TABLET Questions - Edit PDF Files? Remote Logging in?

[LordX]

Hey guys - I have relatively little experience with tablets, aside from helping customers attach them to their wi-fi.

I got a question list from a client, and I am at a loss for what they need. Here is their list of questions that I didn't know the answer to:
1. "Be able to log into (access database) program remotely" (They have a shared access database at their office, which is a workgroup setup not a server setup) I was thinking teamviewer into a system at the office which will give them access to the database.

2. "Open a .pdf of our estimate form and write on it electronically (with a stylus) and save it" - This one I didnt know - do they need Adobe acrobat? The MS Surface Pros come with a stylus dont they? Is acrobat compatible with using a stylus to edit?

Can they get away with the original surface? Surface 2? Or do they need the surface 3s?

 

[Markverhyden]

What type of table do they have?

1. TV is the nickle solution to the dime problem as far as accessing the DB. However you should test it before purchasing to make sure the Access interface will be usable. I've used TV on my iPad before for remote desktop access and it was not a pleasant experience.

2. Not sure about the M$ tablets but there are plenty of apps in the Android and iOS ecosystems that allow opening and editing a PDF. I use PDF Expert all of the time on my iPad.

 

[LordX]

How would I test it without buying the tablet?

 

[Markverhyden]

Some retailers do not lock down machines to allow users to install software to test. Another alternative is to grab a netbook since those screens approximate the size of a tablet screen.

 

[Mainstay]

A surface pro with vpn connection or rdp to a workstation will solve the DB problem.

The SP3s have a stylus and w/ One Note (not my all time favorite program, but it is sort of growing on me) you can take screen grabs and mark them up.

We have construction guys doing this and they report massive improvements in communication and reduction in lost materials and time due to misunderstandings.

I've only got them on OneNote but I am sure there are other fantastic methods (maybe EverNote?).

This video may be of help: 5:40 mark is where you are starting to have your question answered.

Am following this thread to see what others have to report.

 

[LordX]

I was also thinking perhaps on those 2 in 1 laptops - where the screen disconnects and becomes a tablet. That way when they reconnect them to the laptop part, teamviewer becomes much easier to use. Although, does anyone know of a 2 in 1 that is compatible with a stylus?

 

[Doc+Com]

I have and use a surface pro 3 for 'inking' on .pdfs. I converted my workshop sheets and invoices to .pdf too so that I can fill them while 'in the field'. The windows platform on the SP3 reduces a lot of compatability issues and by adding a simple dongle, you have USB/Wireless printing and WLAN/LAN too.

 

[LordX]

Doc - did you need Adobe Acrobat to do that? Or is there an open source alternative? And is there config needed for the Adobe to accept the pen input?

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Microsofts remote desktop client for ipads and androids...and of course native on Surface.
Nothing smoother for remote, period! Supports TSGateway too.