Tools of the Trade

[Geoff Bishop]

What computing & other tools do Investors use, and why?
I'm thinking about the following toolset:

HOME COMPUTER  Desktop Computer with 2 monitors, full keyboard, full mouse, printer, scanner, and MS Office Software.  This will let me do serious analysis and research work at home.

MOBILE COMPUTER  None.  No Laptop.  Will use a mobile phone instead, when on the go.

TABLET COMPUTER  None.  No Tablet.  I find these to be toys, and not serious business devices.  Plus, with only one real computer, I won't have to worry about syncing any files.

PHONE  Large screen Android phone with Bluetooth headset for phone calls.  Larger screen will be good for browsing the web when I'm in the field.  (I'm sure iPhones are fine; I'm just not an Apple person.)  Hopefully I can find one that makes dictation easy; Seems like that might be useful.

VEHICLE  What is an ideal vehicle for property hunting, showing, and deal-making?  I'm thinking a sedan or SUV.  I need to trade in my little 350Z for something a bit more real-state focused.

Are fax machines still necessary?  Video Camera?  Still-Shot Camera?  What tools do you love?

[Anthony Angotti]

Hey @Geoff Bishop

Just my two cents, but a laptop is useful for me. I like being able to take it along because it's much easier to use when you need to dig into a spreadsheet or something on the go. Just my two cents. If I want a large screen I just use a wireless keyboard and mouse and plug it into my TV when I'm at home.

Video camera and traditional camera are largely replaced by a smart phone, but a nice camera still takes better pictures for marketing stuff. 

Scanners work for most people instead of fax machines....I still don't know why people prefer fax to scan and email.

Really though it's all personal preference and whatever works for you. 

[Kuba F.]

@Geoff Bishop  Being mostly a remote investor, having my team on the ground equipped with a smartphone with facetime/skype has been a game changer.  That and an extra battery pack.