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I don't have one and think it is just a toy. You cannot download claims from it, you can just check your e-mail and other things. I don't think it has a value so far as adjusting is concerned. Unless someone can convince me it is an absulute time saver, I will refrain from spending all that money, and then monthly on top of that. You can do the same with your cellphone.

I think I'd just rather be a cheapskate like them other guys.

Actually, I do use a digital recorder on large losses.  I do use a Disto or lazer measuring device for inside measurements and fences.  I have used my cell phone with a usb cord to upload and download since it was the only phone that worked.  I do use a cordless phone with  a headset so I can talk and type without dislocating my shoulder.

I have never text messaged anyone.  I have never checked my email from my cell phone.

But, then, I have never shot a black bear with a bow and arrow, either.

I all seriousness, electronics  are usefull in our proffesion. I just get a kick out of those folks that go overboard. I worked with an adjuster that would get 3-4 calls during every inspection, most not work related. And he would put his phone on speaker so it would look like a Nextel.

Posted By Jim Gary on 24 Sep 2008 07:10 PM
Tom I absolutely disagree, to be a true state of the art adjuster, you absolutely need a Blackberry, the big one, hanging from your belt. And one of those Star Trek thingys hanging out of your ear. And when you get it, be sure to give the number to everyone so it rings every 5 minutes so you can let everyone see it. And don't forget about one of those touch screen PDAs hanging from the other side of your belt, you've gotta get one of those. And get that digital voice recorder to record your scope as you walk through the house. I'll think of more later

JWG

Really really funny.  It does appear though that insurance adjusting is headed in that direction!  I read somewhere on this great forum that  new entrant adjusters are not being trained as they used to in the 'good old days'; mainly due to the fact that insurers are relying more and more on computer softwares to carry the heavy and complex load.  Overall, modern electronic gadjets tend to make many tasks easier and faster to perform, but they do have their own cons. Have you read about Simsol's pda system or Simbility's tablet pc based adjusting system?  Many more will follow and more carriers will drift in that direction as the efficiency of such systems become apparent.  There will be resistance to such change by the so called "dyed in the wool" old timers that will stick to tick sheet, tape measure and voice tape recorder. I am a new (call that green, undertrained) adjuster who's decided to go the moder gadjet way.  I believe the future belong to the computer savy in our industry.  My 2 cents.

I am really glad I have my HTC touch. Just got the smart phone a couple months ago. This is the first cat that I could not get the internet at an rv park and it really came in handy to upload and download my files. (Had to use the generator for the first time as well) We do everything on the internet now, so being without wifi for 2 weeks would have hurt us big time. The connection was slow but I got the files in early and received more in their place. I vote - go for it.

Posted By Larry Hardin on 08 Oct 2008 11:02 PM
"I am one of the "old timers" referred to in an earlier post. And, rather rudely, might I add.".......

When I said old timers, I never intended to be rude or insultive to anybody in any way or version.    I do appreciate and respect the knowledge of and wealth of experience acquired by "old timers" by dint of hard work, dedication and perseverance.  I joined this great forum after several months of lurking around and reading posts upon posts in which "old timers" spare no effort in guiding and advising upstarts by literally pouring out themselves again and again over the years (I read the archives too).  If, however, you're offended by the use of the term, I tender my sincere unreserved apology. 

Remi...you have no need to feel bad at all or apologize.   Larry is not only an oldtimer, but an old fart to boot.  And darn proud of it...as well as probably feeling pretty proud for making you think you hurt his little "feeler's" .   He'd tell you that himself, but he's got that night gig bouncing at The Parlor.    

Remi,

You have made a serious error in judgment by taking me seriously.

Staighten up and fly right!!

Seriously,  I got stuck on a roof when my POS ladder blew down and it was a double pull.  (Don't tell anybody I did that..........I would hate to ruin my reputation)  I had to call another adjuster to come and get me.  We still giggle about that over adult beverages from time to time.

Another time, I had to rescue a fellow adjuster when his ladder was stolen while he was on the back slope. 

Really!!!  He found it in a pawn shop a few blocks away and bought it back.

My phone goes where I go and I choose when to answer it.  We all have voice mail, ya know.

Posted By joseph lombardo jr. on 11 Oct 2008 07:32 AM
Roni,
A USB phone card works better.....

Nathan,
With all the information being sent to you while in the field, how do you get anything done.....I don't know about the rest of you folks, but when I am with an insured, I am their to handle THEIR LOSS, not to receive calls, e-mails and text messages or notes from my computer telling ,me that I have another file waiting when I get back to base............
When I am driving, I have a really tough time reading my email on my phone, blackberry, etc and an even harder time text messaging someone........

I don't know about you folks, but is scares the hell out of me when I am driving down the highway and the driver next to me has their hands on top of the wheel and holding some device that they are texting on........

Just my .02 on it....not saying having a way to communicate while on the road---cell phone---but I think that there is a point that becomes a little much.....

Happy Cating!!

Joe L.

I certainly agree with Joe on this one. I almost got hit in a parking lot the other day when a younger lady was driving and talking on her cell. Had I not laid on my horn, she would have hit me. It would only have been a fender bender, but accidents are accidents. I am adament about having an ear reciever while using the cell in the vehicle. It is still best, however, to pull over to talk so your mind is not on two subjects. Texting while driving is a killer and should be banned.