Category: Blog
Dipping a Toe in the Web Applications Water
Posted by Ed Emmerson in Web/Tech Wednesday, 10 March 2010 19:01 No Comments
Is it just me or is the conversation on web applications suddenly reaching critical mass…..again? I use the term “web applications” with great purpose and intent. So many people use the buzzwords of the day to gain attention and their definitions keep changing to suit a particular conversation. “Cloud Computing” became such an expanding target that now it’s definition, according to Wikipedia, is simply “computing, via the Internet, that broadly shares computer resources instead of using software or storage on a local PC”. This is pretty much the same as saying that something ‘tastes like chicken’. Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle seems to sum it up nicely by in essence saying ‘cloud is the new pink’ (audio after the break). Oracle has few peers in the business software world, mainly Microsoft and German powerhouse, SAP.
Android Phone Tips from PCWorld
Posted by Scott Bassett in Mobility Friday, 19 February 2010 07:07 No Comments
If (like me) you are a recent convert to a smart phone powered by Google’s Android operating system, you may be struggling to harness its substantial power. The current (March 2010) issue of PCWorld magazine and its on-line counterpart have a nice article by JW Raphael that will get you started with tips on customizing the Android user interface and suggestions for downloadable apps that will make your phone more productive.
One of the most interesting apps for security-conscious law firm users is Mobile Defense. This free app allows you to use a PC to track your phone via GPS, remotely lock it, and then back up and wipe all of your data.
Law Office Tech Bargains this Week (Feb. 14-20)
Posted by Scott Bassett in Good Deals Sunday, 14 February 2010 09:39 No Comments
One of my favorite office supply superstores, Staples, has a few nice bargains this week that will appeal to law office tech users. The Seagate 1TB external USB hard drive is on sale for $89.99. My favorite wireless notebook mouse (that I’ve used without fail for several years), the Microsoft 3000, is on sale for $14.99. It runs on a single AA battery that lasts for months. If you do presentations using your notebook or netbook and a projector for Bar association or community group events, you may want the Targus wireless presenter with laser pointer for $19.99. For your home or home office, look into the Panasonic DECT 6.0 3-station cordless telephone set with answering machine for $59.99 after $20 Easy Rebate. I’ve had this system (expanded to 4 stations) in use at home for the last year. It is the best cordless telephone system I’ve used.
Elsewhere, the top-rated Brother MFC-7840W multi-function printer (monochrome laser, scanner, copier, fax) is $100 off at both Office Depot and Office Max this week, selling for $199.99. The prior model of this machine has served admirably as the backbone of my home-based appellate practice for several years.
Google Buzz: Is it a Logical Choice for the Social Web?
Posted by Ed Emmerson in Other Stuff..., Web/Tech Wednesday, 10 February 2010 18:49 No Comments
If you use Gmail as an email client, you probably have a new link to Google’s new social notification application called Google Buzz. Buzz is another attempt by Google to grab some share of the social web market. But will it add up to be enough to keep you in “Googleopolis’?
External battery for your 3-cell netbook
Posted by Scott Bassett in Good Deals, Hardware, Mobility, Uncategorized Friday, 5 February 2010 07:16 No Comments
If you messed up and bought a netbook with the low-capacity 3-cell battery and are now stuck with just three hours of battery life instead of 6, 7, or even 9 hours you could have gotten from the optional 6-cell battery, all is not lost. Starting Sunday, Feb. 7, Staples has the Energizer Xpal XP8000 external netbook battery on sale for $79.99, a $20 savings. It is about the size of a smart phone and can give you up to three extra hours of netbook power. It is also versatile enough to charge your iPod or cell phone. It comes with 6 cell phone tips, 9 Net Book Tips, iPod / iPhone tip, AC adapter, and carrying case.
