Affinity Law Office Technology Blog

Save electricity, reduce noise and heat

We don't usually think of desktop computers as power hogs, but they can be.  A PC with an older and less efficient power supply can add $10 to $25 to your monthly electric bill, more if it runs 24/7 like mine.  A few months ago I upgraded the power supply in my primary desktop PC to an Antec earthwatt model.  My monthly electric bill has dropped about $15 and the power supply is much quieter than my old one.  It also generates noticeably less heat. 

NewEgg has the Antec 500 watt earthwatts EA500 on sale for $54.99 with free shipping.  This power supply has enough capacity for a desktop system with multiple drives and a high-end graphics card. 

Tiny Bluetooth USB adapter for your notebook PC

If you want to use your cell phone as a wireless modem for your notebook PC, but your notebook doesn't have a built-in Bluetooth radio, here is the next best thing.  Circuit City has the Kensington USB Micro Bluetooth Adapter on sale for $19.99 after a $10 mail-in rebate.  It is so small you could leave it in your notebook's USB port all the time.

Portable Backup Drive

Toshiba makes a nice line of portable USB hard drives.  Circuit City has the 160GB model on sale for $79.99, a $50 savings.  The 250GB model is $99, an $80 savings.

   

Waterproof MP3 player for walking (or running) in the rain

Target has the Freestyle 2GB waterproof MP3 player with FM radio on sale for $49.99.  Even the earbud headphones are waterproof.

 

Hig-tech clock for your desk

If you are a tech-savvy lawyer, you may cringe every time you look at the antiquated clock sitting on your desk and wonder what it says about you.  Target has temporarily reduced the price on the Philips clock radio photo frame that will make your desk clock as high-tech as your practice.  For $89.99, you get a combination stereo clock radio and digital photo frame with the following features:

• Clock Radio
• Digital Tuner
• Additional Functions: Alarm Clock, Built-In Digital Clock
• Stereo Speakers
• Features Sleep Timer, Photo Viewing with Music/Radio, 20 Station Presets, Backlit Display, Dual Wake
This device has 7 inch LCD screen, SD memory card and USB slots for photos or digital music.  With a quick glance, you will be able to monitor the time and also see photos of your family (and perhaps remember for whom you are working so hard at the office).

4GB SDHC Card at Sears

We don't usually think of Sears as a technology store.  But this week (through May 9), Sears has the PNY 4GB Secure Digital High Capacity flash memory card on sale for only $24.98.  This is a roomy storage card for your digital camera or Asus Eee.

4GB SDHC Card at Sears

We don't usually think of Sears as a technology store.  But this week (through May 9), Sears has the PNY 4GB Secure Digital High Capacity flash memory card on sale for only $24.98.  This is a roomy storage card for your digital camera or Asus Eee.

Use Free Gmail Account to Convert PDF to Editable Text

Let's say you are on the road away from your speedy scanner and OCR software, but you need to incorporate the text of a PDF document in to a Word file.  Simply email the PDF as an attachment to your free Gmail account.  Browse to the message in Gmail's Web interface, then choose the option to view the attachment as HTML.  You can then copy and paste the text, including formatting, into a Word  document.      

Quick and Easy Way to ID Processor and Memory

Say you want to upgrade your RAM (who doesn't?).  But you don't want to open the box of your desktop PC or the case of your notebook to find out what type of RAM your computer uses.  Download CPU-Z.  This small freeware program will instantly give you necessary information on your processor and memory modules. 

Web 2.0 Photo Editing Comes of Age

We've written before about the trend toward web-based applications.  Now there is a viable photo editing app that runs in your browser.  It is from Adobe called (what else!) Photoshop Express.  Once you create a free Photoshop Express account, you can either directly upload your images for editing, or better yet, link to the photos stored in your (also free) Photobucket repository.  Because it is from Adobe, it is no surprise that this is a Flash-based application.  It even runs in the Firefox browser on the Linux-based Asus Eee mini-laptop once you upgrade to the latest version of the Flash plug-in for Firefox.  Given the limited storage space on the Eee, web-based applications are an ideal solution. 

Photoshop Express doesn't offer all of the editing features of the full (and expensive) version of Photoshop CS3, but it will do much of what its consumer-oriented traditional software cousin, Photoshop Elements, can do.   

Buy Vista, Get XP?

Dell seems to be of two minds about the June 30 deadline for sales of new PC's with the Windows XP operating system.  Recent Dell Business brochures indicate that orders for computers with XP should be made by June 18, twelve days before the official deadline.

However, a report from PC World states that Dell will let you have XP on a new computer ordered after June, but only if you order it with Vista Business or Ultimate.  In essence, the user is buying a Vista license that it can apply to XP, and Microsoft can still claim (somewhat dishonestly) a Vista sale.  Dell will preinstall XP Professional as a "downgrade" on a variety of desktop PCs and laptops, a spokesperson said, saving users the hassle of doing it themselves. The computers available with the XP option will include the Windows Vista installation DVD in the box so users can later install Vista over XP under the same license if they wish.

One downside is that some Dell computers have optional components for which there are no XP drivers. For example, PC World reports that a Vostro 200 desktop today available with a choice of Windows XP and Windows Vista has an option for a wireless card that will not work under XP. 

Tech deals about this week, May 4-10

There are many useful law office tech items on sale this week at Staples.  For example, if you need a high-capacity external backup drive, the huge 500 GB Maxtor One Touch 4 is one sale for only $89.98.  I don't recall seeing a name-brand 500 GB external hard drive for less than $100 before.

Printers also abound at sale prices this week at Staples.  The dirt cheap Samsung ML-2510 is only $49.99 after a $50 Easy Rebate.  If you need an all-in-one laser printer, the Samsung SCX-4725FN is only $139.98 after a $140 Easy Rebate.  If a color laser is what you need, you can pick up the Samsung CLP-3000 for only $99.98 after a $150 easy rebate.

If you need a wireless router, they are also on sale this week.  One of the most popular routers of all time is the Linksys WRT54G.  The Speedboost version of that router, the WRT54GS, is on sale for only $29.98.  If you wanted to create a separate wireless network at your office for clients and guests to use without giving them access to your firm's network, you could pick up one of these for that purpose.  It is also useful if you need to expand the range of your wireless network, though this may require using third-party firmware on the router.         

Good deal on 4GB SDHC Card and Alternate Form of Transportation

Secure Digital flash memory cards are increasingly useful, especially now that most desktop and notebook computers come with SD card readers, they are used in many major-brand digital cameras, and also work in some smart phones.  The Asus Eee mini-notebook also has a SD card reader. 

This week (April 27 - May 3), both Circuit City and Office Depot have the SanDisk 4GB SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) card on sale for $28. 

This isn't a law office tech item, but it is something worth considering with the high cost of gasoline.  Many lawyers live within bicycling distance to their offices.  Many local independent bike shops sell decent commuter bikes (a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike, often with a 7-speed rear derailleur, but no front derailleur) in the $250-$300 range.  Higher-price commuter bikes will be lighter and have a front derailleur for 21 speeds.  Either is usually a much better choice than department store bikes that really don't cost that much less.  Plus a local bike shop usually provides much better service after the sale than a department store.  If you don't need to dress for court on a particular day, biking to the office can be a nice alternative that saves gas and provides great exercise.      

$50 off on Refurbished Asus Eee 4GB Model with Integrated Webcam

Usually selling for $399 new, a refurbished version of the Xandros Linux-based Asus Eee 4GB mini-notebook PC is available at Computer Geeks for $349. 

Asus Eee mini-notebook user report

The following was posted on the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section listserv.  It may be of interest to readers of this blog:

"A few weeks ago there was a listserv thread about computer operating systems which included mention of the Asus Eee mini-notebook computer that sells for $299 to $399 depending on configuration.  At that time, the only operating system available pre-installed on the Eee was a distribution ("distro" in geek-speak) of Linux call Xandros.  Liz Sadowski reported that the Eee was discussed at the ABA TechShow in Chicago, with one expert saying the Xandros Linux version was just fine and another advocating installation of Windows XP. 

Anyone interested in the Eee now has the option to order it with Windows XP (Home, unfortunately, not Pro) pre-installed.  Best Buy is selling an XP Home version of the Eee on its web site and soon in stores for the same $399 price the 4GB Xandros version sells for. 

A few weeks ago I received my Xandros-based 4GB Eee.  The first thing I did was install the KDE Advanced Desktop that comes with Xandros Linux (instructions at various places on the Web).  In Advanced Desktop mode, Xandros looks and operates just like XP, but much faster.  If you are comfortable with XP, you will have no problem with the transition to Xandros.  The built-in Thunderbird email program works much faster than Outlook does on my main desktop computer or on my nearly new ThinkPad full-size notebook PC.  The writer and presentation modules of OpenOffice on the Eee open, edit, and create Word and PowerPoint files that move seamlessly back and forth between the Eee and my main desktop computer.  I used the Eee for a PowerPoint presentation at a recent school meeting.  And the Firefox web browser seems at least the equal of Internet Explorer. 

But my favorite application has been the Skype voice over internet protocol (VoIP) application.  I left my ThinkPad at home and took only the Eee on a recent trip from Florida to Lansing for oral argument in the Court of Appeals.  I used Skype to call home and elsewhere using the Wi-Fi connection at my hotel.  The Eee has a built-in web cam that allows you to add video to the call if you are calling a Skype account on another computer.  But you can call any telephone (cell or land-line) in the U.S. and Canada for a flat fee of $3 per month by upgrading to Skype Pro.  I did that and have been very happy with it.  Because a single Skype account can be installed on multiple computers, I installed the Windows version on my ThinkPad and desktop as well.  When I am working from any of my computers, I can make or receive calls (using a Gigaware USB headset that was $10 after rebate at Radio Shack) by double-clicking on a contact in my Skype phone list (Skype will import your Outlook contacts automatically, making them available for click-based dialing).   I was so impressed that I obtained a dedicated incoming telephone number for my Skype account (yes, that means my computers have their own telephone number) for only $24 annually as a Skype Pro add-on. 

Getting back to the Eee, Skype works fine using the built-in mic and speakers, but for privacy and to avoid disturbing others, the same USB headset that works in Windows on my ThinkPad and desktop PC works perfectly on the Eee (which has three USB ports, a video out for PowerPoint presentations, and a SD card reader).

The Eee is very small for a notebook PC.  Typing on its keyboard takes some getting used to.  But after only a short while, I was able to touch-type at a decent enough speed to create and edit Word-compatible documents and deal with email.  Unless you intend to type massive briefs while away from your primary computer, the Eee is a near-perfect travel companion.   The Xandros OS has a built-in function that lets me connect to and remotely control my desktop PC from anywhere I can find an Internet connection.  So if I need to run software that is Windows-only, I can do it remotely and see the info on the Eee's screen.  This requires enabling Windows Remote Desktop on your main PC or installing the free VNC (virtual network computing) software widely available for download at various places on the Web.  And when at home, the Eee connects easily to my wireless Windows network and can transfer files back and forth with my desktop PC or ThinkPad quickly.   

I also added a Targus mini-mouse because I hate touchpads.  It is also very small, but greatly eases getting around the Xandros desktop on the Eee.  It came with a drawstring pouch.  The pouch and mouse fit easily in my pocket.

I have not yet been able to connect it via Bluetooth to my Treo smart phone to obtain an Internet connection where there is no Wi-Fi (like I do with my ThinkPad), but that is probably due to my unfamiliarity with Linux.  I am sure I will figure it out soon.  There is a free program available for download that sets up the connection automatically if you have a GPRS-based cell phone (AT&T, for example), but mine is a CDMA phone from Verizon (Sprint is also CDMA).  I may ask the author of the program to modify it to work with CDMA phones. 

Overall, if you are looking for a very small notebook PC that will do just about anything you need to do while away from home or office, the Eee can be highly recommended (especially considering that it costs less than some PDA's).  The Xandros version works great for me.  But if you are wary of trying a new OS (even one that looks and works like Windows XP), you can now get an Eee with XP pre-installed for the same price here.  But with XP's greater RAM demands, you will want to upgrade the RAM to 1 GB (about a $25-$30 cost) to keep the performance acceptable.  There is a door on the bottom of the Eee fastened with two small screws.  Open it, pop out the stock 512 MB module and pop in the new 1 GB module and you are all set.  There is an excellent Eee user group on the web if you have questions about the Eee."

Great alternative to Google Earth

Google Earth has many practical uses for lawyers and law firms (such as measuring the radial distance between any two points to determine whether particular contract or statutory provisions apply, real estate searches and litigation, etc.).  However, Google Earth can be slow to load and is fairly resource intensive, especially on an older PC.  And what if you are using a borrowed computer on which the software has not been installed?

Try Flash Earth instead.  It provided the aerial views of Google Earth, Microsoft Earth, and others in a Flash-based web page that loads instantly, and you can toggle from Google Earth to Microsoft Earth to determine which view is preferable (or more current).   It also works perfectly on the Xandros Linux powered Asus Eee mini-notebook PC.      

Thinking ahead to storm-season power outages

If you live in the hurricane zone, storm-season power outages can be a problem.  What if you power is out for longer than your cell phone battery can keep you connected?  Go solar with the Solio universal solar power charger, which is available from many retailers including Target.  It will work out of the box with many cell phones, digital audio players, and digital cameras.  If needed, a wide range of optional tips and connectors can be ordered.

Here is a feature description from the Target web site:

• A portable power source for all your portable handheld devices, including game players, digital cameras, iPods, PDAs and more
• Renewable solar charger draws energy from the sunlight and stores it in an internal battery
• Plug into the sun while traveling abroad (no more outlet problems), camping, at the dorm and more
• Sun’s rays hit solar cells then attach cable, push a button and get instant energy
• Fits neatly in a pocket, purse or backpack

Great time to be in market for mini-notebook PC

The mini-notebook PC market niche has finally come to life.  First, there was the very successful introduction of the Asus Eee 4G selling for $399 with Xandros Linux as its OS.  I have one and find it to be an excellent traveling companion able to do everything I need while on the road.  The standard Xandros (Linux) OS (in Advanced Desktop mode) is very intuitive for anyone familiar with Windows. It is only in the more advanced functions such as installing software that this Linux distro requires in-depth knowledge.  But if your need is web browsing, email, document creation and editing, remote access, VoIP calls via Skype, and other basic (and not so basic functions), the Xandros-based Eee is a near-perfect mobile tool.  My favorite application has to be the Skype VoIP software and service on the Eee.  Call quality is great even with weak Wi-Fi signals.  And I signed up for a Skype Pro account, which means I can dial any standard telephone in the U.S. and Canada for a flat $3 per month for unlimited calling. 

For those unsure about Linux, Best Buy will soon begin selling (available on line now, but not yet in most stores) a Windows XP-based Eee for the same $399 retail price as the Xandros-based model.  What a deal!  But with the greater RAM demands of XP, you will want to replace the 512 MB RAM module with a 1 GB module for better performance.  That should set you back only $25 to $30 if you shop wisely.  The RAM upgrade is easy.  The RAM module compartment on the bottom of the Eee opens with the removal of two screws.  The old module pops out and the new one pops in.  Simple. 

And now HP has joined the fray with its even more capable (but slightly larger, heavier, and more expensive) 2133 Mini-Note PC.  A review in PC Magazine finds much to like about this new HP offering, which is available with Linux, XP, or two versions of Vista, priced accordingly from about $500 to $750.   

Save Office 2007 Files in PDF Format - For Free

You don't need the full version of Adobe Acrobat to convert your MS Office 2007 files to PDF format.  Of course, there are many good reasons to have Acrobat on at least one of your PC's.  But if all you need to do is convert MS Office 2007 files to PDF for emailing, consider downloading the free Microsoft add-in that does the conversion for you.

Once installed, this add-in gives you a new Save As option to save your document, presentation, or spreadsheet in PDF or XPS format.   

Finally, a solar bag that can power a notebook PC

Recently, we've seen bags and totes with built-in solar panels capable of charging cell phones and digital media players.  But what a hard core road warrior really needed was a notebook caae with enough solar power to charge a full-sized notebook battery.  Now there is such a thing.

The Voltaic Generator isn't cheap at $599.  But if you live in a sunny climate and often find yourself short on battery power, it could be worth it.

Another cool use of solar power is the Iqua 603 Sun, a solar powered Bluetooth headset.  Listing for $99, it has potentially infinite battery life so long as you are in sunlight.  Perhaps they will change the name to Greentooth.