PocketTOTAL by a la mode

Frequently Asked Questions

Pocket Total can save you valuable time. Imagine saving 30 minutes per appraisal over the course of a day. Conservatively, that's almost 5 hours a week, roughly 30 hours a month, and nearly 11 days a year. Think of all the things you could do with 11 extra days!

Here are the top frequently asked questions our customers have asked us. Feel free to contact us if you have more questions.

	No. Pocket TOTAL 3.0 will also work with many of the older handheld PCs provided that they meet the minimum requirements to operate the program, specifically the Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC.
	What level of software do I need in order to use Pocket TOTAL (Standard/Pro/Enterprise)?
	While you can use Pocket TOTAL with any level of WinTOTAL, the Standard version of WinTOTAL does not have sketching, photo management or the Digital Workfile, so much of the information you would gather with Pocket TOTAL would not transfer into your report. Because of this, it makes much more sense to use it with WinTOTAL at the Pro and Enterprise levels. Remember, though, you do not have to be a WinTOTAL user in order to make good use of Pocket TOTAL. With its open XML data standard, it can be used with any appraisal software that is XML capable or AI ready. Non-WinTOTAL users should call their software vendor to check their Pocket TOTAL compatibility.
	How do I purchase Pocket TOTAL?
	Pocket TOTAL may be purchased through our website or by clicking on the Pocket TOTAL shortcut in the WinTOTAL Appraisal Desktop. You may also call one of our sales representatives at 1-800-ALAMODE to place your order.

	Does Pocket TOTAL come with a Pocket PC?
	No. When you purchase Pocket TOTAL, it does not come with a separate Pocket PC. Please see the question "What do I need to run Pocket TOTAL?" for more details.
	How do I get updates?
	Pocket TOTAL updates will be downloaded directly to your Appraisal Desktop when you get Instant Customer Updates. The next time you sync your PPC with your desktop PC, they will be downloaded into your PPC.
	Can I create a PDF with Pocket TOTAL?
	Pocket TOTAL is a tool designed to help you gather field data more accurately and quickly. It eliminates the need to retype and associate information, such as photos, once you return to the office. While you can't create a PDF with Pocket TOTAL, once you transfer your data back to your desktop PC, you will have all the information there to complete your report and create a PDF as you normally would.
	What do I need to run Pocket TOTAL?
	Pocket TOTAL requires the Windows Mobile environment to function. It's not compatible with Handspring devices or the devices using the Palm operating system. Most new Pocket PC's manufactured today will support Pocket TOTAL and MobileSketch easily.
	How do I install Pocket TOTAL?
	Before installing Pocket TOTAL, you will need to install Microsoft ActiveSync® from the CD that came with your PPC. To get started, make sure you have the following items: • The Pocket PC Companion CD that came with your PPC • The Pocket PC Manual • Cradle (USB or Serial) In addition, you may also need: • A serial cable (some Pocket PCs do not ship with this cable) • A USB port on your main computer (Most computers have USB ports, but if yours are in use, you may need an additional port or one of the new USB hubs available at most computer stores.) First, refer to your Pocket PC manufacturer’s manual to correctly identify your connectivity options - some Pocket PCs require a USB cable, while others need a serial cable. If you have the option to use either, we suggest using a USB connection, since it will transfer data at a much higher rate than a serial connection does. If you must connect via a serial cable, it is possible to increase the connection speed. The default serial connection speed for the Pocket PC out of the box is 57,600, but most PCs can support higher speeds. To change the serial connection speed, tap Start, Settings, the Connections tab, and then PC. On the drop-down list, select 115200 default. This should significantly increase your data transfer rates. In order to install ActiveSync: Close all other open applications on your main computer. Insert the Pocket PC Companion CD into your main computer’s CD drive. Follow the instructions on the screen for installing Microsoft ActiveSync. Locate the Pocket PC cradle, and insert the AC adapter plug into the DC jack on the back of the cradle. Attach either the USB or serial cable to your main computer. Slide the bottom of your Pocket PC into the cradle and push firmly. (The ActiveSync installation should resume.) Select the information to synchronize with your Pocket PC. (This information will automatically synchronize when the installation is complete.) Leave the Pocket PC in the cradle until the battery is charged. (Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the optimum charging time for your Pocket PC.) =Since the Pocket TOTAL setup files are copied to your desktop PC at the time WinTOTAL is installed, there is no need for a separate installation CD. The process by which it gets installed to the PPC is done through WinTOTAL: On your PPC, close any programs that may currently be running and could interfere with the installation. Connect your PPC to your desktop computer and start the synchronization routines provided by Microsoft ActiveSync. Open WinTOTAL and go to the Appraisal Desktop. Find the Pocket TOTAL icon (looks like a Pocket PC) on the left side of the screen. Click on the icon. (You'll be taken to the the Pocket TOTAL 3.0 page.) Click on the Install Pocket TOTAL button located in the upper left corner. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click the Install Now button. (Pocket TOTAL will immediately start the installation process.) It may take several minutes for the program to be copied to your PPC. Follow the instructions as they appear on screen.
	How does my Pocket PC connect to my desktop PC?
	Pocket PCs use a Microsoft program called ActiveSync® and a hardware device called a "cradle" (included with the purchase of most PPCs) to connect to your desktop PC. The first time you connect, ActiveSync will launch its Partnership Wizard to set up a "partnership" between your Pocket PC and your desktop PC. This, in effect, introduces the two and lets them "get to know" each other. After the initial introduction, your Pocket PC will "sync up" with your desktop PC whenever you place it in the cradle.
	How do I start appraisal reports?
	After you create a new file in WinTOTAL, close and place the report in your Synchronized folder. After synchronization, the report will be available in Pocket TOTAL. Simply double-tap the file name to open the report and begin working. Alternately, you may begin a new report right on your PPC. After starting Pocket TOTAL, tap File and then New to start a new report. Or, tap the new document icon in Pocket TOTAL's toolbar. You will be prompted for the report name, the form type and folder for the report.
	How are files transferred?
	When you installed Pocket TOTAL, a Synchronized folder was created in your Appraisal Desktop file cabinet and in Pocket TOTAL's Report Manager. Simply move or copy any file you wish to transfer to the other system into the Synchronized folder. Your file will be transferred the next time you connect - even if the Appraisal Desktop isn't running.
	What are QuickLists and how do I use them?
	QuickLists work in a manner similar to the way they work in WinTOTAL, though they look a bit different. In WinTOTAL, you can see your QuickList items along the left side of your open window. In Pocket TOTAL, they will appear as a popup list, which looks much like a common dropdown list. After the program is installed, your QuickList entries should transfer over automatically during synchronization. When you get to a field where QuickLists are defined, you'll see them in a popup window on the screen, or you'll see a button indicating the QuickList is there. Simply double-tap an entry to use it. To choose whether the QuickLists display as a list or as a button, follow these directions: Tap File, and then tap Options. The Options dialog will open. At the bottom of the dialog, tap the radio button for ShowButton or Show List. Tap OK to return to the open report. You can also add QuickList entries from within Pocket TOTAL by using your stylus to tap and hold a text entry. When the window pops up on your screen, simply tap QuickList + to add the text entry to your QuickList. [Note: WinTOTAL users may confuse WinTOTAL's Recently Used Comments with Pocket TOTAL's QuickLists, because they look so similar; however, they have very different functionality. QuickLists must be created by you and are permanent, so you can use them time and time again. On the other hand, WinTOTAL's Recently Used Comments are temporary, and only the most recent will be found in a field's drop-down list.]
	What are critical fields?
	Critical fields contain items that most typically need to be gathered and/or verified onsite. When editing data in the form, you have the option to switch between: All Fields, Critical Fields, and Empty Critical Fields. This feature was designed to keep you from forgetting to note important items and prevent a return trip to the property. For instructions on customizing critical fields, visit the Pocket TOTAL area of the Appraisal Desktop.
	How does Pocket TOTAL handle Digital Images?
	Pocket TOTAL has the ability for you to read images from a Pocket PC camera or from your camera's memory card. The Pocket PC operating system has a built-in understanding of memory cards and uses them in much the same way your desktop PC uses floppy disks. Because of this, any digital camera that uses a compatible memory card will work with Pocket TOTAL. To get to your digital photos from within Pocket TOTAL: When you switch to the Photos PowerView, the Image Folder label will display the last used image directory. On the left side of the screen are the image files for that directory. If the Image Folder is not correct and/or no image files are in the directory, click the camera icon, choose Folder Card, and select the correct folder. You may find that you need to back up several levels to get to the additional drive representing your memory card. To do so, click the plus (+) sign to expand the folder list. Many digital cameras store digital photos in directories on the memory card. For example, the Kodak digital cameras allow you to create photo albums and subsequently put each photo in the album in a separate directory. Highlight the proper directory by tapping it to view your photos.

Pocket TOTAL Tips

Configuring Memory on the PDA

To effectively use a PDA with Pocket TOTAL, we recommend you have at least 16MB. This memory is used for both permanent storage and RAM. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use as much of this for RAM as possible. That way, you could run other applications, such as the built-in spreadsheet or web browser at the same time you use Pocket TOTAL. The setup program for Pocket TOTAL will request up to 2MB (2000KB) of storage space before starting the installation, but more is better. At a minimum, you should have 4MB of free storage space before setting up Pocket TOTAL.

To configure this setting on your PDA, do the following:

On your PDA, tap Start, then Settings, and then tap the System tab at the bottom of the window. Your system control panel will display.
Tap the Memory icon to see how memory is allocated on your PDA.
Move the slider to the right to get more Program Memory (RAM) and to the left to get more Storage Memory. Simply make sure the difference between the “Allocated” and “In Use” items on the left are more than 4000KB before installing Pocket TOTAL.
Tap OK to confirm any changes you may need to make.
You can adjust this setting “on the fly” at any time while using your PDA.

Brightness Settings

Depending on your handheld device and lighting conditions, you may need to adjust the brightness of the PDA’s backlight, so that you can see the screen better while in the field. (It’s best that you adjust these settings while in the field. Note that you will probably need to readjust these settings on days when the lighting conditions in the field vary from sunny to cloudy.)

On your PDA, tap Start, then Settings, and then tap the System tab at the bottom of the window. Your system control panels will display.
Tap the Backlight icon, then tap the Brightness tab at the bottom of the window.
Tap each of the radio buttons to test which level of brightness is best for the conditions in the field. Select the optimum brightness level for the lighting conditions you are currently experiencing.
[Note: the higher you set the brightness level, the more power your PDA will use. Click the power link at the bottom of the Backlight window in order to adjust your power settings.]
When you have selected the proper backlight and power settings, tap OK to close the control panel window. Keep tapping OK or X until you reach the PDA desktop.