Swapped my paper field notes for a tablet on the last job site

I used to carry this beat up Rite in the Rain notebook everywhere for marking dimensions and changes, but after a rainy week in Seattle last fall everything got smudged beyond use. Picked up a refurb iPad mini with a matte screen protector and started using a free note app that auto syncs to my desktop. The project lead actually complimented me for catching a revised elevation before the concrete pour because I had the PDF pulled up right there. Has anyone else made the switch and found a good case that survives the mud and dust?

2 comments

2 Comments

jackson.wesley9d ago

Wait, a ziploc bag as a windbreak for your boss? Thats wild, man. Ive seen guys use hard hats as paperweights but never a case for blocking out the foreman. Honestly, my setup is way too fragile for a ziploc approach. I got this Otterbox Defender for my iPad mini and its held up through some nasty mud and dust on a few framing jobs so far. The screen protector is a must though, matte ones save you from glare when youre checking blueprints in direct sun.

blair_dixon9d ago

Can't say I've found a case that survives mud and dust, but I did find one that doubles as a handy windbreak when your boss is being extra annoying on site. Maybe just wrap it in a ziploc bag like the rest of us? Your mileage may vary.