Brad Edmondson searched for the right task management app throughout much of his time attending law school. He finally found and recommends in this article one that he chose for individual use: Todoist. The app – it’s really more of a service – operates on the “freemium” model, and Brad signed up for the premium version three months ago. He compares and contrasts this app to others for Mac and Android platforms in this best practices guide.
David Rothman is spearheading chronicling the progress of expanding low cost access to e-readers as libraries engage in mission critical outreach efforts to reach underserved communities. In this article, Rothman asks: Suppose you could buy an iPad for $38, read OverDrive library books, even hear text to speech from them, and enjoy Kindle books, too. And how about social media, photos, basic video chat, and production of low-res videos? What if you could even use voice recognition to dictate e-mail or other documents for work or school? Programs to loan out low-cost e-readers are on the horizon, but David cautions there are indeed impediments, including operating system security and lack of now ubiquitous high-end audio/video performance.
David Rothman’s discussion of the newest Kindle Paperwhite E Ink reader from Amazon highlights that the device is still missing text to speech – among the very features Jeff Bezos touted when he unveiled the second Kindle in 2009. He advises that we refer to the Paperwhite users guide and see what’s AWOL.
For mobile lawyers, tech savvy attorney Nicole Black recommends a range of topical, go-to reference apps that will save you time and effort while providing reliable, high quality information. Most of the apps are free or very low cost, and include Wolfram Alpha Lawyer’s Professional Assistant, iThesaurus, Recalls app, and the Wikipanion app.
Nicole C. Engard reviews several open source tools she recommends not only for their usability and reliability, but also for the cost to value ratio when compared to mainstream applications outside our ever narrowing budget requirements .
Nicole Black highlights an assortment of Blackberry applications for research, document management, mobile communications, music, dictation and more – all of which would benefit just about any law practice.
Techie expert extraordinaire Nicholas Moline compares the upcoming T-Mobile G2 (HTC Magic) with the iPhone 3G, which has the new iPhone 3.0 Software. Nick ran detailed and thorough tests of each Smartphone’s usability and functionality, and he highlights the respective range of features, including bar code readers, removable memory, cameras, GPS, touchscreens, email, web access, and lots more. He also shares his thoughts about which gadget delivers the best applications for users.
Bette Dengel reviews the increasingly popular and sturdy lightweight laptop that boasts a range of preloaded open source applications sufficient to support the needs of frequent travelers.
Nicholas Moline follows up on his previous MacWorld 2008 article with more product recommendations, including: a 2 gigabyte Secure Digital memory card that makes short work of uploading your digital photos, a new iPhone compatible stereo headset, and a forthcoming professional recording device that syncs with your iPod.
This month Brett Burney reviews two new Bluetooth devices – a pair of high quality wireless headphones that enhance the experience of mobile music appreciation, and a nifty headset for use with cell phones.