Tablets have been finding their way into construction Project Managers' hands for a while now. With applications like Bluebeam, ProCore, and PunchPro, the use of iPads and tablets have become more common place and necessary. Currently, many Project Managers have a laptop or desktop PC and then carry an iPad for punch list during site visits.
When Microsoft launched the Surface Pro series of tablet PCs back in late 2012, they began a new trend and a new future for construction project management. What makes the Surface Pro tablets great for construction managers is that it combines the power of a laptop and the portability of a tablet. When in the office, the Surface Pro can be paired with a docking station and run up to 2 additional monitors plus all of your other peripherals like a mouse and keyboard. When out on the job, the Surface Pro can be used just like any other tablet and can run full Windows applications, rather than the small mobile apps, thus allowing for more powerful punch list applications and documentation. With the Surface, there is no need for both a PC and a tablet, as they can be on in the same and can save money in the long run. Microsoft is expected to debut a new Surface Pro 4 in mid-October (people think it will be announced on 10/4 to be symbolic of Windows 10 and the Surface Pro 4). We've already anointed Windows 10 as the non-Windows tablet killer, because of it's ability to convert both Android and iOs apps to Windows with a click of a button and to bring drawings to life with the use of holograms
Surface Pro 3
The Microsoft Surface Pro is great, but as with any great products there is always a competitor, and Lenovo has just announced the new Miix 700, which is due to be on shelves in November of this year. The Lenovo Miix 700 carries the same specs as the Surface tablet, but it does have a slower processor, which may cause performance issues (yet to be seen), but will increase battery life. The main thing that I want to point out about this tablet is that it comes with the option to include Intel's RealSense Camera. We have mentioned these cameras before in an article about Dells Venue 8 7000. This new Surface Pro clone from Lenovo with the RealSense camera included has the potential to be the best construction management computer on the market (even though construction is not their target audience). The Miix 700 has a starting price of $699, which includes the keyboard cover, and is set to release in November.
Lenovo Miix 700
The Miix 700 includes all of the great features from the Surface Pro 3 and additionally includes the RealSense camera which uses multiple cameras on the back of the tablet to create a 3D image of whatever you are taking a picture of. This allows you to extract additional information from the pictures, most notably the ability to pull measurements from the pictures, after you leave the job site.
It is clear to see how this can be an invaluable tool when it comes to as-builts or even finding a measurement that you forgot to take when on a site visit. This tool is helpful for the Estimator and the Construction Manager. Additionally, the camera software allows you to measure surface area from a photo as well, which is a powerful tool to estimating concrete pours or the amount of material that needs to be ordered.
Below is a video review by PhoneDog, which shows you exactly how the RealSense camera works and how accurate it is. The tablet he's using is the Dell Venue 8 7000, which he admits does not have the best camera.
The Lenovo Miix 700 with all of these features is gearing up to be the computer that every Construction Manager needs to have.
Lenovo Miix 700 (Starting at $699) | Lenovo - Set to release in November
