iPads still not the Laptop Killer ... yet ...

In recent years, I think many attorneys have been hoping to have the iPad replace their laptops. Laptops can be heavy and burden to lug around. iPads tend to be a bit lighter and bring more joy (at least to me and many who I speak with). The overall ease of use is great; but there is still one major issue - files!

Apple held its World Wide Developers Conference last Monday. It came out with its annual update to its various operating systems - MacOS and ideviceOSes (Now the iPhone/iTouch have a slightly different iOS than the iPad). Part of the announcement included an update to how files are managed on the iPads. Problem remains, searching through your folders for that one special file.

Sure, if you know where your file is then it’s not too troubling to move through your file tree. But if you have misfiled or not sure the exact name of the document, you will likely have a problem. On the computer, you can search folders, files and the contents within the files easily. But when you want to use the find function to look for just not the name but perhaps the details within the file (this is where OCRing your documents comes in handy - see my April 30, 2019, post), it’s not a simple effort. And I usually give up and get on the computer either remotely or onsite.

I’m not convinced the new update is going to adequately address the legal professionals’ concern about file management on the iPad. I can’t in good faith tell anyone that an iPad is (or will be in the near future with the release of iOS13) a laptop replacement for work.

You are better off with a laptop, either Windows or Macs. My iPad is primarily media consumption. But, I do experiment from time-to-time to see how or even if I can use it as a laptop replacement. So, for right now, the answer is “no”. As for the future, only time will tell.

How to make a Screenshot on your computer.

A screenshot is a picture of your screen (or a portion of your screen). I have found it handy to share a screenshot with another party from time-to-time. It may be with a tech person, an accountant, another attorney or even a client. It is neat how you can take the file, insert it into an e-mail or even a word document and send it off to some- one else. Sometimes I just like snapping a photo (usually just a piece of someone’s e- mail or document) and sending right back to the person. It helps dispel any argument that they “never said” the words I captured from their communication

On a Mac: All you have to do is hold your command “⌘” key, “shift” and the number “3” key at the same time for a picture of your entire screen (note that if you have a multi screen deceive, you’ll get one picture for each display). If you simultaneously hold the command “⌘” key and the number “4” key, a “crosshair” will appear. You can move the crosshair, click the start point, hold and move to where you want the box to end and then release the mouse or trackpad. A picture of the portion of the screen you had selected will be generated.

These screenshots will appear on your desktop.

On Windows: All you have to do is press your “Print Screen” key to make a copy of the screen. This key location and name vary from PC to PC. On my Surface Pro, it’s on the F8 key which is also titled “PrtScn.” You can then paste the picture wherever you want to place it.

In order to capture and save a screenshot, you have to simultaneously hold your “Windows logo key” and your “Print Screen” key. If you want to select a portion of your screen, simultaneously hold your Windows logo, Shift and S keys and a “crosshair” will appear. You can move the crosshair, click the start point, hold and move to where you want the box to end and then release the mouse or trackpad. You can find your picture file under c:user\“user name”\pictures\screenshots.

There are other ways of taking screenshots but the steps I provided are usually the most straightforward means of getting it done.

Happy Screenshooting!

iPads and Tablets in the Courtroom.

Jeff Richardson over at iponejd.com posted an interesting article the other day: The use of iPads by U.S. Fifth Circuit judges and law clerks.  I think it can be universally applied to both iPads and Tablets. While Jeff noted that only half of the judges on the CLE panel preferred iPads when reading their briefs, it appears that most if not all of their clerks prefer an iPad. And as that generation of clerks move up in their careers and leave behind a legacy of how work can be done while at the court, it seems to show that we lawyers need to make sure we are keeping up with technology. ABA Model Rules. 

Remember, we want to make the judges’ (and their clerks’) life easier: When the document contains links to legal citations or to the record and they don’t have to carry extra paper around the office or home, its makes their life a little less stressful. I would think this would allow them to read our briefs under better conditions and hopefully be more open to our persuasive arguments.

An easier way to run your office than paper - Scanning!

Now that Taxes are Filed (and I caught up on some work)!

Getting ready for our tax deadline, we all had to deal with little pieces of paper, receipts, invoices, etc. We had to then hand them over to our tax preparer. But we also had to make copies for our clients, our bookkeepers and for our own records. That can add up to a lot of paper, cost and a mess on your desk.

Same thing too when it comes to client files. Various records and letters come to us in paper form (ever handle Veterans claim folder from the VA - 1000s of pages!). It can be a little overwhelming, consume space we really don’t have available (home office practitioners) and be a challenge to organize. That is where scanning comes in handy.

Both Windows and Macs can scan a file with a scanner and convert the file into a “pdf” file. PDF stands for “Portable Document Format (PDF). According to Wikipedia “It is a file format developed by Adobe in the 1990s to present documents, including text formatting and images, in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems.”

PDF files are universal and can easily be shared between Mac OS and Windows OS. The files and pages within can easily be manipulated with various pdf readers. Rearranging pages, redaction, word searching the file (after you run an Optical Character Recognition “OCR” program on the file) are just the start of what you can do.

The gold standard program for pdf files is Acrobat. Acrobat is created by Adobe - the creator of the pdf format. Acrobat is universal on both Mac and Windows. Acrobat Reader is the free version of Acrobat and allows you to read the file and do some minor manipulation to file. In order to get into some of the more advance features, you then have to buy the program or go with a subscription. There are many alternatives at a lower cost, some better, some not so good.

I’ll discuss some of these in future postings along with different types of scanners. But in the meantime, I'd love to read your thoughts if you have a great pdf program.

Malpractice Alert! If you are using a mobile device for your work and not using a VPN, you are exposing yourself to trouble.

Earlier I had mentioned that the ABA Model Rules require attorneys to be proficient in technology and its continuing changes as it relates to our work. You also have the responsibility to protect your clients' information. It’s become more commonplace for attorneys to use mobile phones, tablets, and laptops on public WiFi to get their work done. Your technology either has on its hard drive or access through cloud storage your clients personal/proprietary information.

I know some of you may feel that “who is going to bother little ole’ me?” But whether it be your local coffee shop, an airport terminal or even your hotel’s internet, there are opportunists everywhere! So the question is “how do I protect myself and my clients' information on the internet?” That is where a “VPN” service comes in.

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It creates an impenetrable tunnel preventing onlookers from “peaking” in. There are an abundant amount of VPN services out there. I use Encrypt.me. Things I like about it are factors you should consider for your own VPN service (and there are many to choose from): First, its multi-device for one subscription! I use it on my laptop, my iPad, my iPhone and my Surface Pro 6. Second, its a snap to install. Third, it turns on automatically when my WiFi finds a new broadcaster and remembers which broadcasts are “safe” and those that need some protection.

Lastly, several services offer a one-payment solution for lifetime service. My concern with that type of service is simple. The lack of a revenue stream gives the company no incentive to innovate and improve its service. I’m sure the landscape will change in ten, five or even a year. You’ll have to ask yourself, will the service you plunked down a bit of cash to be future proof.

If you are paying a monthly or even a pro-rated yearly subscription, the company will likely want to keep you around. Thus, an all-the-more reason to continue improving the product. And, if you don’t like what it is doing in the future, cancel it!

In future posts, I’ll discuss using secure passwords, Windows v. Mac and other topics I hope you find useful. Meanwhile, please keep your comments coming!

Michael

AirPods are not just for Macs!

Did you know you can use AirPods on Windows, Google and Android too?
It's pretty simple:

First: On your device that you want to pair your AirPods, find and turn on your Bluetooth (Hint: You should find it under device’s “settings”.) Tip: If you are not using your Bluetooth otherwise, keep it in the off setting to save your device’s battery life.

Second: Flip open your AirPods charging case.

Third: Look on the back of the case, find the (only) small button then press and hold it for a few seconds.

Fourth: When the indicator light between the earbuds begins blinking white, re- lease the bottom

Last: Your AirPods should show up in your device’s pairing menu, select it and follow any prompts (each device’s respective operating system may be a little different).

Voila! You should now have your AirPods connected to your “non-Mac” device! If not, repeat the aforementioned process till you do.

In future postings, we’ll discuss the multi-headphone lifestyle and AirPods1 v. Air- Pods2.

Stay tuned!

And … We’re Back!

Apparently, there was a little glitch in the DNS communication between my blog host, Squarespace, and my domain registrar, Hover.

But, it’s been squared away (no pun intended!).

So, we should be up and running and more posts will be coming forth soon!