By Ross Kodner | Monday, June 15, 2009
Originally published on June 8, 2009 in our free SmallLaw newsletter.
As the first-time parent of a college-bound freshman (freshperson?), one of the many questions to address before bundling young Master Kodner off to school is what kind of computer system he should use. I suspect that many of you are grappling with the same question right now for college or perhaps even law school so I thought I'd offer some thoughts to help you shop smart.
While you can never spend too much time conducting research, if you're pressed for time, consider these four key factors:
- Campus Support: What does the college recommend or support?
- Durability: Even careful kids are going to be tough on a laptop because they'll bring it everywhere.
- Portability: A big 17" machine will be tough to lug around with all those textbooks.
- Core Software: What software does your son or daughter need for their coursework? It may depend on their planned courses (e.g., computer programming).
The Best of Both Worlds for My College-Bound Son
After analyzing these issues, I gave my son a 13 inch MacBook for his high school graduation present.
Apple just replaced its line of notebooks today with new models, but I didn't buy my son a "new" machine. Rather, I took advantage of a 15% discount by selecting the system from Apple's "Refurbished Mac" link (look at the lower left corner of the store's Web page). The Apple factory refurbished systems carry the same warranty as new systems and go through a rigorous testing process before being made available for sale. I see no disadvantage in purchasing this way.
He'll be running Windows XP Pro under Parallels Desktop 4 and its "virtual machine" environment. He's a bit of an operating system junkie so he'll have his favorite Ubuntu Linux available via a dual-boot process using Apple's Boot Camp utility. He'll have MS Office 2007 Ultimate via Microsoft's $60 deal they call "The Ultimate Steal" (specifically for bona fide educational purchasers with a .EDU email address) and the free OpenOffice 3 suite.
Also, it's a good idea to include an Internet protection suite with three or, if possible, four years of pre-paid update subscription to get your student through undergrad life (let your kid pay for their own when they're in grad school!).
Laptop Brands That Stand Up to Students
Laptop brands I would consider durable enough with good enough support include:
That's my short list for machines that would have a chance of making it through all four years of undergrad life. Be sure to equip them near the high-end, specification-wise, so you have the best chance of getting through four years with one laptop purchase. Most certainly, research available student discounts through the school as well — they may (or may not) be cheaper than smart shopping on the open market (and may include a campus IT support package). For example, Apple specifically has an online educational store for many listed colleges.
What about netbooks for college students? As much of a netbook nut as I am, I just don't see them as practical for a primary machine. Many programs require more hardware horsepower than a netbook can deliver. Also, the need to store lots of data, especially for scientific and artistic types, may exceed the 160 GB maximum hard drive size of current netbooks. Also, smaller keyboards might hinder the ability to take rapid real-time notes in class.
Make Backups Automatic or They Won't Get Done
Don't forget backups — and acknowledge that my normal backup advice for your law practice doesn't apply . My own son is about the most responsible kid you could ever meet. But I can't trust him to do backups unless I'm on his back about it. So this is the one area where I think backup is best done automatically. Here are some options:
- An initial image backup with Acronis True Image Home for Windows or SuperDuper for the Mac (which TechnoLawyer uses to clone its Macs) that you keep on a drive at home and on an external portable drive he/she takes with them.
Then for regular backup:
- Online backup to one of the major providers — Mozy.com's home service (for Windows and Mac) is probably the best bet in terms of low cost ($4.95/month) and likelihood of staying in business for the next four years. The campus might have an approved or endorsed online backup provider with a student deal.
- If you want live on-site backup and you go the Mac route, I like the idea of Apple's included Time Machine backup system with a wireless Apple Time Capsule (again refurbished to save money). This is the setup I use with my MacBook at home — and Windows can backup wirelessly to it as well. Why a wireless Time Capsule? Because I couldn't trust my son necessarily to remember to plug in a cable to connect to an external USB hard drive. Again, think "automatic."
Extras to Consider
Theft: Laptops are prone to theft. Consider locking it up when student and laptop are separated with a DormVault. Also, Lojack for Laptops, which I've come to believe is essential for lawyers as well.
Laptop Bags: Let your student pick both a laptop bag they like or acknowledge they won't use a laptop bag and focus instead on a decent protective sleeve (neoprene lined) so that it can get tossed into another bag and not get trashed. One particular laptop sleeve/protector approach may trip your kid's green sensibility trigger — it's called the Act2 GreenSmart Laptop jacket ($45) and is made from recycled plastic bottles. Think also about plastic protective shields like these $50 models from Incase.
Electrical Protection: A quality surge protector to always plug into in the dorm room and a quality laptop surge protector to outfit his/her laptop bag — Tripplite Traveler, APC Notebook SurgeArrest, or the nifty one I use from Belkin with three outlets and two USB charging ports.
Printing/Scanning/Copying: When the number one priority is space-efficiency, consider the sleek and svelte SCX-4500w. While it might be best for your kid to get their color printing done somewhere on campus, if their assignments demand hard-copy color, the most physically compact color MFD I could find is another Samsung product, the CLX-3175FW.
I hope fellow parents of college-bound freshmen (freshpeople?) found this checklist helpful. Not a parent? Not to worry. I'll return to the world of SmallLaw in my next column.
Written by Ross Kodner of MicroLaw.
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Small firm, big dreams. Published first via email newsletter and later here on our blog, SmallLaw provides you with a mix of practical advice that you can use today, and insight about what it will take for small law firms like yours to thrive in the future. The SmallLaw newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.
By Sara Skiff | Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Coming today to TechnoFeature: You cannot effectively evaluate any ergonomic device for your computer without considering the conditions in which you'll use it — your entire system so to speak. So says technology consultant B. Jefferson Le Blanc. In this article, Jefferson lays down the law for ergonomic lighting, chairs, equipment positioning, and especially input devices. If you're still using the keyboard and mouse that shipped with your PC (and which cost the company a few cents to manufacture), you owe it to your wrists, arms, neck, and back to read this TechnoFeature article and take Jefferson's advice.
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By Ross Kodner | Monday, May 18, 2009
Originally published on May 11, 2009 in our free SmallLaw newsletter.
In my last two columns, I introduced the idea of the MDTR — the "Minimum Daily Technology Requirements" for every solo and small firm's technology needs.
Part 1 discussed hardware needs.
Part 2 discussed software needs.
This third and final segment explores some important ancillary subjects from electrical protection to choosing and using consultants.
MDTR: Electrical Protection
UPS and Surge Protectors
Round out the MDTR for hardware with a battery backup such as the cost effective APC Back-UPS 500 for around $100 to provide both surge protection and electrical backup in the event of power dips or short outages without crashing your PC.
Plug all other components like your printer into professional grade surge protection from companies like APC, Tripplite, or Belkin (general rule — if a "surge protector" is under $15, skip it — not enough protection — you want a stated rating of "surge clamping capacity" of 700 "joules" or better).
Mobile Surge Protectors
Mobile lawyers should always plug their laptops/netbooks into a portable surge protector. Three suitable models include:
Tripplite Traveler ($20)
APC Notebook SurgeArrest ($20)
Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger ($25)
MDTR: Routers, Switches, Firewalls and Such
A dizzying array of network gear exists for sharing Internet connections (routers and switches), and for keeping the "bad guys" out (firewalls). Some devices even offer the trifecta of shared Internet connectivity, firewalling, and WiFi wireless capabilities. So for simplicity's sake, we'll list one model and discuss the topic more fully at another time.
One possible approach (among many — I could write 50 pages on this subject alone) would be the Netgear FWG114p PROSAFE 802.11G wireless firewall 4 port 10/100 network switch and USB print server. Quite a mouthful, but the gist of it is that it provides Internet sharing, wireless capability, network firewall functions, and network connectivity for about $125.
Extend the network ports with any other 10/100 (Fast Ethernet) switch. If you have a larger budget and proper cabling throughout your firm, consider Gigabit Ethernet.
MDTR: Smartphone
Why would anyone want to practice law without one? Clients, especially in this tight economy, expect you to have this capability (like it or not). I don't care what you have as long as it integrates with the MDTR software list — integrating as easily as possible with your practice management system of choice and Outlook 2007. So whether it's a BlackBerry, an iPhone, a Treo/Centro/(soon to be available) Pre model from Palm, or a Windows Mobile-equipped device, any smartphone is better than, well ... a dumb-phone.
The ultimate selection criterion for any smartphone should be a positive answer to the question: "Does this device easily integrate/synchronize with my software systems?"
MDTR: Virtualize Yourself v. Adding Staff and Paid Services
Think about a Virtual Assistant — to help with anything and everything including your dictation transcription (yes, dictations can be efficient, especially with a digital approach). The be all, end all is probably LegalTypist, the brainchild of master virtual assistant Andrea Cannavina.
A laundry list of tools for your MDTR arsenal:
FreeConferenceCall.com: Never pay a cent for conference calling.
Internet-based PC Faxing: MaxEmail, MyFax, or RapidFax. You'll need a scanner to make the most of these services. Physical fax machines are so 1990s.
Phones: Skype (free Internet-based phone services). Also OneBox for a "virtual PBX" phone system (large firm phone functionality, small firm budget).
Jott: "Digital sticky notes for your brain."
Google Voice: Keeps you connected no matter where you are.
Google Apps: Gmail offers the best Web mail on the planet with the most storage and Google searchability.
MDTR: Daily Dosage of Legal Tech Smarts
Being a legal technopeasant in 2009 just doesn't cut it any longer — clients won't tolerate it or subsidize tech ignorance or lack of general sophistication.
In addition to continuing to read SmallLaw (thank you) and TechnoLawyer's other newsletters, check out the following resources as well:
• Get a free subscription to Law Technology News and scan it carefully each month.
• If you're an ABA member, join the GP|Solo Division and the Law Practice Management Section if for no other reason than to read their terrific magazines and ezines monthly.
• Also, look to the tremendous selection of practice management and technology books offered by the ABA Law Practice Management Section and the ABA GP|Solo Division.
• Subscribe to The Firm — otherwise known as the ABA's Solosez listserver for lively daily discussion of tech, practice management, and all aspects of small firm life with 4000+ fellow SSF lawyers and staffers. You don't have to be an ABA member to join.
MDTR: Putting It All Together
Find a capable, competent, legal-focused and legal-experienced consultant to manage a proper implementation. Don't attempt a DIY (do it yourself) approach. Do the economic math. Even in tight times, you can't afford it.
Practice smart, make more money, exceed client expectations with better work product quality and faster turnaround times at a reasonable price and above all, have more fun in practice. The MDTR will help get you there — cost-effectively — just the digital prescription for these tough and trying times.
Written by Ross Kodner of MicroLaw.
How to Receive SmallLaw
Small firm, big dreams. Published first via email newsletter and later here on our blog, SmallLaw provides you with a mix of practical advice that you can use today, and insight about what it will take for small law firms like yours to thrive in the future. The SmallLaw newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.
By Sara Skiff | Thursday, March 12, 2009
Coming today to Answers to Questions: Jeffrey Brown reviews SplitView with a 24 inch Monitor, Robin Stickney reviews the Ergotron LX Dual Desk Mount Arm for multiple monitors, Ross Kodner explains how to use Paste Special, David Estes defends hiring technology consultants but laments being unable to find one to help his firm, and Mike Tryon reviews Time59 for time-billing. Don't miss this issue.
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By Sara Skiff | Thursday, October 2, 2008
Coming today to Answers to Questions: David Stuckel reviews the Philips Pocket Memo 9360, Ann Donovan reviews Fastcase for legal research, Richard Hackerd discusses the expectations of law firms within the context of Amicus Attorney, Julian Garcia discusses KVM switches and reviews LogMeIn, and Jim Uschold shares his two main complaints about WordPerfect after 20 years of daily use. Don't miss this issue.
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By Sara Skiff | Friday, September 26, 2008
Coming Septeber 30, 2008 to TechnoFeature: Technology certainly trends towards light and portable these days. But you need more than just a pretty face. You need functionality. In this article, attorney Lee Rosen explains how to lighten your load without sacrificing productivity by conducting a six step technology audit.
How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.
By Sara Skiff | Friday, September 12, 2008
Coming September 16, 2008 to TechnoFeature: Passing the bar exam does not require knowing what a motherboard does. However, if you don't have an IT department on call 24/7, you might benefit from learning what goes on inside that PC of yours. In this article, attorney and former IBM salesperson Edward Zohn presents several reasons why attorneys should understand how to build their own PCs even if they never actually do so. From cases and power supplies to operating systems, Ed explains how to build a PC tailored to your needs for a reasonable price.
How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.
By Sara Skiff | Friday, August 22, 2008
Coming August 29, 2008 to Answers to Questions: Frank Feilmeyer shares several options for securing files on a network, Steve Loewy reviews CryptMagic and Passwords Plus for password management on a BlackBerry, and Donald Diamond reviews the Tritton USB 2.0 DVI Video Adapter. Don't miss this issue.
How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Thursdays, Answers to Questions is a weekly newsletter in which TechnoLawyer members answer legal technology and practice management questions submitted by their peers (including you if you join TechnoLawyer). Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.
By Sara Skiff | Friday, July 25, 2008
Coming August 1, 2008 to Fat Friday: Paul Easton reviews a number of multiple calendar solutions, including Exchange, SharePoint, Google Calendar, etc., Philip Franckel discusses the risks of spam filters and reviews QuickFile4Outlook—Lawyer's Edition, Douglas Thomas adds his two cents to the software design discussion (plus he recommends a book on the subject), David Abell shares his experience as a righty mousing left-handed, and Ross Kodner writes in with his vote for the best Microsoft Word resource for lawyers. Don't miss this issue.
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Published on Fridays, Fat Friday is a weekly newsletter that features a grab bag full of genuinely useful product reviews and tips on a wide variety of topics. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.
By Sara Skiff | Friday, July 4, 2008
Coming July 11, 2008 to Fat Friday: Ross Kodner responds to Martin Dean's recent rebuttal regarding email confidentiality, Bruce Vermeychuk provides a brief history of WordPerfect and points to a free eBook about the early days of the company by one of WordPerfect's founding fathers, Andrew Weltchek discusses spam and challenge response software, Paul Lepine points to a unique mouse and shares two tips for more comfortable mousing, and Thomas Fitzpatrick comes to Apple's defense regarding its cinema displays and the elusive built-in iSight camera. Don't miss this issue.
How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Fridays, Fat Friday is a weekly newsletter that features a grab bag full of genuinely useful product reviews and tips on a wide variety of topics. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.
