Smart Phone for Hubby??

Each month I work with U. S. Cellular and tell you a little about my Samsung Galaxy S6 phone or fun features of it.  Today is one of those days.

Before I get to my post I know many children will be getting new phones with the start of the new school year.  If you’re like me, you want the kids to have rules and guidelines to go with that phone.  Here’s a link to a great agreement with talking points for you to share with your child.  You can find it here.

We’re been doing the debate.  Does Hubby cave and get a smart phone?  I’m sure it’s a conversation many of you have if one of a couple has a smart phone and the other doesn’t.  He’s afraid that he’ll be too rough on the phone.  Anyone who knows Hubby knows that he’s not a careful guy…so it is a concern.

It hasn’t stopped him from thinking about it though.

His comment is always what would a smart phone do that I really need?  That left me looking at a few apps that he might like.

I was amazed to see the wide variety of apps and services that can help streamline projects and improve efficiency for managing a construction project…too bad we didn’t know about these last year in the middle of the house project.

With most construction pros using their devices for work on a daily basis, there are now mobile solutions for everything from fleet management to job site security monitoring.

U.S. Cellular identified five of the most useful apps construction pros should know of:

Handyman Calculator (free): This app available for Android phones combines a multitude of construction calculators and converters that are useful to any construction or trade worker. This free app also allows users to track their time while on the go and save directly onto their notepad.  I think this is one our son Buck uses.

iHandy Carpenter ($1.99): iHandy Carpenter, available for iOS and Android, combines five valuable carpentry tools into one app. Included in the app is a plumb bob level, surface level, bubble level bar, ruler and protractor. From measuring to leveling, iHandy Carpenter has all the tools you’ll need for your next carpentry project.

PlanGrid (free): PlanGrid for iOS is a powerful collaboration tool for construction managers and contractors that can help you make sure the job gets done on time and under budget. Contractors and architects can collaborate on project plans, specifications and photos in real time. Files that are uploaded to the app are also automatically synced across all devices. These collaboration tools can improve the quality, safety and profitability of projects.

AutoCAD 360 (free): AutoCAD 360 is drawing and drafting app available for iOS and Android that allows you to view, edit and share AutoCAD drawings. You can store your blueprints on your phone and pull them up anywhere, even on the jobsite. It also allows seamless sharing with others across desktop and mobile platforms, speeding up collaboration and in turn, productivity.

Contractor Estimate & Invoice (free): Available for both iOS and Android, Contractor Estimate & Invoice instantly creates invoices on the jobsite. This app streamlines estimating and invoicing saving valuable time and money that usually spent catching up on paperwork. You can also save key customer information, convert estimates directly to invoices and track invoice fulfillment all in one place.

One thing I do know that if he gets a phone he’ll need a rugged case such as the Otter Box Defender help protect phones from debris, moisture and all the other dirt Hubby finds.

He’s not quite convinced…he’s an old dog and a smart for, for now is a new trick.  I’m off to see if I can come up with some farming apps.  I honestly think he’d like it if he’d just give it a try.  Do you have someone you’re trying to convince to jump to a smart phone?