I use a Dell Mini 10 Netbook in the field to report back to shops that can't wait til I get home. Plan to spend about 80-100 bucks per month, but it is worth it depending on your shops and you CPA can write it off your taxes.

So how do you handle the receipt scanning when everything is being done in the field?

That is when you use a digital camera.

how much does this cost?

Most netbooks are fairly inexpensive (heavily subsidized) because of the ongoing obligation to purchase expensive service for several years afterwards. I have even seen netbooks 'free after rebate' with a 2 year contract at the $80-90 per month level. Netbooks have a smaller than standard keyboard so if you type much you will likely have accuracy issues moving between the netbook keyboard and a standard keyboard. There are 'air cards' available for laptops that allow you to do much the same thing at a generally lower per month cost. But all in all there are so few jobs that require reporting in the field and so many places that offer wi-fi that I have not seriously considered even an 'air card'.

A digital camera runs from around $30 to $400, depending on how many megapixels and how many 'cool features' you want. I just got in the sale flyer from Big Lots that they have a 12 megapixel camera for $39. My guess is that you could pick up a used digital camera on eBay for little more than the shipping cost. I would stay away from Kodak because I find it dreadfully battery hungry and several other folks seem to have had similar experience. These days I run around with a 4.1 megapixel Sony Cybershot that is truly "old technology" so is dirt cheap, but it takes good photos and gets great battery life.

I bought an Aesus netbook (Highly rated by professional and lay reviewers alike) on amazon for about $329. I then bought a 1 gig RAM upgrade (i.e., from 1 to 2 RAM) for about $25. That takes a phillips screwdriver and about 90 seconds to install, even if you know nothing about the inside of a computer. I pay nothing to use it in the field as there are so many free Wifi spots. If you have to decide between an expensive phone and a cheap computer, take the Aesus netbook. Total weight, less than 3 lbs, including power supply.

When my digital camera was stolen, the quickest I could get another was at Walmart. I don't recall the exact cost, but it was between $50-$90. The odd thing is that I don't change batteries. I have to plug it in like a cell phone. I find that a little annoying, but helpful at the same time. I have still to learn how to stop the flash when I don't need it. It is a Kodak.

For all of my equipment, I put my mailing label with my name and address on them, then add my phone number, and tape over them so they won't wear off. This has resulted in my bluetooth being returned when I dropped it out of my handbag or pocket in the theater. It didn't help of course when the camera was stolen. I put it on my cell phones and on my box cutter (needed while merchandising). Many years ago, they used to ask us to etch an identifying number in our cameras, but mine was stolen from my office desk when I was a journalist, and if it went to a pawn shop, the number didn't help.

On my Kodak there is a button on top next to the 'On/Off' button with a little zig zag line that looks like a lightning bolt. I push that button to turn off the flash or turn it on again.

I won't mess with a camera that needs special batteries or plug ins or any of that sort of thing. I want to just carry my rechargeable AA batteries and if I need more while I am in the field, walk into most any store and buy regular AA batteries.

I have an HP Mini 210 netbook, an Olympus digital camera, a Sony digital voice recorder that I can upload to my computer and manipulate and save files. I recently fired Cricket so I don't currently have broadband or air card service, but have found that I can go do a shop or two and stop at McDonald's or other WiFi location, even the library, and file a report. The only thing I can't do is scan a receipt that is long. A picture just won't work for the long shipping company receipts or any long receipt. Camera shots taken in a McRestroom work fine for doing receipts and my camera memory chip fits right into my netbook. Often, by the time I get home at night, I'm finished with all reports. Worst case scenario is that I have a few receipts to upload and hit submit on the reports. I even scan my CPI's before I leave home if I have to submit that.

The only things that hang me up are shops where I need the receipt to file the report or WiFi resets in the middle of a report that can't be saved like for CRI or TrendSource. grrrrrrrrr...Wish they'd move into the 21st century.

iPad is my friend...

On scene entering of reports on revealed audits, all items checked as they are entered into the report, no mistakes or issues, and saves me tons of time. Grocery stores, etc for trendsource, etc entered right after shop in the lot. 2GB internet is 25 per month on ATT and is worth every cent (and is tax deductible). Shops with photos (i.e marketforce) I save the report and upload the photos at home. Most companies let you upload receipts later so I scan them at home. Plus the iPad makes my revealed audits look more professional.

I have a cheep digital camera from about 5 years ago that works for photos, stopwatch, digital voice recorder. I have thought about one of those internet dongles (t-mobile) for my laptop.

I have even entered FF shops on site because the iPad just looks like an internet device...

BTW the ipad is expensive, but you can get one for about 500 dollars, and it doubles as a wonderful media and game device...

My netbook is a little bigger and cost around $350 with case and mouse. It works at any WiFi place so I do ff shops on site usually...gotta stay there 15-20 minutes anyway so might as well write my report....I save it and scan receipts at home, but could take pictures and upload immediately...figured it might get me caught. Hardest part is keeping the MSC name off the monitor while I work. lol

I also am not adverse in warm enough weather to pulling into a WiFi location parking lot and working in my car. lol Reports are usually done when I get home except for scanning, uploading and submitting the reports. The only ones I can't do are reports that can't be saved along the way.