pen input to dell laptop

we work from our laptops. Our engineers write out a work sheet on the laptop (as a word doc) we have never had a facility whereby our customers can sign our sheets (we just send them a copy whilst on site)

Now we have an opportunity to sub to a larger supplier but due to a few arguments with their customers they require a signature for their job sheets.

However they really like our way of working as they get a work sheet instantly from site whereas their other subbies may take a few days.Plus as it's typed it's easily readable -which is a massive bonus for the office staff if you have ever tried to read an engineers report you'll get that bit.

So we need to be able to have a simple input device which will enable us to fill out a worksheet as normal then get the customer to add their signature in the appropriate box.

we don't want to go to IPAD or tablet or even a PDA just yet..

TIA

Richard

 

If you mean external pen input, there's always the Wacom Bamboo tablet.

For a more unified solution, I suggest convertible notebook Tablet PCs. These allow for pen input directly onto the screen. There are quite a few you can chose from.

Dell XT3 (Since you mentioned you use Dell)
Lenovo X230T
HP 2760P
Fujitsu T901/ T731/ T580

If you'd rather have a portable slate, there are also many to choose from (all Windows machines with pen and touch input). If you want more information, I suggest visiting the Tablet PC Review forums. Have a look around, ask questions, and learn about the wonderful world of pen input.

If all you need are signatures, the Bamboo should do fine, though it's not as intuitive as signing directly onto the screen.

 

many thanks.

Ideally iw as looking for just a pen input not a pen/pad combo but as long as I can highlight the correct space a word doc and then get the customer to sign in the apropiate section via the pen then I think that will suffice. Currently they will not give us enough work to justify upgrading everybody to tablets due to the cost.

 

If I recall correctly, drawing input will not work in word. However, you will be able to export the Word document into Office OneNote and have drawing input there. I used a Wacom tablet + laptop for while for note taking, it is cumbersome but it's a cheap work around. You can always opt for cheaper pen tablets from Monoprice as your uses don't seem to require much pressure accuracy.

 

Actually, if you use Word 2010, it has pen input built right in. It should be a separate bar that says "Pens." Just select a pen, change its thickness to your liking, and you can draw all over the document.

I just double checked, and the Pens tab didn't actually show up until my Bamboo pen moved my cursor. I never noticed this, as I use my Bamboo all the time, but I suppose once it detects pen input, you're good to go.

 

looks like the bamboo thingy is the only way to go. however I have to upgrade their laptops to vista or W7 first!

 

Ahhh ok, thanks! Never knew, I better give this a try.

 

Found this in another thread and I thought it could be some use:
Use Your iPad or Android Tablet as a Second Monitor for Your Computer

Maybe that, or similar software would allow an android or ios phone work as a tablet where you could sign with a stylus.