Sam recently pointed out the Nexus One’s ability to take voice dictation, so it is only fair for me to review a similar app for the iPhone, called Dragon Dictation. While the app works extremely well, I think it has limited usage possibilities.

Sam uses a dictation when he is working at home and needs to send an email while holding a crying baby. Another possible use is when you need to dictate something while driving (assuming your state does not ban cell phones while driving).

The main problem I have with dictating to a smartphone is that it still requires hands to access the app, and select where you want the translated text to go. For example, if you dictate while driving, you still need to use your hands to choose “email,” pick a recipient, and hit send. The translating is not all that fast either (allegedly because it sends your recording to a server, and then sends it back).

On the other hand, if you are not a fan of the iPhone’s virtual keyboard, the app will alleviate that problem. Or, if you happen to have a fussy baby on your lap.

Dictate to Your iPhone is a post from: Lawyerist

In a head-to-head, feature-to-feature battle, CNET picks the Nexus One as the better phone.

Couple the N1’s advantages with a lower overall price tag and Google’s ability to keep the sci-fi-like apps coming, and it should be a contender—if not the clear choice—for the space in your pocket.

Google Nexus One versus IPhone 3GS – The War Is On | FutureLawyer

CNET Prefers the Nexus One to the iPhone 3GS is a post from: Lawyerist

In order for our gadgets to become sentient and take over the world, they must first learn to understand us. The Nexus One is poised to lead the way, with voice recognition built into nearly everything.

Sending an e-mail by talking to your phone may seem somewhat backwards, at first, but I first realized how wonderful this is when I was trying to juggle a fussy baby and send an e-mail to Randall the other day. Instead of fumbling over the onscreen keyboard, I just hit the microphone and spoke my message clearly. Since then, I use the voice recognition all the time.

Swipe to Start Voice Input on Android | Smarterware

Talk to Your Nexus One is a post from: Lawyerist

I took delivery of a shiny, new Nexus One a few weeks ago. Unlike Randall, who started blogging exuberantly about his iPhone the moment he got it, decided to live with the phone for a little while before writing a review.

Why I chose the Nexus One

My last few phones have been two- or three generations out of date. I have been using a Blackberry Pearl for the last two years, for example. It just kept getting slower as the limited software I had for it kept pace with newer phones, leaving my hardware in the dust. I wanted to move from the trailing edge to the cutting edge.

The iPhone was never really an option for me. It is a great device, but I do not like Apple’s draconian, closed-source business model. I am a Linux guy at heart, and I am embedded in Google’s platform, so Android made more sense. That meant the Motorola Droid, if I wanted the cutting edge, until the Nexus One arrived.

I also liked the Nokia N900 a lot, but Maemo, its operating system, is very new and has fairly limited community support. And the Palm Pre. I have always had a soft spot for Palm, and the Pre’s WebOS is a sweet platform.

But when the Nexus One came out, it seemed to satisfy all my priorities. With Google finally getting behind a phone, I could count on the Nexus One getting plenty of attention, long-term support and updates. Plus, it was built with cutting-edge technology, including a faster processor than the iPhone and Pre. Price helped, too. The Nexus One on T-Mobile is significantly cheaper than the iPhone on AT&T or the Palm Pre Plus or Motorola Droid on Verizon.

So, faster, newer, Google-friendly phone with the prospect of healthy support from Google, all at a lower price? Sold.

Purchasing the Nexus One

The only way to buy the Nexus One is at google.com/phone. It costs $529 unlocked, or $179 with a two-year contract on T-Mobile. Overnight delivery via FedEx is included. I ordered mine Saturday afternoon, and it was processed and shipped Monday night, then delivered on Tuesday morning.

Hardware

The Nexus One is a solid, attractive device. In the looks department, it is probably Miss Congeniality when measured against the iPhone and Pre, but it still looks darn good.

The case is mostly metal and glass, so it feels substantial in the hand, but actually a bit smaller than an iPhone. Build quality, from what I can see, is excellent. HTC’s torture testing is surely the reason. The screen is large, bright, and responsive. The operating system feels fast, but not necessarily faster than a 3G S or Droid, despite the faster processor.

The camera, at 5 megapixels, is more powerful than my point-and-shoot. At the same time, I am not sure the Nexus One can really take advantage of all that detail. The tiny camera lens seems to be the bottleneck. Pictures are a little oversaturated and grainy, and the white-balance is off, despite the big hardware. I dropped the megapixels to 3, which helped, but the camera needs some tweaking.

The call quality and sound are great, including the speaker phone. I had read that some people were having trouble with speaker volume, but I have found it perfectly adequate for my needs, which do not include using my phone as a boombox.Which brings up a good point: if you want to use the Nexus One as a music player, you will want to replace the 4GB microSD card it comes with. You can expand the storage to 32GB, which then makes the Nexus One a decent music player, though not on par with the iPhone.

The only glitch I have encountered seems to involve the proximity sensor, which turns the screen off when you are talking on the phone, and the notifications panel. The touchscreen locks up about every third or fourth phone call, making it impossible to use the dialpad or hang up the call. I am not sure whether this is a hardware problem with my phone, or a software problem that will be fixed soon. Google updated the software on February 4th, so hopefully that will fix the issue. (Update: So far, this seems to be the case.)

Software

Android is a very good operating system, and the Nexus One comes with the latest version, which has some nice tweaks. For example, you can add a convenient “power” widget to your desktop, so you can easily turn the various radios (3G, wi-fi, GPS) on and off, and control screen brightness. The photo gallery app is updated, and you can add some fancy “live” wallpapers, which are very pretty, but useless eye candy.

Android is built to integrate with Google, so I was pleased, but not surprised, to see how easy it was to integrate with Google Voice. I added my Google Apps account, so I had access to all my contacts, and then set the phone to always use Google Voice for outgoing calls and text messages. Done. Now, I use Google Voice with every call, transparently, and my friends, family, and clients, are naturally making the switch. My cell phone number remains the same, of course, so they can still reach me that way, if they like.

Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts are all outstanding. Checking e-mail on an iPhone is a chore compared to checking it on the Nexus One. Which makes sense. Google built the software to work with its services. You have full access to the features of your mail, calendar, and contacts, and the Nexus One will integrate your Facebook and other social networking contacts, as well, to make your phonebook even more useful.

I was particularly excited to try Google Maps’ new GPS navigation features, which is free, and works great, as advertised. I do not own a regular GPS device, but I see no reason to buy one, now. I just need to figure out a way to mount my Nexus One on the dash. (There are rumors that Google plans to release a dash mount in the near future, so I may not have to wait long.)

Part of the advantage of a modern smartphone is the ability to customize it with apps. The Android Market may not be quite as large as the App Store, but you will find most of what you need. All the Google Apps are available, of course, and all the social networks (Facebook has an official Android app, and Seesmic has a very good Twitter app). I got Evernote, as well, so I am nearly set up. The only things missing are Freshbooks and Dropbox, both of which have yet to release an Android app, although I am confident they will do so in the near future.

The Android Market has ways to go in the gaming department, but I was satisfied with Robo Defense, which is plenty of entertainment for me while I am sitting in a waiting room.

Verdict

Get one. This is a sweet phone. Do not shy away from the high price of an unlocked Nexus One. You will pay less for the Nexus One over a two-year unlocked contract with T-Mobile than you would pay for an iPhone on AT&T, Droid on Verizon, or Pre on Sprint or Verizon, over a similar contract.

One caveat: this is a Google-centric phone. It will work just fine with MSN/Hotmail, Yahoo! or other accounts, but it really shines when you use Google’s services. Kind of like the iPhone is at its best with Apple’s MobileMe services.

I will be writing more about the Nexus One, because I am keeping it. I love this phone.

Google Nexus One Smartphone Review is a post from: Lawyerist

I think the iPad will be a big disappointment for Apple and its customers.

Look, this is just a giant iPod Touch, and that is about it. Kind of like a phone, but it does not fit into a pocket. And no multitasking, full-version software, USB ports, video outs, or Flash. Microsoft tried this with Windows CE, and look where that wound up.

The iPad has a processor slower than a netbook, no physical keyboard, and runs a stripped-down version of OS X. Not stripped-down like Google’s Chrome OS, which can still run a full browser and software, but stripped-down like the iPhone.

You want to browse the web and carry a lighter computer? Get a netbook. You want portable, stripped-down apps? Get a smartphone. You want to play games on something too big for your pocket? Get a Wii. Paul Miller from Engadget put it this way:

Overall, the device just doesn’t do anything I can’t already accomplish more excellently with another device: I produce content on my laptop, I consume content on my TV, and there’s no way you’re convincing me that you can have the best web surfing experience without a keyboard.

When are you really going to reach for the iPad instead of one of your other devices?

The only thing the iPad really competes with is e-book readers like the Kindle and Nook. While the iPad is undoubtedly a fuller reading experience, those e-paper screens are still easier on the eyes than the iPad’s glossy, and soon-to-be smudgy touchscreen. Besides, the Kindle is much cheaper, while the iPad is bigger, heavier, and requires a monthly internet subscription if you want the Kindle’s always-on access to a bookstore.

If you really think tablets are the wave of the future, check out the HP Slate. The Slate is closer to what I imagined a tablet should be. A decent processor running a real operating system, so that I can check my e-mail, pull up my case files for the document camera in court, and use Skype to keep in touch with my associate. It is hampered by Windows 7, which is a great OS, but not (so far, anyway) particularly small-touchscreen-friendly.

I do want a tablet/slate/pad/whatever, but the iPad is not what I am looking for. I do not think it is what American consumers are looking for, either, and I predict Apple’s first major flop in some time.

(image: unknown)

The iPad: Apple’s Newest iFlop? is a post from: Lawyerist

About a year ago, I started blocking off Friday on my calendar, calling it a “writing day.” Apart from the odd court date I have no control over, that block of time is inviolable. I use my Fridays to work from home (where I am right now), catch up on reading material, write briefs or blog posts, or catch up on administrative tasks.

It took a little bit of ingenuity to make sure I could get everything done from anywhere, but here is what I use to keep my office functioning on the move.

Remote access to files

In order to get things done outside the office, you must be able to get to your files. I use Dropbox to sync files between my office computer and home (and to my law clerk’s computer, for that matter).

All mobile files—any that leave the office, really—whether on a laptop or flash drive, must be encrypted. This is a rigid policy at my firm.

Fortunately, encryption is easy to do. I use the built-in Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption on my laptop. My law clerk uses Apple’s built-in FileVault on his Macbook Air. You could also use TrueCrypt, if you do not have one of those programs built into your operating system. (You need Windows Vista Enterprise or Ultimate for BitLocker, and same will be true for Windows 7.)

Getting phone calls from anywhere

Some Fridays, I want to be able to answer the phone. I use Skype at the office, so it is easy enough to use it at home, too. I have a Philips VOIP 080 handset that I enjoy using, but you can find Bluetooth headsets, wired headsets, and many other options.

Call quality varies, but I get excellent call quality nearly everywhere, including the occasional coffee shop crowded with other web workers.

If you are not using Skype at work, you could just as easily forward your work phone to your Skype account or mobile phone on Fridays—or just wait until Monday to check your messages.

Wireless printing

Working from home is no fun if you are tied to the printer. I use a Netgear wireless print server so that if I need to print a letter or brief draft, I can hit the print button from the backyard.

Setting it up is a piece of cake. I finally got around to reconnecting it this morning, so I just did it again. Netgear includes an easy-to-follow walkthrough that mostly involves plugging in your printer, the print server, and your computer to one another so they can all say hello.

Total cost of all this technology, not counting the laptop: about $200 to set up, and about $100 per year, if you get all the premium features of Skype and Dropbox.

So next Friday, get thee out of thy office and onto thy porch!

Edit: my home-office assistant just reminded me how important it is to have a home-office assistant:

A home-office assistant is critical to your home-office productivity and Friday happiness.

(photo: Plutor)

Work From Home (or Anywhere Else) on Fridays is a post from: Lawyerist

People often assume that I am capable of immense technological feats because I have a paperless law office and know what Linux is. I am not. I just take a different approach to technology than many lawyers: I am not complacent, and I am quite impatient.

Technology should free up your time, increase your efficiency, and make your life easier. If your technology tools are not doing these things, you are using the wrong technology. Find something better.

Be impatient with technology, not complacent

If you cannot get comfortable with a piece of technology quickly, stop using it. I do not mean that you should feel like an expert, just that you should be able to get the general feel for the software and whether it will work for you. If it is hard to learn, chances are it will be hard to use.

Good technology works the way you want it to, not the other way around. Do not make the mistake of thinking the technology you need will be computer software or hardware. Pens, paper, and manila folders are technology, too, and I have not found a better way to track what I need to do on my cases than my weekly work plan.

But become proficient with your tools

When you find technology you can work with, take the time to become proficient. Too many lawyers never take the time. Once you get a sense for what will work for you, hire a consultant, take a class, and get proficient.

If you do not want to spend the time (and possibly money) to become proficient with the tools you have chosen, stop using those tools and go back to what you do know, even if that means pen and paper. There is no point sticking with tools you cannot use well.

When it comes to your business systems, impatience can be a virtue.

(photo: headexplodie)

Bad Technology Is Not Worth Your Time: Be Impatient is a post from: Lawyerist

Even if you have read our previous posts on data security and encryption, your computer data is probably still at risk. Scientific American recently reported on a variety of “side-channel” data vulnerabilities–threats of data theft through passive or mechanical means that bypass your software and operating system altogether.

Below are five frightening new ways to steal the data on your computer:

1. Reading data from the reflection on your eyeball

New techniques involving telescopes and cameras are now able to capture computer data from monitor reflections on eyeballs, glasses, and office picture frames.

2. Stealing data from your monitor’s radio emissions

Computer monitors radiate low-voltage signals from their power cords which allow people with sophisticated monitoring equipment to capture and reassemble the images on your monitor.

3. Capturing network data from the flashes on a router

The constantly-flashing LED lights on network routers can be recorded to capture the data bits traveling through them. These patterns can be reassembled to decipher communications going through the router.

4. Copying printer data from the sound of the printer head

Some printers — especially the old dot matrix variety — make small noises as they move across your paper. These sound frequencies are slightly unique depending on what movement the printer head is making. By recording the sound waves of a printer, special algorithms can decipher the text being printed.

5. Learning your passwords from the radio frequency of your keyboard

Similar to capturing the electronic frequencies emitted by monitors, keyboards emit unique low-voltage radio frequencies with each keystroke. Basic radio-frequency monitors can be combined with capture software to copy anything typed. Check out this video of keystroke theft in action:

Thankfully, at this point these data invasion methods are seldom-used. However, for that reason, there also are few countermeasures or security products on the market to prevent espionage through these side-channel methods. While it is unlikely most attorneys need to worry much about these vulnerabilities, anyone with especially-secure client or corporate data should at least spend a few minutes thinking about whether they could present real threats.

How Hackers Can Steal Secrets from Reflections | Scientific American

(photo: annieominous)

Five shocking ways your computer is at risk is a post from: Lawyerist

Earlier this week we mentioned a great deal on Adobe’s Photoshop Elements photo editing software, which is 40% off for the next week.

On Friday, Peter Berge at Small Firm Success found a bargain on the Epson R280 color photo and CD/DVD printer, currently priced as low as $55.00.

As Peter notes:

“The R280 is an excellent photo printer. It uses the Epson Claria ink system (Epson does have an even higher end ink system, UltraChrome K3, but Claria is plenty good for producing lush photos) using six separate ink cartridges. Printing on photo paper (like Epson’s Luster or my favorite Museo) you get a truly professional quality photo. You can, frankly, produce a better product that a photo store because you have so much more control using a program like Photoshop Elements and the Epson printer. Whether for a demand letter or preparing photo evidence, this printer will give you quality results and can print up to an 8.5 x 11 print.

“As more and more information in cases is digital, you will likely find yourself in the position of creating DVDs or CD-ROM in discovery or preparing demand. The R280 has an attachment that allows you to print directly on inkjet printable CDs and DVDs. You get a vastly more professional looking product than just scribbling on the disc with a Sharpie®.

“It also prints text just fine and fairly speedily at 38 pages per minute. I have to say, however, it feels like riding a racehorse to go get groceries. This printer really was made to print high quality professional resolution pictures in beautiful color!”

If you are in the market for new hardware, now might be the time to pick up some great bargains.

Deal: Epson photo/CD-ROM printer only $55 is a post from: Lawyerist

From Alex Payne’s “rules for computing happiness,” here are two that every lawyer should consider when selecting office software:

• Use software that does one thing well.
• Do not use software that does many things poorly.

There are plenty more, and while you may disagree, they provide good food for thought.

I agree with most, although I think a Linux or Windows PC is perfectly fine for home computing. Windows is especially great if you enjoy a bloated operating system bogged down by anti-virus software.

al3x’s rules for computing happiness | al3x (Thanks Dave!)

The path to computing happiness is a post from: Lawyerist