Affinity Law Office Technology Blog

Wide-sceen monitor at bargain price

If you are looking for a highly-rated 19-inch wide-screen LCD monitor, browse to NewEgg's web site where you can pick up the Acer AL1916WAbd for only $149.99 with free shipping. 

Speed-up tricks

If you have an older desktop or notebook PC that just isn't cutting it anymore, performance-wise, you can squeeze a bit more life out of it with Actual Booster.  It works by boosting the priority of whatever program is running in the foreground window.  Whatever program you are currently using gets a bigger slice of your computer's resources and will run faster.  If you are currently using Word then Word will run faster. If you switch to an Outlook window then Outlook will run faster.  The trade-off is that Word will then slow down. But it doesn’t matter if Word slows down because you are not currently using it. 

If you have a new Vista PC, but are disappointed in its performance (a common complaint), the slowness may be due to Vista's built-in Indexer that constantly catalogs the content of your hard drive(s).  The good news is that you can disable the Indexer.  Go to Add/Remove Programs, click Add/Remove Windows Components in the left panel.  Then deselect Indexing services.  Finally, click Next.  If you need indexing, select any number of independent indexing tools.  One of the higher-rated indexing tools is Copernic Desktop Search. 

Must have applications for Windows Mobile Phones

As a very recent convert from the Palm-OS based Treo smartphone, I have been learning how to use my Samsung SCH-i760 from Verizon Wireless.  It runs on the Windows Mobile 6 Professional (touch screen) operating system.  Windows Mobile 6 is much improved over earlier versions, but it remains a more complex and (to a newcomer) less intuitive operating system than Palm.

I discovered a few applications that are essential for my enjoyable and productive use of a Windows Mobile 6 device.  First, make sure you download and install Live Search for Windows Mobile.  From your phone's browser go to  http://wls.live.com/ to get the download.  Once installed, Live Search works much like Tryda (formerly Directory Assistant) for the Palm OS.  It connects to the Internet to find business, phone numbers, maps, and driving directions.  On my phone, it works with the voice command feature to allow me to speak "pizza" and almost instantly get a list of all pizza restaurants in my area, with phone numbers, driving directions, and maps just a screen tap away.  Live Search is free, but invaluable.

Next is The Core Pocket Media Player (TCPMP).  It is discontinued, but still available for download here.  Don't delay getting your copy, as its availability could end at any time.  This free application will play many more file formats (audio and video) that the Windows Media Player application that comes with Windows Mobile 6. 

Finally, the Internet Explorer web browser that comes with Windows Mobile 6 is showing its age.  It is slow and doesn't handle Flash, limiting its usefulness on some web pages.  For that capability, download a 30 day free trial from the Opera Mobile web browser along with the Macromedia Flash Player.  If you decided it works for you, pay $24 to register your copy.            

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.