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Outfitting a sales force with Modbooks?

T

Thomas S

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 30, 2004
60
0
Howdy,

I'm looking for some opinions - right now we're contemplating purchasing about 120 Modbooks to outfit our sales force with. Obviously, there are downfalls to them (lack of keyboard built in etc.) but they'd mainly be used for sales presentations in the homes of clients (cemetery sales).

Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone could give us their opinion on the Modbooks for this. Perhaps the biggest selling point to us is the fact that they're a lot cleaner than a regular laptop - just the screen so clients aren't burdened by looking at a keyboard etc.

Thoughts?
 
with 120 of these, one is bound to break, let's say you get a faulty lcd, what are you going to do. Since these are modded mbp's, this is not a good idea for a sales team. I would go with Macbook's, because of the size, and power. Also, Modbooks are not finished products, and are not nearly as reliable or effective.
 
bored911 said:
with 120 of these, one is bound to break, let's say you get a faulty lcd, what are you going to do.
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Warranty? Support contract?

I'd get your sales force Bluetooth keyboards to help them enter data quickly (should the need arise). Otherwise, if the book fits, wear it!

I guess a good question is: What does your sales force do?
 
bored911 said:
with 120 of these, one is bound to break, let's say you get a faulty lcd, what are you going to do. Since these are modded mbp's, this is not a good idea for a sales team. I would go with Macbook's, because of the size, and power. Also, Modbooks are not finished products, and are not nearly as reliable or effective.
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They are modded MacBooks (not Pros) so the size is the same. The warrenty is through Axiotron, so they should cover any faulty units. I would say that you should buy the MacBooks if you think that the tablet would be best for the sales force.
 
BigPrince said:
You must be rich.
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You must not have anything constructive to add to this thread. Companies need to spend money to make money. Buying 130 ModBooks isn't that big of an expense if each ModBook will pay for itself with, say, three sales each or so.
 
From what I see on the Macsales site, the ModBook has a DVI port for a second display (just in case the display cracks), and 2 USB 2.0 ports if you need a keyboard (just in case). My question would be on reliability and, if you're using it for input, how good is the handwriting recognition. You will be able to try one out for a while, won't you, before your company shells out the >$2279 - $2799 x 120?
 
Legolamb said:
From what I see on the Macsales site, the ModBook has a DVI port for a second display (just in case the display cracks), and 2 USB 2.0 ports if you need a keyboard (just in case). My question would be on reliability and, if you're using it for input, how good is the handwriting recognition. You will be able to try one out for a while, won't you, before your company shells out the >$2279 - $2799 x 120?
Click to expand...

Handwriting recognition is based on Rosetta. I have a Newton (for sale though) and I have to say... it is freaking awesome. It can read my handwriting, and that is saying a lot. A lot.
 
Mechcozmo said:
You must not have anything constructive to add to this thread. Companies need to spend money to make money. Buying 130 ModBooks isn't that big of an expense if each ModBook will pay for itself with, say, three sales each or so.
Click to expand...

What can the ModBook do that a cheaper PC Tablet can't? Mod Book looks nice and runs OS X but when you boil it down, why not just have a PC do it. Also the workers will probably be unfamiliar with OS X which will need training and they won't pick it up as fast and it will be a pain in the ass to train new people as positions turn over....just seems more cost effective to go with a tablet PC.

Buying them cause they are clean? Common, its not hard to clean a computer, and if its properly taken care of its not a big deal.

sorry that I had to spell it out for you.
 
BigPrince said:
What can the ModBook do that a cheaper PC Tablet can't? Mod Book looks nice and runs OS X but when you boil it down, why not just have a PC do it. Also the workers will probably be unfamiliar with OS X which will need training and they won't pick it up as fast and it will be a pain in the ass to train new people as positions turn over....just seems more cost effective to go with a tablet PC.

Buying them cause they are clean? Common, its not hard to clean a computer, and if its properly taken care of its not a big deal.

sorry that I had to spell it out for you.
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Showing a slideshow in Mac OS X can't possibly be that difficult. Also, it's unknown if the sales force already has Macs or PCs.
 
BigPrince said:
What can the ModBook do that a cheaper PC Tablet can't? Mod Book looks nice and runs OS X but when you boil it down, why not just have a PC do it. Also the workers will probably be unfamiliar with OS X which will need training and they won't pick it up as fast and it will be a pain in the ass to train new people as positions turn over....just seems more cost effective to go with a tablet PC.

sorry that I had to spell it out for you.
Click to expand...

They might use OS X software already on, say, iBooks or PowerBooks. That covers almost all those points.

Most tablet PCs are clunky devices, not as refined as the ModBook. Without a keyboard, the ModBook is cleaner and less prone to damage (assuming it is kept in a case). I've seen tablets, used one for quite a while, and frankly... they suck. A ModBook, with OS X's Inkwell technology behind it plus the other enhancements that a pen brings to OS X handily beats the Tablet edition of XP.
 
Don't hold me to this, but computers are shipping with Vista now and I'd assume they have a Vista Tablet version(not sure). Vista comes with an iPhoto program where it is just as simple and nice to make a slideshow...

So my question, is there a Vista Tablet version?
 
BigPrince said:
Don't hold me to this, but computers are shipping with Vista now and I'd assume they have a Vista Tablet version(not sure). Vista comes with an iPhoto program where it is just as simple and nice to make a slideshow...
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Vista doesn't have a Tablet edition... the normal Vista has the iPhoto knockoff.

Oh, I've used it.

Guess what?

Craptastic.:rolleyes: I can't believe how little was done between XP and Vista, really... but that's not what this thread is about.
 
I'm sorry I wasn't able to get back to this thread earlier - I got caught up in a few things.

These devices would be used in the homes of potential clients to deliver sales presentations. As we deal with cemetery sales, it is extremely important that we are able to deliver our presentations with as much clarity as possible.

Currently, we are mostly PC based but have been rapidly switching over the Macintosh units due to the benefits they bring to the table. With that said, due to our past experiences and our future outlook, only an act of God could force us to regress to our PC based past. You bring up a valid point about training sales people but everyone we've helped out thus far has rapidly caught on. It isn't like we're teaching them quantum physics; the OS is fairly easy to understand. Besides, I rather like visiting our parks and sitting down with our salespeople - whether it is for a quick coffee, or to train them on something new, doing so does nothing but bolster confidence and help create a well knit community.

As to the question of why we wouldn't want to purchase Vista based units, there is one thing I've learned through the years and that is the fact that the added expense of purchasing quality equipment will always be worth it. Whether it is the difference between two separate tractors or merely computers, when you skimp on quality it always costs you more in the long run.

You also brought up the fact that they look nice - and that is one reason why I like them so much. It is the same reason why we print on fine grade paper instead of copy paper when we send out letters, or why you were a quality suit to a meeting to make an impression instead of one from a department store.

I'll be ordering a few to test in a week or two when I get back but until then, I figured getting some outside opinions might be helpful as well.

P.S. - I got a chuckle out of the "you must be rich" comment.
 
Nice.

Definitely gonna make you rich.

Tablet mac computers w/ extra features is nice.

How much do they cost to make?

Id buy if i had a discount *sigh*
 
I don' understand why you don't buy a laptop instead. You say a tablet is "cleaner" because you don't see a keyboard and the rest of the laptop, but really, if it makes inputting information more difficult, then get your crew some MBPs. My eyes would never tire of looking at a MBP. ;)
 
Yes, I can see where a tablet is much better for a presentation in the home.

Fewer people crowded around one side of a computer screen, since the salesman can effectively work the tablet upsidedown.
 
Are your sales reps going to be using the computer for anything else other than presentations? If all they will be doing is showing a slideshow/movie then I'd say the ModBooks will work out well.

If they will be inputing lots of sales information then getting a wireless keyboard will be essential. However, carrying around a keyboard and ploping it down on a prospective clients coffee table seems like it would give the opposite of the 'clean' effect you're looking for.
 
neyoung said:
Are your sales reps going to be using the computer for anything else other than presentations? If all they will be doing is showing a slideshow/movie then I'd say the ModBooks will work out well.

If they will be inputing lots of sales information then getting a wireless keyboard will be essential. However, carrying around a keyboard and ploping it down on a prospective clients coffee table seems like it would give the opposite of the 'clean' effect you're looking for.
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No information will be entered when at a client's home.

At the office we look forward to bluetooth keyboards and mice to allow data entry.

Once again, I feel compelled to thank everyone for their comments - they're truly appreciated. Sometimes, getting outsider opinions is a great thing, and that is certainly the case here.
 
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