The TabletLawyer Blog

Evernote

2008-05-29T21:45:08Z

I am participating in the closed Beta testing of Evernote. As you know, I am a big OneNote fan but am always open to productivity enhancers. I will write about my impressions of this soon.

In the mean time, I am very pleased to be providing more lawyers with personal training on how to integrate tablet PCs in their law practices to increase their productivity.

CES 2008

2008-01-12T22:46:38Z

I had the privilege of attending CES 2008 in Las Vegas this week. In addition to seeing the 150 inch (diagonally measured) Plasma TV from Panasonic, I had some productive meetings with manufacturers that I currently do not sell. I am having discussions about adding their Tablet PCs to the TabletLawyer fold. I am quite excited about these possibilities and look forward to some announcements in the near future.

TabletLawyer was honored to co-sponsor the Tablet PC/UMPC meet up at CES along with Microsoft. What a fun event. It was a great opportunity to meet other bloggers, tablet enthusiasts, software developers, and manufacturers. A BIG THANK YOU to Lora Heiny for pulling this event together.

OneNote Series, Part 4

2007-09-02T16:20:06Z

Before I move beyond my "Phone Call" notebook, there were a few other ideas I want to share. I will run through these ideas below.

It is easy to cut/past detailed notes about a call into the client's section and not just leave a copy in the Phone Call Notebook. You can use the Lasso icon to select the specific note you want to copy. Once selected, right click and select "copy." Maneuver to the desired client section, and open a new page, right click, select "paste."
If you need to insert more information to a page but there is not enough room to type or write (if using a Tablet PC), it is not a problem for OneNote. Simply use the Insert Writing Space icon and drag open space between your notes where you want the added space to add your additional info. If you added too much, use the same icon to delete space.
If you want to add a notation of the date and time anywhere on your page, go the location you want it and either click the date/time icon or click insert>date and time.

Next in the series, I will give ideas on how to oragnize a client notebook.

OneNote Series, Part 3

2007-08-09T21:50:00Z

When I think of OneNote tags, the word Invaluable comes to mind. Why such a strong word you ask? I think you will agree after you read this entry.

First, a little background. Since I am an attorney, I can say this with credibility: we all sometimes drop the ball. Gasp! The hope is that they are not important things, like statutes of limitations, court deadlines and the like. For most of us, missed items really aren't these big ticket things. It is usually the little things like calling someone back or following up on something. You have to have this background in order to appreciate why I think OneNote Tags are invaluable.

Let's use the "Phone Call" notebook (previous entry) in our example. Assume you receive a phone message and your assistant logs the call in the notebook for you and marks it with a "to do" tag that shows this as unreturned. She goes to the tool bar after writing/typing the message and clicks on the tag:

Next, your notebook is updated with the phone message and the "to do" tag is unchecked:

You can then either call the person back and check the box off (by clicking on it) or run a "tags summary" report (use the down arrow next to the tag on your tool bar) and click "show all tagged notes." This tool is what makes the tags invaluable. All undone "to do" tags are placed in a summary and you can click on them and you will be taken directly to the undone task, no matter what notebook you are in. Below is what the tag summary looks like:

Next, from the tag summary portion of your tablet screen, you can check the task off and it will update the task as "done" in your notes or you can click the task in your notes and the summary will be updated. Once your task has been accomplished, it appears as follows:

So instead of using the "disappearing" phone message approach to keeping track of calls (somehow attorney offices eat those scraps of paper and they disappear), you can use OneNote tags and not drop the ball. You and your assistant also have a record of the messages that came in and that calls were returned.

Next in the series, I will finish up other ideas on using the Phone Call Notebook to increase your organization and productivity before moving back to other great uses for OneNote tags.

OneNote Series, Part 2

2007-08-05T14:46:57Z

OneNote is a very adaptable program. Using a shared notebook (see previous entry) allows teams to work together and share notes. As I have mentioned before, I am a solo practitioner so my team is not large, but I do have one great assistant. Most of my law practice OneNote notebooks are shared with her though my server. One notebook I set up is "Phone Calls" (see picture below). I set up sections for each month and then the pages within the section are the days of the month (see picture below). When my assistant takes a phone message for me, she types it in this shared notebook. When I am connected to my network, my notebook automatically syncs up and I have my messages laid out in an organized way. I can write notes back, check off the messages as I call people back, etc. This shared notebook has enhances my tracking of phone calls and allows a better/quicker response to questions.

Next in the series, I will explain how to tag specific notes within a notebook to allow better tracking of tasks and other important items.

OneNote Use in a Law Office

2007-08-03T20:45:24Z

As many of my readers know, I am a big fan of Microsoft OneNote, particularly the 07 version. Using OneNote in a law office (big or small) provides better organization. I am going to be running a "mini-series" on various uses of OneNote in a law office.

Since "Shared Notebooks" are a a critical component to using OneNote in a law firm, I want to start off this series explaining how to set one up. First, decide where the particular notebook will be hosted/stored. Then select File>New>Notebook. Next, name the note book and select the color you want associated with it. Click Next. Select "Multiple people will share the notebook." Select "on a server" option and click Next. Put the shared location path in the window. Don't forget to select "create an email link" so you can send out the link to those you want to share the notebook with. And that is it! You have now created a "Shared Notebook."

My next entry will explain how you can use shared notebooks as a lawyer to increase organization (something most of us need an extra dose of if we are honest).

Lenovo X61

2007-07-30T21:54:32Z

Let's face it, the Lenovo X61 convertible Tablet PC has gotten a lot of great press. Lenovo is doing an amazing job at getting the word out about their tablet. Frankly, the great press is deserved. In addition to my Motion Computing tablet, I have been using a Lenovo X61 and putting this machine through many real world tests. It is an amazing machine, especially for lawyers that really don't feel comfortable with a slate Tablet PC such as the new Motion LE1700 (which I can't wait to get my hands on). With the Lenovo, If you add the UltraBase (docking station) you really get a desktop replacement. The unit I have is a Core 2 Duo with 3 GB of RAM with Intel's 1 GB Turbo Memory and a 7200 RPM hard drive. Basically, this machine rocks. If you want a laptop with benefits (ie, tablet functionality), you should give the Lenovo X61 a serious look.

Courtroom 21 Update

2007-05-26T09:07:48Z

Recently, The TabletLawyer had the great opportunity to visit Courtroom 21 at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Director of the Center for Legal and Court Technology, Law Professor Fred Lederer, was a very gracious host. Professor Lederer is very adept at demonstrating for the thousands of guests that come through the doors of Courtroom 21 how technology can improve the efficiency and productivity of judges, lawyers and court staff. TabletLawyer has provided the Center with a Motion Computing LE1600 Tablet PC with Vista and OneNote 07/MS Office 07. Professor Lederer demonstrated to those attending an ABA Law Practice Management meeting how OneNote 07 is very useful software to the legal profession. The TabletLawyer was pleased to demonstrate tablet technology in more depth on the Courtroom visit. Thank you Professor Lederer and the Center for Legal and Court Technology.

Follow Up On Futiro Internet Phones

2007-04-29T11:08:00Z

After I visited the Futiro booth at CES earlier this year, they sent me two internet phones to use (a futiroLuna and a futiroSolo). I often use Skype for calls and these devices work seamlessly with that service. These phones not only look amazing but function very well. The futiroSolo is a great travel gadget that I would highly recommend. ...

TabletKiosk Products Added to TabletLawyer

2007-04-17T22:52:38Z

TabletLawyer is proud to add TabletKiosk to it's family of products. TabletKiosk is a recognized leader in the UMPC and Tablet PC market. The California based company sells the eo UMPC line which weigh less than 2 lbs. Additionally, the 12.1 inch screen Sahara Slate Tablet PC with dual screen (touch and active) is a very nice product for mobile professionals to consider. One of the great things about TabletKiosk is the variety they bring to the market. For those that are big Linux fans or want your UMPC or Tablet PC semi-ruggedized, here is your solution.

Thank You Sinch of Australia

2007-03-31T14:55:00Z

The TabletLawyer had the high privilege of speaking at the Lawyers Workstation Conference 2007 for Sinch of Sydney, Australia. The conference organizer, Simon Lewis, founded Sinch after leaving a large law firm in Sydney. He is a former practicing lawyer but now dedicates his efforts to legal technology issues. Simon is very sharp.

It is always exciting to share how using a Tablet PC effectively can increase a lawyer's productivity. Microsoft OneNote shines again.

Thank you to the Australian lawyers that participated. Thank you Simon for the honor! ...

Great Article on Tablet PCs Use by a Lawyer

2007-03-25T18:44:00Z

TabletLawyer customer (and friend), attorney Lincoln Miller, was recently published in the highly regarded Law Technology News. The web version of the article was picked up by my buds at GottaBeMobile.com. Lincoln gives a great explanation on how a Tablet PC and Microsoft OneNote make him more productive in his practice. You can find the link to GottaBeMobile by clicking here and then that will link you to the Law Technology News article for you to read. ...

Sorry I Have Been Out of Touch

2007-03-24T11:02:00Z

To my legion of readers (ok, this might be overstating it a bit):

My sabbatical from my blogging responsibilities is over. I am at the airport in Chicago getting ready to fly back to Seattle. Note to self: don't fly on the first day a large city like Chicago has Spring Break.

I am returning from the ABA TechShow. Many things to report on in subsequent entries. Had a great time informally introducing people to Tablet PCs. Interest was very high.

Also, had a great time catching up with old friends, Jim Calloway, Tom Mighell, Tom O'Connor, Adriana Linares, Ross Kodner, Nerino Petro, and meeting new friends Steve Terrell, Bob Kraft and many, many others.

Great Feature with Shared Notebook in OneNote 07 to Save Attorney Money

2007-02-19T13:15:34Z

Sharing notebooks with OneNote 07 adds a very useful function for an attorney and his/her assistant to keep up on things in a case. Let me set the stage. I have OneNote 07 on my tablet and on my assistant's desktop. I have certain client files that I want shared on my server so my tablet and my assistant's desktop always sync with the most current case information in varioius notebooks. When using shared notebooks with others, one feature that has become useful, is the "View" selection. View> Pages Changed Recently> and then you can select: Today; Since Yesterday, Last 7 days, Last 30 days, etc. By using this feature, my assistant is able to quickly review new entries that I have made in my notes so she stays current in my cases without having to dig in a case or hunt something down. Saves her time and therefore saves me money!

TabletLawyer Partners with Courtroom 21 Project in the Courtroom of the Future

2007-02-08T07:01:13Z

TabletLawyer, LLC is pleased to announce an agreement to place Tablet PCs in the “courtroom of the future” operated by Courtroom 21 Project from the College of William & Mary Law School, home of the Center for Legal and Court Technology. The College of William & Mary has a proud tradition of providing a very rigorous education and is the oldest law school in the United States founded in 1779 at the urging of then-governor of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson. The Center for Legal and Court Technologyhas an international reputation for having the world’s most technologically advanced trial and appellate courtroom.

As a participating company with Courtroom 21, TabletLawyer, is honored to have Tablet PCs installed in Courtroom 21 and is pleased to offer the staff complimentary training in the general use of a Tablet PC and use of Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft Office to increase the efficiency, organization, and productivity of judges, lawyers and court staff.

About TabletLawyer, LLC

TabletLawyer, LLC was founded by Poulsbo, WA. Last year he had twelve yellow pads of notes in use at the same time in his office. After he discovered a Tablet PC, he increased his own organization and productivity through effective use of the Tablet and certain software. He is now passionate about introducing the technology to other lawyers. TabletLawyer, LLC sells Lenovo, Fujitsu and Motion Computing Tablet PCs and peripherals. Unique in this industry, TabletLawyer provides complimentary training to it’s customers in the general use of a Tablet PC as well as effective use of Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft Office to take advantage of Tablet technology. For more information, visit www.TabletLawyer.com and www.courtroom21.net

Living on the Edge?

2007-01-21T09:26:26Z

Are you living on the edge? Of course, the answer depends upon the context. How about the area of protection (surge protection, that is!)? Most people have surge protectors at home and at the office for their computers and other valuable electronics. That's a given, so the answer to my question is yes. What about when you travel? How many people take bulky surge protectors to use at satellite offices, hotel rooms, airports? The answer is very few. I am in that boat as well (crazy, I know).

Targus makes a mini mobile surge protectors. If you travel with your computer and other electronics, you need this kind of protection. I am going to get a few of these myself. They are $19.99 at TigerDirect.
Here is what they look like:

Stylish New Skype Phone

2007-01-20T11:14:48Z

Here is another CES acquisition sure to be loved by the mobile professional. Stylish Skype phones (pictured below). For those that don't know much about Skype, it is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) company owned by eBay that runs, for most people, just through their computer. Some companies are coming out with Wi-Fi Skype phones that operate more independently from your computer. The basic operational function of Skype is that you can make calls not just to other computers, but by using a service called SkypeOut, call cell phones and land lines around the world. Currently, the cost for unlimited calls to US and Canada is $14.95 for one year (hurry, it goes to $29.95 after January 31, 2007).

Futiro is putting out these great phones compatible with Skype (and they are compatible with some other VoIP systems). The phones have USB connectors to attach to your computer. I have used the phones and am very impressed. Not only do they look great but they are very functional. The first picture is the travel version (Solo) and the next two pictures is the full-operation desk top version (Luna).

Back From CES in Las Vegas/New Gadgets

2007-01-13T16:06:08Z

The TabletLawyer is back from meetings in Las Vegas. Many meetings went well and let's just say that you should not be surprised if additional hardware companies are added to the TL lineup. Too soon to announce, but I will continue discussions with some companies that I met up with at CES in the next few weeks and see what we can add to TL's repertoire.

I also met up with some great guys that run one of my favorite websites, gottabemobile. They did a fantastic job conducting video interviews/brief product reviews at CES. Please check out their site and enjoy the coverage.

Today, instead of talking about some new Tablets/UMPCs (that is Ultra Mobile PCs), I am going to talk about two products that are going to be sent to me for further use and review. By the way, you can read more about UMPCs at Wikipedia if you are really unfamiliar with the smaller sibling of the Tablet PC.

The first product is a hand held wand-like scanner that you use to sweep page images to be downloaded into your computer. A "must have" for mobile professionals. You can purchase one from www.Planon.com. I look forward to describing in more detail how this great looking product can be used to increase your productivity once I receive mine. Scanning orders and other documents in court is just one of the many things I am excited about. The President of Planon is sending me a full set up to use. Until then, here is a picture for you:

The second product is the ultimate travel mouse. Two different ones are currently made (one for the PC card slot and the other for the express card slot) for your computer. Get more information at Newton Peripherals. They operate via a Bluetooth connection and are charged when stored flat in your computer slots. This enables the mobile professional to pack one less thing when out and about. The middle of the express card version acts as a scroller. That feature is going to be added this year to the PC card version, I understand. The President of Newton Peripherals graciously agreed to send me a unit so I use and demo for others when I speak at events. Until I get my new mouse, here is a picture:

CES in Las Vegas

2007-01-07T23:38:00Z

The TabletLawyer is headed to Las Vegas on Monday to attend the Consumer Electronic Show and to have some meetings with some tablet manufacturers. I will also keep my eye open for any new gadgets that will be useful in increasing productivity in your professional practice. Rest assured that if they don't increase your productivity but at least look cool, you will likely read about them in this blog. Stay tuned!

Getting Ready for Vista

2007-01-03T23:10:00Z

Lately, I have been reading about Microsoft Vista (and studying it to get ready for training those that purchase tablets from TabletLawyer). I have not downloaded it yet, however, because the lack of current driver compatability would drive me crazy. I like machines to work smoothly.

The integrated and improved tablet technology looks promising. It really appears that Vista has the potential to take Tablet PCs mainstream. This excites The TabletLawyer because as more people use technology to improve their productivity, it makes us all "step up our game." In 2007, get ready to learn some new things to stay competitive in your profession.