarDesk.asp
Then there is another desk (also on ebay) which is on an arm and platform that looks like the ones used to support a large monitor. It looks more maneuverable than the Jotto:
http://www.desk2go.com/photos.htm Has anyone used anything besides the Jotto? |
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KileAnderson
USA
875 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2003 : 21:27:06
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| The dest that I am building is simply an extension of the large center console of my truck. It butts up against the center console and runs forward to the dash. It stands on the floor between the seats and has a shelf under the work surface to hold a 600 watt inverter. I have it designed and have made a carboard mock up of it. I am thinking of making it out of particle board and covering the sides with gray felt to match my interior and I will put that rubberized stuff you use to keep area rugs from sliding on the top surface. It will basically be used just to hold my laptop at a comfortable angle to view while running delorme. I'll see houw that works and may replace the rubber with velcro. I will take pix and post them when it is finished. I hope the spring storm season starts soon. Daimler-Chrysler financing likes to get paid on time. |
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CatDaddy
USA
310 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2003 : 21:39:04
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I recently finished upgrading my new mobile claim machine. It has the very latest electronics that I could afford at a Radio Shack that was going out of business is Truman, Arkansas. I got the idea one day when I was watching reruns of the Beverly Hillbillies. I am looking forward to trying it out at my next cat. All the comforts of home!
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Edited by - CatDaddy on 03/05/2003 21:40:24 |
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katadj
USA
315 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2003 : 12:26:11
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That looks like my old house in Jasper, how did you get it? (Opps, you forgot the trailer with the 1/2 moon cutout on the door).
Seriously, after having examined all of the available mobile desks, and running a 40' Newell as a cat mobile for 12 years, the decision was made to go with the A2Z desk. A link is attached at the bottom.
The desk is adjustable in 1000's of positions; so two people can use it, if necessary, in the front seats. The new top will be shipped with a 400 Watt built-in inverter, with duplex outlets, and 3 12 V DC plug ins. Presently I use a 400 watt inverter mounted under the center console and that powers the laptop and WI-FI amplifier.
Normally I do not work in the truck, but there is room for the HP inkjet in the rear seat, hooked to another 400-Watt Inverter if I HAD to print something out.
Mostly, the paperless file transfer is what is used. The files can be uploaded to the vendor from anywhere that a WAP exists using the WI-FI arrangement. (Now, the recipient has to know what is going on, also)
Technology is constantly changing, and if we are to continue to earn our stripes in this war of adjusting (appraising) we have to become aware of the evolving nuances and invest in the product, learn to use the items and hopefully be employed.
Here is the link. The desk is a mite more expensive, but as I was always told, Never be afraid to buy the very best, because you will never be disappointed…
http://www.a2zsolutions.com/.
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Edited by - katadj on 03/06/2003 12:26:57 |
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kmac
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2004 : 01:41:42
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As a staff adjuster for Farmers Ins. I used 2 custom built Mobil Computer Stands. My laptop was on the 1st one as it was adjustable to unlimited positions and my BJC-85 was on the 2nd one. I had my 400 watt invertor tuck under the front edge of the passenger seat. I had my GPS on my laptop so I was never lost. When it was time to write the estimate on site in the field my Mobil Computer Stand gave me the solid support of my office desk with out the office. They were definitly worth the money. I have attached photo of my staff car.
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Willie Brown |
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2004 : 21:12:23
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| Jeanette, if you are using a laptop, the Office suite had Outlook and Outlook has a calendar. That takes care of scheduling. DeLorme with GPS will take care of the mapping and will assist in scheduling. We put our files in clear tie envelopes and carry them in a net bag, seperated by day. Organization is the key to success. |
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What type of setup do you use when adjusting?
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