The Connected Lawyer » Hardware

The Droid Bionic: My New Favorite Phone

Bryan Sims — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:39:42 +0000

My philosophy is that every new cell phone that I get should be the best cell phone that I have ever owned. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case. However, it is certainly the case with my new phone the Motorola Droid Bionic.

I have the Bionic through Verizon Wireless. Verizon is not perfect, however, I have used them for several years now and, for the most part, I am pleased with the service that I receive from them.

I have had the Bionic now for a little over 2 months and I thought I would jot down my thoughts about the phone, both good and bad. On the whole, I am quite pleased with my purchase and, if I had it do to over again, I would buy the same phone.

Below are some of the things I like about my Bionic:

It’s fast. This may have more to do with my old phone, which at the end seemed to be painfully slow. Regardless, the Droid is much faster and responsive than any previous phone I have used.
4G. Yes, it is not available everywhere yet. However, when it is available, it is great.
Hotspot. I love being able to use my phone to create a wireless hot spot. It is much more convenient than my MiFi ever was, simply because I always have my phone on me. I use this feature at least twice a month.
The screen. The screen is big, beautiful, and bright.
Operating System. I still like the Android operating system. This is my second Android phone and I have no real complaints about the operating system nor have I had any problems with it.

Some of the things I don’t like about my Bionic are:

It is big. The weight is actually too bad, especially considering the size of the phone. However, this is a large phone.
The data connection. The 4G is great. The 3G is pretty good. However, if I have lost a data connection while traveling, sometimes, I have to restart the phone to get it to obtain a data connection again.
Contact Pictures. I still don’t understand the issue here. In Outlook I have pictures for a large percentage of my contacts. With my original Droid, all of those pictures synched to my phone (through Exchange Server). With the Bionic, these pictures do not sync. I know that this seems like a small thing, however, I have used these pictures in the past to identify other attorneys in court that I had not yet met.
Battery life. In general, the battery life on the phone is about what I expected. Which is not great, but I can usually make it through the day (please note, however, that I have desk chargers both at the office and at home along with a car charger, just to make sure). However, when I use the phone as a hotspot, I can practically watch the battery level drain.

I recognize that, for the most part, the battery life issue is one that most smartphones have and it is something we have to live with while we wait for battery technology to improve. I would love to see either Motorola or Verizon, or the two together do something to fix the data connectivity problems. The disconnection happens often enough that it annoys me.

Regardless, if you are looking for a new Android based smartphone, I will tell you that I am quite happy with my Droid Bionic.

Time to Kill the Fax Machine

Bryan Sims — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:15:25 +0000

I recently came across a article from 2009 that discusses 10 obsolete technologies to kill in 2010 (hat tip Above the Law). The article is an interesting read. However, I practically cheered when I read the entry on fax machines. The other begins with:

The fax machine was obsolete 15 years ago. When someone says “fax it to me,” I always feel like I’m being punk’d. A fax machine is nothing more than a printer, scanner and an obsolete analog modem that work together to waste time, money, paper and electricity.

Talk about hitting the nail on the head.

The author then describes the process that it typically takes to send and receive a fax:

Documents that are faxed usually start out in digital format. So, to send a digital document digitally, it must be converted into a paper format. You insert the document, and the fax machine scans it back into a digital format. It then uses an analog modem from 1993 to convert the digital image into sounds!

The modem plays the noise over the phone line. At the other end, another fax machine also has a modem, which listens to the sounds, and converts them yet again into a digital document, just before it prints it out on paper. Now the data in the document has to be converted somehow into a digital format — either scanned or typed in by hand.

He then points out:

The document almost always begins and ends in digital format. But during this epic journey, the document is digital four times, paper twice and sound once.

Finally, he debunks the argument that I have never understood.

The mass delusion that perpetuates this obscenely inefficient technology is that paper “hard copy” is somehow more legitimate. In fact, gluing a copy of someone’s stolen signature to a document, then faxing it, is the easiest way mask a forgery because of the low quality of fax output.

Obviously, I agree with the author. My favorite point is the one he made in his first paragraph, “A fax machine is nothing more than a printer, scanner and an obsolete analog modem that work together to waste time, money, paper and electricity.” Let’s cut the waste. If you do have to fax, at least use a fax service, not an actual fax machine.

Is Faxing a Thing of the Past?

Bryan Sims — Mon, 09 May 2011 01:23:20 +0000

I know that Solo in Chicago has recently questioned whether it is time to get rid of his fax number.

I thought of his post when I saw this recent comic from Dilbert.

A New Member of My Office Staff

Bryan Sims — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:50:13 +0000

My goal is to replace my computer about every three years. My computer will hit three years in March 2011. However, I had noticed that it has been running really slow lately and I could see that the end was neigh. Rather than waiting for it to die before I replaced it, I recently ordered a new computer. Although it was not supposed to arrive until after the first of the year, I got it just before Christmas.

I bought a Dell Latitude E6410. From what I can tell, this is the successor to my old D630. It is approximately the same size as my D630, although it seems to weight a little less. Also, they have moved the battery from the front to the back. I like this change a lot, although it means that my VGA connection has been moved from the back to the left side of the machine. In other respects, I like the machine a lot.

For the most part, it is an updated version of what I used to have. However, it has a few notable differences. First, I got a lighted keyboard. This is absolutely awesome. I have used it several times already and don’t think I will buy another laptop without this feature.

Second, the computer came with Windows 7, which I am enjoying so far. This is a legitimate successor to Windows XP, which I have used for several years. It is responsive, fast to boot up, and works without a hitch. I had heard several good things about Windows 7, and I am glad to see that it works as well as advertised.

Additionally, on my old computer I was using Microsoft Office 2007. With this new computer, I upgraded to Office 2010. There are a lot of similarities between 2007 and 2010. However, there are a few differences, that I think are improvements. First, the file menu is back. This seems like a small thing. However, I like it. Also, in Office 2007, the interface for Outlook was essentially Office 2003, with some 2007 features. With 2010, Outlook now works just like the rest of the suite.

As an added bonus, Outlook is working much faster. I don’t know if this is because Outlook 2010 is a faster, leaner, program, or if it is because of Windows 7, or if it is because I have a faster machine with more RAM (or some combination of the three). Regardless, Outlook 2010 loads a lot faster and works a lot faster for me that 2007 ever did.

Finally, my new computer is red. I prefer this greatly over the silver that I have had on my two previous laptops. I know that this is a small thing, however, I am glad that I went with a color other than silver.

Addendum:I forgot to mention that there is one change on my new computer that I do not like. On my old laptops, the tops were secured by a locking mechanism that I had to slide to unlock. With my new computer, the unlocking method is to push a button. The lock that locks the top seems to require more force to make sure that the lid is locked. Also, the button release makes it much easier to accidentally release the top.

Multiple Monitors Does Not Mean Multitasking

Bryan Sims — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:53:42 +0000

I am a big proponent of using multiple monitors. Given this, you might be surprised that I agreed with much of what John Heckman had to say in his recent post Dual Monitors and Multitasking–A Contrarian View. John explains:

I recently reorganized my office and wound up with an extra monitor. Since “everybody” swears by dual monitors (or more) I thought I’d give it a shot. Much to my surprise I found the extra monitor distracting and somewhat annoying. After using the second monitor for a couple of weeks to see if it would grow on me, I finally dumped it.

This will probably stir up vigorous protests, but in thinking about it, I realized that dual monitors is a special case of multi-tasking. While I can see certain cases where it would be useful, in general I think people are kidding themselves if they think they are being more productive when multi-tasking. Some exceptions include things like sending emails on your Blackberry during boring meetings (which by definition aren’t very productive anyway), or having multiple documents displayed side by side when you are trying to consolidate them.

John then goes on to talk about a Stanford study that shows that humans are not good at multitasking. And that what we often think of as multitasking is really just dividing our attention between multiple things for short periods of time.

The fact of the matter is that “multitasking” in a real sense (or as a computer would understand it) does not really exist. What multitasking really amounts to is that you divide up your time into more or less small “slices” and simply switch rapidly from one “slice” to another. You are still doing one thing at a time, but switching back and forth in rapid succession. So if you “multitask” by doing four things in twelve minutes, you actually focus (for example) on each one of them three times in one minute “slices.” For better or worse, human beings simply do not have quad core (or even dual core) brains.

I agree with everything that he has to say here. Multitasking for humans just means we do more things less well. However, that is not a reason to abandon a multiple monitor set up. Now, if you are using your multiple monitors to monitor Twitter, constantly check your email, follow your Facebook friends, watch the stock ticker, and monitor the score in your favorite game, you are likely not increasing your productivity at all. In fact, I feel pretty comfortable that your productivity is abysmal.

However, I do believe that multiple monitors can benefit many attorneys. An example of this how I use multiple monitors in my practice. At my office, I work with a three monitor set up. I have my laptop monitor along with two external monitors. the external monitors are the same size and resolution.

The external monitors provide more space to work on and they are my primary working monitors. On my laptop, I keep open my time and billing program, thus helping to ensure that I do not forget to keep track of my time. I also use this monitor to stash any programs or documents that I have open that I am not using at the moment.

I use the monitor in the middle as my main working monitor. In my experience, when I am working on something, I am almost always looking at something else. Sometimes it’s other pleadings, sometimes it’s discovery documents, other times its legal research. Regardless, it is usually something. This something, is what I have on the left monitor.

Thus, I regularly use multiple monitors, however, I am not using it for multitasking, I am using it to keep the information I need to do my job in the best position for me to work with it.

Obviously, my set up will not work for everyone. However, I think it is something to consider.

Note: I believe that John acknowledged these benefits in his post.

Second Monitors Allow You to Work Smarter

Bryan Sims — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:47:03 +0000

I know that I have written about this concept a lot. Thus, rather than blathering on about how much a second monitor can increase your efficiency, I will point you to an excellent post from Laura Calloway, the PMA for the Alabama State Bar. She begins:

If you’re not already doing so, one of the most productive (and cost effective) technology changes that you can make is to add a second monitor to your computer. Adding a second monitor is inexpensive, (generally under $200 for the monitor and an additional video card, if you need one). If you already have an extra one lying around the office, so much the better. And unlike lots of other technology upgrades, adding a second monitor won’t tie up a whole afternoon – or longer – and make you want to pull your hair out.

Go here to read her entire post.

HP Buys Palm. Yawn

Bryan Sims — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:41:32 +0000

Today, in response to the news that HP has bought Palm, Futurelawyer said:

There was a time when I salivated at every new Palm product, and greedily grabbed one for myself. There was a time when a Palm was part of my wardrobe, and accompanied me every waking moment. But, alas, time marches on. Old friends die. Sometimes, they get sold to a new owner, and die with a barely audible whimper.

Ditto.

My Latest Acquisition: Samsung P2570HD

Bryan Sims — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:11:29 +0000

I have written before about how I believe multiple monitors can improve your efficiency. Last week I was working at home and the second monitor I had was not cutting it. The resolution did not allow me to see enough to work properly. Consequently, I jumped on to Amazon and started checking out their monitor selection. At the office I have two external monitors. For the house, however, I decided to go with one, larger monitor. Thus I picked up this beauty.

It is a Samsung P2570HD. Basically, I just picked up a 24.6 inch monitor that doubles a TV, if I want it to. The picture has the monitor next to my laptop for comparison’s sake.

The reviews on Amazon were pretty good and I have to echo those. It is a beautiful monitor that works really well. (I have not tried using it as a television yet). The picture is nice and clear and it displays two pages side by side in Word just beautifully.

If you are looking for a larger monitor, you could certainly do a lot worse than this one. Do check the prices on this, however. The price Amazon has is currently more than what I paid for it. However, you can buy it from J&R (through Amazon) right now for slightly less than what I paid for it.

Motorola Droid

Bryan Sims — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:10:34 +0000

I have used a Palm based PDA since I entered private practice in 2000. I started with a black & white Handspring Visor. I then moved on to a Prism. I played with a Palm T|X for a review (and loved it), then moved on to a Treo 600, then a Treo 650, and finally a Treo 755p. I was excited when I saw Palm announce the Pre, then highly disappointed when I discovered that it was initially available only on Sprint’s network.

I have been waiting for more than a year to upgrade my phone to something I like better. The 755 was getting a little slow, but I just didn’t see anything that caught my eye. At least not until the Droid was unveiled. A couple of weeks ago, I picked up a Droid and jettisoned my Palm devices. Coincidentally, the week that I got my Dorid was the week that Palm finally made the Pre and Pixi available with Verizon. My response to learning this was much the same as Futurelawyer’s, who said:

If you had told me a year ago that Palm’s new handsets, the Pre and the Pixie, would be finally available for sale on Verizon Wireless today, and that they would be able to be turned, with software, into WiFi hotspots that could support up to five users at a time, I would be jumping for joy, chomping at the bit, ready to stand in line. Today, I am not impressed. Why? Well, in the year that Palm shot itself in the foot by tying its great new handsets to Sprint, the worst cell company in the world, the other manufacturers haven’t been sleeping. Android has matured into a mobile OS that really gets the job done, and the new OLED screens are big and sharp and beautiful.

If the Pre had been available with Verizon a year ago, I would have snatched it up. Palm did me a favor, however. The joined forces with Sprint, thus allowing me to save my money for a year and pick up the Droid now. I have had it for just over a week, and I love it.

The screen is big, beautiful, and responsive. My wife has a Blackberry Storm, and I find my Droid screen much more responsive than that found on the Storm. Additionally, the available apps are plentiful and easily installed. I have received good reception on the phone and it’s wi-fi easily connects to any network I have tried. Further, I love the integration between it and Google Voice. In sum, there is a lot to love about this phone.

Is it perfect? Of course not. I am not thrilled with the sync options available to sync contacts and calendar. I have tried some third party apps for the synching as well and I am just not pleased with any of the results. On the other hand, I hold out hope that better options are coming. In the meantime, what I have works just fine. I just wish it worked better.

I guess what I am saying is Palm: So long. I knew you well. However, I am now practicing law with a Droid, and loving every minute of it.

Multiple Monitors: Are They Good For Everyone?

Bryan Sims — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:28:47 +0000

I am big fan of using multiple monitors. I find that it increases my productivity, especially when I am doing research or drafting. At my office, I use a three monitor setup. At home, I use a two monitor setup.

My monitors at the office

Recently, however, I read a post from Lawyerist.com in which the attorney tried a multiple monitor setup and did not like it. He explains:

At first, I used the second monitor just for email, so I could work on the other screen. Bad idea. Having email open all the time is the ultimate attention diverter. At time I felt like I was watching paint dry, just waiting for another email to come in. Big waste of time.

Then I switched to using the second monitor as my “always” calendar. That was nice and convenient, but again, a big attention waster and a waste of a monitor.

Using the two monitors to view two documents was not all that helpful either. One, the monitors were different sizes, different resolutions, and had different contrasts. I found myself comparing the two monitors constantly, rather than actually getting work done.

I agree that using the second monitor just to check email is not a good idea. That really makes you a slave to your email. However, I do often use the monitor for my calendar and contacts, so they are convenient. On suggestion I would make, however, is try and make sure that your additional monitors are the same shape and size (the same model is actually ideal). As the author noted, using monitors with different resolutions can be very distracting.

The author concludes:

I have been using one boring monitor for two months now, and I love it. Two monitors may impress people, but when it comes to actually using them, it is not worth the trouble or the cost.

I don’t agree with this conclusion. Multiple monitors are worth the trouble and the cost; at least for some people. Not everyone will benefit from using multiple monitors. I don’t find this unusual. Instead, I find it normal. Different people use their computers differently. The fact that I (and many others) find multiple monitors useful, does not mean that everyone will. However, I would suggest that, if you have not tried multiple monitors yet, don’t let the post dissuade you. Give them a try.

I have talked with several people about using multiple monitors. I have yet to have any of them tell me that they regretted making the move.