Why am I so excited? Well for starters, I am a totally obsessed Tablet + Real Estate Dashboard + Verizon Wireless  user. Second, I just fried my keyboard on my aging Toshiba M-200. Third, I knew it was time to upgrade and I had been avoiding it. On line quotes with similar configurations of other brands was putting me in the $2500 to $3K mark. 4th, I believe I found a solution to my tablet  value at a reasonable price quest.

Bill Van Engen, Gateway Direct Sales Manager and I came up with the configuration below to satisfy my needs as an active, on the go REALTOR/Broker .I took the time to explain why it would be really smart for Gateway to offer special considerations and pricing to Real Estate Professionals (hey, we talk, we blog, we're in the public eye). Actually, I whined big time that HP and IBM offers discounts through NAR...

When we finished our brain storming session, we were both pleased. The response was like, "Eureka!" There are several choices in screens. Bill felt that the ambient screen that self adjusts to lighting would work best for my purposes. I am strictly business, not a gamer--so gamer technology was not important to me.

It occurred to me that other REALTORS may enjoy the same configuration without having to go through the step by step process. So, Bill said he would save the configuration. If any other REALTORS email him and mention Suzi's Blog, his team will be able to pull that up. Further his team will be advised that they do offer a REALTOR's Discount, and to treat all REALTORS with special TLC. So, REALTORS, you are in position for royal treatment.

 I let Bill know that I Blog. In other words, I'm a tattle tale. I will definitely blog in my non-technical way about my new tablet masterpiece. He didn't seem concerned that I would have anything negative to blog about.

By the way, we get to name this configuration, so we don't have to use Suzi's Blog as a code word. Let's think of something really defining. Active Rain Bloggers so far have come up with:

1. Freedom
2. Active Freedom
3. Magic Assistant
4. Real Edge
5. REM (Real Estate Magic)
6. Dream Machine

I can't quote my exact price, it could go up, it could go down. I will say by the time you add the software and upgrades I was well over budget. By the time I got out my credit card, I was slightly below budget (maybe I should have added more hard drive:-)

Tablets. If you've been thinking about getting one, but haven't. Just do it. I'll help you as much as I can with tips and such. I've been a user for a year and a half now. Once you get used to using one, it makes you feel clumsy and inefficient to use anything else.

I save time, gas, commuting, and frustration. Currently, I use Verizon Wireless and can connect almost anywhere. All contracts are completed and signed on my tablet at the client's location. Copies are immediately mailed or faxed to clients (I can also immediately print hard copies with my portable printer) The other night, for instance, I completed a listing agreement complete with disclosures, etc., The clients signed on line, then walked over to their computer for their emailed copy.

My niche has developed around time pressured clients. I go to them. I have everything I need. I have completed offers from employee break rooms, nail salons, back offices, fema trailors. Of course if you are organized you can be prepared with duplicate hard copies and a regular laptop will work. For me, its just more convenient to have all forms with me via ZipForms.

So--here's the mobile agent equation: Tablet + R.E.D. by VREO + Verizon (or other wireless) + Zip Forms. R.E.D and Verizon are an important part of the equation and runs about $66 a month. To me, its worth it.

Why am I so delighted about this purchase? Well, I have always been of an experimental nature. When I learned that Windows Vista is compatible with my MLS and with Real Estate Dashboard I couldn't wait to try it. I am excited about using One Note 2007 combined with Microsoft Office Small Business 2007. The RAM upgrade is dynamite. Similar configurations with other companies were running between $2500 and $3000.

This special wasn't just handed to me, I had to negotiabate it. You can benefit from it. No harm in trying and seeing what Billy's team can do for you. Of course if you want to pay more for a status symbol...I have some suggestions.

This is your contact: Billy.VanEngen@gateway.com Code: Suzi's Blog until a better name is developed.

Good Luck!