Futurelawyer

Apes With Tablets - Will They Be iPads?

RoboBonobo: A Project To Outfit Apes With Tablets and Telepresence Bots - Slashdot. If it's Friday, this must be the day we give the apes tablet computers. There is no way that an ape named Caesar will teach the other apes to talk, and they will take over the world, and that a future spacecraft will deposit 3 weak humans who talk, on the planet now known as Planet of the Apes, is there? Playing games with apes playing games with tablets. What next?

This Internet Is So Nineties...

In the early days of the Internet, we used text based menus to get information from other computers. No wonder I had a hard time getting other lawyers to use it. The library in this video had one computer with Internet access. You had to sign up for time; just like the mainframe days. OMG.

When Wal-Mart Sells It, You Know It's An Appliance

HP Folio 13 ultrabook dips to $799 at Wal-Mart | Nanotech - The Circuits Blog - CNET News. While I am still of the belief that the extra 2 pound tradeoff between ultrabooks and modern notebook computers isn't worth an extra $500 to $1,000, it has to be a good sign for working lawyers when you can get an ultrabook at Walmart for $800. It doesn't have the fastest processor; but, the core I3 in this HP Folio is plenty fast enough for what lawyers typically do. The SSD drive is responsive and quick; and, it not likely to fail in your or my lifetime. Keep in mind that, by adding a couple of pounds to the weight, you can get a Core I7 processor, and a monster hard drive, and 8 gigabytes of RAM for around the same price. Now that I am tabletized, I don't think I would want to carry even a 3 pound ultralight around. My little 1 pound tablet can be carried with two fingers, and slips in any briefcase as an afterthought. When I want to do real work, I have the notebook plugged in at home or the office. That is about the only place I carry it anymore. So, Wal-Mart shoppers, since we are in the appliance era of notebook computers, you might want to mosey over to the electronics aisle. This is America, after all.

Epson Moverio BT-100 - Android In Your Glasses

Epson Moverio BT-100 - Android Powered Interactive Display - Epson America, Inc.. Yesterday, I highlighted the Android in a Watch, I'm Watch, that is coming in April. Today, I am highlighting the next great Android innovation; wearable 3D glasses that superimpose Android on a virtual display as an addition to real view. These glasses are available now; but, the real apps are coming in May of this year and later on. The touch pad acts like an Android controller. Watch videos and movies, or browse the web, or anything else an Android computer can do. The glasses simulate an 80 inch display. May you live in interesting times, and have interesting gadgets.

How Is Your Computer Like A Wild Animal?

What%u2019s the Difference Between Sleep and Hibernate in Windows? - How-To Geek. What do you never do, in addition to tugging on Superman's cape, and messing around with Jim (apologies to Croce)? Why, poke a stick at a sleeping bear, right? Well, your computer is like that. If you have ever played around with the Power settings or the Start button, you have seen options like "Sleep" or "Hibernate". Sleep is just what it sounds like. The screen goes dark, and the computer just sits there until you wake it up, usually with the space bar, or the power key. Hibernate is a deeper sleep, in which your running programs and data are stored in snapshot form, and, when you come out of hibernation, usually with the power key, the last active state of the computer is restored. It really is that simple. If you are going to be away from the computer to get a cup of coffee, you might want to click the Start key, click the Shut Down key, and click Sleep. If you are going to be away from the computer for a longer time, click Hibernate. Now, go away. I am feeling the need for a nap.

Your Life Is An Open Activity Report

Google Now Offers a Monthly Account Activity Report. I am happy that Google's Monthly Activity Report is opt in as a default. You have to actually tell Google that you want every minute of your life on the computer analyzed, scrutinized, and otherwise-ized. OMG. No more web browsing for you. On the one hand, Google Analytics can give you pie charts and reports that visualize all the time you spent browsing Lady GaGa, and how much time was spent actually using Google Scholar for legal research. If you are responsible for a firm network, this might actually be useful information. On the other hand, I just use the computer and Google to be more productive in my life. I really don't care how much time I spend on work or at home. I am a solo so that I get to make those decisions, and not some other geek with an analytic report in hand or on a clipboard, peering at me through glasses and a frown. 

Google TV And Roku - Fun In The Cloud

Google TV with Logitech Revue - Video Review. I could have chosen any one of a number of comparison pieces about Internet TV; but, I chose this one from India in order to show that this technology is becoming ubiquitous across the planet. The choice of the $99 Logitech Revue gives access to the Android universe and its many applications. However, the tiny Roku boxes, deliver wired access to the Internet, for $48, and both wired and wireless for $98. The Rokus also, however, give access to games and some very strange and unusual channels. I often get questions from lawyers who want to become more tech literate about what to do. My advice these days is to get Google TV or a Roku, and subscribe to the TWIT channels of Leo LaPorte. Just watching and listening for a couple of weeks will increase your tech intelligence. 

The Android Watch Is Finally Here

Features | i'm Watch. Over a year ago, I took a $50 flyer on a deposit for a product that didn't yet exist. In about 3 weeks my new Android Watch will be delivered; and, pricey as it is, at around $250, you know the FutureLawyer had to have one of these. It is the closest thing to the Dick Tracy watch of my youth that science has yet come up with, and it doesn't look too geeky. I don't think. But, what do I know. You be the judge, and take a look at the video. I will do a complete review when I receive it. Uh, you can't put your iPhone on your wrist, can you? 

Why We Need Law And Lawyers

Execupundit.com: Hollow Behavior and Culture. This thought provoking post from Execupundit caused me to do some thinking about lawyers. We are hated and loved, respected and feared, disdained and ordained with super powers. However, our first and best function is to respect and work within a system of laws, and to keep it operating. Without favor or favoritism. Without lucre or malice. Law and Justice are not just words on a page.

Lumia 900 - Can A Windows Phone Beat The iPhone?

HANDS ON: Nokia's Gorgeous Lumia 900, Microsoft's Only Chance To Beat The iPhone. I am intrigued with the square corners and cool tiles of Windows Mango, the new smartphone OS that is just now getting traction. In a few months, we will be seeing the flagship phone, and Nokia's entry into the high end phone market. Nokia owns the world feature phone market, but has been lagging in the smart phone category; and, this little phone may be the one that challenges iPhone for the lead. Of course, hard core Android users like myself are quite happy with the Googleverse. But, we love everything that competes with Apple, and this phone will. My big problem is that, to try one out, I will have to get an AT&T account. Ugh. Double Ugh. Will I hold my nose and try it? Probably not. So, you will have to tell me about it.