Is iCloud Suitable for Lawyer Use to Transmit and Store Confidential Client Information?

Posted on May 18, 2012 by

Cloud storage services provide tremendous convenience by allowing the mobile lawyer to store data on Apple’s cloud servers and access it via iPad, iPhone, OS machines or PCs.  However, lawyers considering the use of  iCloud to store and transmit confidential client data would be wise to review the iCloud Terms of Service (“TOS”) to assess whether they believe the iCloud TOS provisions are sufficient to comply with the ethical requirements for protecting client confidences.

Conceptually, cloud storage providers are analogous to copy services and other litigation support businesses to whom lawyers entrust confidential client information.  Such outside service providers are considered to be non-lawyer assistants under Model Rule 5.3 which states that lawyers have an obligation to ensure that the conduct of the non-lawyer employees they employ, retain or become associated with is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer:

Model Rule 5.3 provides that a lawyer retaining such an outside service provider is required to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the service provider will not make unauthorized disclosures of client information. Thus, when a lawyer considers entering into a relationship with such a service provider he or she  must ensure that the service provider has in place, or will establish, reasonable procedures to protect the confidentiality of information to which it gains access, and moreover, that it fully understands its obligations in this regard.

Potentially Problematic iCloud TOS Provisions

For the most part the iCloud terms of service appear to be reasonable. See http://www.apple.com/legal/icloud/en/terms.html   However, the following provisions should give lawyers pause:

“You acknowledge and agree that Apple may, without liability to you, access, use, preserve and/or disclose     your Account information and Content to law enforcement authorities, government officials, and/or a third party, as Apple believes is reasonably necessary or appropriate, if legally required to do so or if we have a good faith belief that such access, use, disclosure, or preservation is reasonably necessary to: (a) comply with legal process or request; (b) enforce this Agreement, including investigation of any potential violation thereof; (c) detect, prevent or otherwise address security, fraud or technical issues; or (d) protect the rights, property or safety of Apple, its users, a third party, or the public as required or permitted by law.”  See iCloud Terms of Service.

The iCloud TOS vests Apple with tremendous discretion to decide whether to disclose a users’ data.  Further, there is no provision requiring Apple to notify the iCloud user before any disclosure of confidential client information is made.  Without the safeguard of a provision requiring prior notice by Apple of an intent to disclose user information to third parities (so as to allow for legal challenge of the release), this lawyer’s assessment is that the iCloud Terms of Service do not provide adequate assurances that client information will be kept confidential.  Accordingly, I only use iCloud for the transmission and storage of non-confidential information.  Do you think that I am being too conservative in this regard?  Your comments are appreciated.


Posted in iPhone, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Hytech Lawyer’s New Favorite IPad Stylus (and it’s cheap!)

Posted on April 27, 2012 by

Previously we have recommended Wacom’s Bamboo rubber tipped stylus ($30).  We still believe that it is the best choice among the rubber tipped models.  However, I was recently given a Zip Stylus Z-1, 2-in-1 stylus/pen  by one of my Firm’s marketing professionals.  We are considering the Z-1 as a marketing trinket.  To my surprise, I was quite impressed.  What makes this stylus different is that in addition to having a retractable ball point pen on one end, it has a fine metal mesh capacitive tip (think soft fabric instead of brillo pad) on the other.  The result is that compared to a rubber tipped stylus, the Zip Z-1 Stylus virtually glides across the screen with little resistance.  It is the most natural writing of the many stylus models I have tried,   The price?– only $9.95 (available at the Hytech Lawyer store a/k/a Amazon http://astore.amazon.com/hytechlawyerc-20?node=7&page=4 ).

The stylus itself is compact being just 4″ long and about 3/8″ side, but feels comfortable in the hand.  The ink cartridge is replaceable.   If a natural writing feel is important to you, then I recommend you give the Zip Z-1 a try.

 

Posted in iPad, iPad (new 2012), iPad 2, Product Reviews | Leave a comment

The Hytech Lawyer Recommends Thirty-One Great Apps for Lawyers – Early Summer 2012

Posted on April 19, 2012 by

Some are old, some are new, but they have all made the Hytech Lawyer’s current recommended list of best iPad apps for Lawyers.

1.    Goodreader  ($4.99 App Store)

One of the best selling non-Apple apps for iPad in 2011.  This App allows you read and in most cases mark-up PDF and many other varieties of documents.  Also has a well designed document management system which permits multi-level document files (i.e., organizing documents by case/matter).  Aggressive development team constantly refines and updates programs.  A must have for the serious iPad lawyer.

2.    Documents To Go Premium  ($ 16.99  App Store)

Another must have application for the serious iPad lawyer.  Allows you to open, edit, save, email and create documents in the most popular word processing and spreadsheet applications to include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and WordPerfect.  Allows you to see redlines in documents with tracked changes although there is not capability to redline documents on the iPad (we are not aware of any Application that provides this functionality).

3.    Pages ($9.99 App Store)

Apple’s proprietary word processing program.  Most robust word processing program I am aware of on the iPad.  Converts Word documents for editing.  Documents created in Pages can be converted to Word and shared by various means. If you are going to draft documents on the iPad, you will want this App.

4.    SpiderOak  (Free upto 2 GB App Store)

SpiderOak does everything that Dropbox does and more  (allows cloud storage and the sharing of files between computers, smart phones, iPads, etc.), but is much more secure.  Your files are encrypted and SpiderOak does not have a key. SO DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSWORD.  To start out, you install the desktop app and select folders you want to backup. Once backed up, you can choose to sync them to other computers/devices or create “Share Rooms” to share files with other users.   I use SpiderOak in my practice for cloud storage (after 2 GB charges based on storage size), file transfers and collaboration with other. In my opinion a “must have” App.5

5.   Dropbox (Free up to 2 GB  APP Store)—NON-CONFIDENTIAL FILE USE ONLY

In some respects, Dropbox is a wonderful App.   It allows cloud storage and the sharing of files between computers, smart phones, iPads, you name it.  With this App you can make a file available to all your devices by moving to the Dropbox on any of your other computers/devices.  Incredibly easy to use.   The problem—there are serious questions about the security of files stored in Dropbox and access to them   (see my prior posts).  Further, the terms of service are such that Dropbox can pretty much do what it wants to with your files.  Thus, in my opinion Dropbox is not suitable for storing or transferring confidential and/or privileged materials.  However, it is probably true that using Dropbox to simply transfer files, and then deleting the files from Dropbox post transfer presents minimal risk.  I use it frequently for transferring nonconfidential files because many applications are designed with Dropbox capability.

6,   UPAD (4.99 App Store) (most natural handwriting and note taking)

UPAD allows you to use you iPad as a notepad for handwritten notes.  I use it everyday (with stylus) in place of my yellow legal pad (although UPAD does have yellow page templates).  I have tested almost every popular handwriting Application  (Penultimate (old #1 choice), Note Taker HD, Noteability, PaperDesk, PhatPad 7Notes HD Premium) and have found UPAD to be the easiest to use with the best file storage functionality and most natural writing feel.

7.    AudioNote ($ 4.99  The App Store) (syncs audio with your handwritten or typed notes)

 This is a particularly useful app that allows you to take handwritten or typed notes and audio record at the same time.  The recording is synced with your notes.  On playback, simply select a word from your notes and the audio that was occurring at the time the note was taken is played back. Great for witness interviews, depositions, meetings and classes.  Caution—keep in mind the ethical issues related to recording others without their knowledge.

8.    Smart Writing Tool- 7Notes HD Premium  (App Store 8.99) (Best handwriting to text conversion)

Finally an App with the ability to accurately and practically convert handwriting to text.  This  App has been updated multiple times and has evolved into a practical note-taking tool.  My handwriting is horrific, yet 7Notes converts almost every word correctly.  It does this by using a predictive language engine, which while generally accurate, struggles with proper names.

You have the option of having your text converted as you write, making corrections along the way, or converting to text later. In our testing, the text conversion was much more accurate in the “convert as you go” mode as compared to using the “convert later” feature.

7Notes allows for the exporting of documents by Email, DropBox (under the print function) or direct upload to Twitter or Facebook.  Right now the export is in text, image, or PDF  file formats,  but the developer is reportedly working on an export to Word feature that could be quite useful.  The App also integrates with Evernote after a $ 6.99 in App purchase.  This integration was not tested.

9.   AudioMemos  ($ .99 The App Store) (Best pure audio recorder)

Audio Memos is a professionally made audio recorder that provides great sound quality.  It has an intuitive interface, which is easy to use and full of powerful exporting and editing features. Caution—keep in mind the ethical issues related to recording others without their knowledge.

10  . Air Display ($9.99 App Store)

I have a dual monitor set-up IN MY OFFICE that I find to be very useful.  When on the road, I carry my laptop PC and an iPad2.  Air Display  allows me to use my iPad as a dual monitor for my laptop over a common Wi-FI network or via an ad hoc network. You can have an extended screen (screen view) or a duplicate screen.  Interestingly, the iPad functions as a touch screen for your Windows PC.  This gives you the option of using your iPad as a remote control for your PC or vice versa.

The duplicate screen mode could be also be used to display documents to a witness in deposition prep. The Lawyer on the PC and the witness with the iPad.

11. Keynote  ($ 9.99  The App Store)

Apple’s answer to PowerPoint for the iPad.  You can create presentations on the iPad, but I have found it more practical to prepare presentations in PowerPoint and then email them to my iPad.  Keynote will convert PowerPoint presentations to Keynote.  As you might expect from Apple, Keynote has some wonderful effects for transitions, etc.

 

 

12. Trialpad  ($89.00 The App Store)

In my opinion, Trialpad is one of the two best trial presentation applications available for the iPad  (the others being ExhibitView). It is also the most expensive (although cheap compared to the cost of preparing even one foam board exhibit). Trialpad allows you to organize documents and display them via projector or monitor system. You can highlight, redact, mark, and enlarge documents on the fly.  It also has the capability to organize and share video and has a whiteboard feature.  Documents are transferred to the iPad via Dropbox, e-mail, or iTunes sync.  Trialpad is intuitively designed and easy to use.

13. ExhibitView ($29.00 App Store)

ExhibitView has been in the trial presentation business for several years offering a $499.00 PC based trial presentation program that is designed to be easier to use than some of the more complex programs such as Sanction and Trial Director.  Last year they released an iPad application that has carried over this ease of use philosophy to the iPad.  The application has all of the basic trial presentation tools highlighting, blow-ups, marking and redactions that are needed by the typical trial attorney.  You can also create slides using the mark up tools and save them as separate documents.  Not quite as robust as TrialPad, but a bargain at its current price.  The app has recently been updated and new features added.

14. Dragon  (Free. The App Store)

Wonderful free Application (I use the paid version on my PC at work).  Dragon is the leader in voice type dictation, i.e., it types what you say to it with amazing accuracy.  You can then cut and paste or email the text.  Caveat—your dictation is processed in the cloud—I would be hesitant to use it for confidential information.

15.  2Screens Presentation Expert  ($4.99.  The App Store)

2Screens allows you to show presentations from local documents on the iPad, or even show on the big screen websites in real time. It also features a menu only viewable on the iPad, and allows you to show pictures from your iPad and even play music in the background during your presentation. 2Screens Presentation Expert has presentation web browsing and whiteboard capabilities. It provides the ability to make notations, save the file to your iPad and email the presentation to others.  What makes 2Screens different is the available in app purchase Airshow.  With AirShow, the  iPad screen display can be replicated to web browsers on 6 audience devices which are on the same Wi-Fi network to which the iPad is connected.   This includes PCs, Macs, iPads, etc.  Great for meetings.  Besides showing slides, images and web contents, your annotations and laser pointer movement can also be shown up in real-time on these browsers.

16.  My Eyes Only (Free.  The App Store)

My Eyes Only allows personal information to be stored on iPads and iPhones without the threat of unauthorized access if lost or stolen. It secures your critical information using advance encryption and password protection.

 

 17.  Explain Everything  ($ 2.99 The App Store)

Originally designed for educators, “Explain Everything” is an easy-to-use design tool that lets you annotate, animate, and narrate explanations and presentations. You can also use Explain Everything as an interactive whiteboard using the iPad2 video display.

Explain Everything records on-screen drawing, annotation, object movement and captures audio via the iPad microphone. Import Photos, PDF, PPT, and Keynote from Dropbox, Evernote, Email, iPad photo roll and iPad2 camera. Export MP4 movie files, PNG image files, and share the .XPL project file with others for collaboration.

The potential uses for this app are only limited by your imagination. For example, you can create an animation showing the direction of travel of automobile involved in an accident. You can import and crop photographs, add graphics such as arrows, shapes, etc. You can also introduce typewritten text or handwriting. In a nutshell, with the app, you can put most anything on the screen and manipulate it in real-time, while the same time recording it for later presentation in movie format. The animations can be displayed from the app, or uploaded into Keynote or PowerPoint

18. Fastcase HD  (Free.  The App Store)

Fastcase HD is a free legal research application, putting the American law library in the palm of your hand. Fastcase contains cases and statutes from all 50 states and from the federal government. You can search by citation, keyword (in Boolean or natural language), or browse statute collections.  You cannot print or copy in this free version, but great for on the fly research.

19. LawStack  (Free. The App Store)

LawStack is a portable rules library.  It comes preloaded with the following:

  • US Constitution
  • Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
  • Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
  • Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
  • Federal Rules of Evidence
  • Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure

You can buy additional references for a fee, e.g., USC Code.

20. FedCtRecords ($9.99 The App. Store)

Finally– an application that allows you to easily navigate the Federal Court Pacer system on your iPad.   The application allows you to select the court you are interested in from a menu.  All you need is your Pacer ID and either the case name or civil action number.  You can pull up all general Pacer information and filed documents.  Documents can be viewed and emailed from the Application.  Once entered a case can be stored for future menu shortcut access.  This App is easy to use and well designed.

21.   Nolo Plain English Law dictionary (Free. The App Store)

Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary defines basic legal terms and Latin phrases.  Excellent resource.

22.      Feeddler RSS Reader Pro ($4.99 The App Store)

Feeddler is the most popular RSS reader for the iPad.  Feeddler is Google Reader client that stays perfect sync with Google and presents RSS stories in a clean and organized interface.  Great for following your favorite blogs and web sites.

23. DocScanner 5.0  ($3.99.  The App. Store)

With DocScanner, you can turn any document into a PDF by simply snapping a photo. The App can also accurately convert typed documents to text. I have found this “portable copier/scanner” to be very useful.

24. Skype for iPad (Free. The App Store)

The new iPad App for use with the popular video calling service Skype.  Call, video call, or instant message anyone on Skype for free. Plus, you can purchase Skype Credit enabling you to call landlines and mobiles at really low rates.

25. Teleprompt+ ($14.99.  The App Store)

Teleprompt+ is a simple yet powerful professional teleprompter for the iPad.  Perfect for use in speeches and presentations where you have a fixed script.  You control the speed of the scrolling.  I love this App but have only had occasion to use it three times in the year I have owned it.

26. Calvetica  ($  2.99.     The App Store)

An alternative calendar program that allows you to easily  flip through weeks and months of appointments much more quickly than the default calendar.  Syncs with the built in Calendar.

27.  WestlawNext  (Free, but need a WestlawNext account. The App Store)

Access WestlawNext features including, WestSearch™, KeyCite™, Folders, History, document notes and highlighting, browse database content and more — all redesigned for the iPad multi-touch screen.

28.  Infinote Pinboard for Todo and Notes  ($2.99. App Store

I use this virtual “post it” board for brainstorming and planning.  Much more intuitive than a traditional task list.  Unlimited virtual “Post-It” style notes that can be mover around, rearranged and transferred between folders.  I have used this app in team planning meetings displayed on a large HD or screen.  The notes are searchable, exportable and you can save them in separate folders/.

29. TripIt  (Free.  The App Store)

Allows you to manage and share your travel itineraries.  Upgrade available by subscription that will provide real time flight change, travel advisory and gate information.  However, the free version is very useful.

30.   Pimp Your Screen  (.99 App Store)

Pimp My Screen” was one of the most popular apps for 2011.  It contains a wide variety of lock shelf and home screen wallpaper choices for your iPad.  These are frequently updated and there are always a few seasonal picks.

31. AppShopper  (Free,  The App Store)

Allows you to track the hottest apps and receive alerts regarding price changes on Apps you want to purchase. Great way to keep up with the latest and greatest in Apps.

We would love to hear about any Apps that you think should be on our list.  Please comment or email me at Bill@hytechlawyer.com.

 

Posted in iPad, iPad (new 2012), iPad 2, Lawyer iPad Apps, Litigation tools, Security, Software Solutions, Trial or hearing tools | 1 Comment

Lawyers Having Fun— Spruce up Your iPad or iPhone Lock and Home Screen Wallpaper

Posted on April 5, 2012 by

When I teach iPad CLEs and give “iPad for Lawyers” demonstrations, participants often ask where they can find the cool home screen and lock screen wallpaper that happens to be on my iPad that particular day.  First, I explain that any photograph in your iPad or iPhone photo or camera roll files can be used as iPad wallpaper.

<—–Simply select the photo, and select the box and arrow icon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<— Then select “Use as wallpaper.”

 

 

 

<— At the top of the screen you will see the choices “Set Lock Screen” or “Set Home Screen”  – make your choice.

 

 

 

 

 

Voila– you have customized your wallpaper. In this case, the lock screen.

 

 

 

 

 

Now to answer the question — “where to get the coolest wallpaper?”   I use the “Pimp My Screen” (App Store .99) [watch out for lesser "pimp my . . ." copy cat apps].

 

 

 

 

 

“Pimp My Screen” was one of the most popular apps for 2011.  It contains a wide variety of lock shelf and home screen wallpaper choices.  These are frequently updated and there are always a few seasonal picks.   Several examples of screens are below.  Rest assured there are screens for every taste.  ENJOY!

 

Posted in iPad, iPad (new 2012), iPad 2, iPhone, Lawyer iPad Apps, Software Solutions | Leave a comment

The Lawyer’s Toolbox– Email Dictation on iPad1 and iPad2

Posted on April 1, 2012 by

One of the features that lawyers tell me they like best about the new iPad is the ability to dictate emails using the pseudo Siri built into the device.  You may be surprised to learn that this capability has been available for quite some time on the iPad1 and iPad2 as a feature of a now free application called Vlingo (App Store- Free) http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vlingo-voice-app/id297214191?mt=8

I first became familiar with Vlingo when I was a Blackberry user.  Then, when I transitioned to the iPhone4, I sought out the iPhone version of the app which I used regularly until switching to the iPhone4S that has Siri.

Vlingo is similar to Siri as far as dictation goes.  You can dictate emails, web searches, map searches and social media posts.  It is an iPhone App, but works well on the iPad  (simply activate the 2X button for full screen on the iPad).  On the iPhone, you can also dictate text messages.  The dictation accuracy improves as you use the application and correct its errors.   It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words– so I have recorded a crude video showing the Vlingo email dictation function at work.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnC5M1G8m6I

Enjoy!

 

Posted in iPad, iPad (new 2012), iPad 2, Lawyer iPad Apps, Software Solutions, Speech recognition, Voice type dictation | Leave a comment

Nearly Indestructible Waterproof Camera Great for Kids—The Hytech Lawyer on Vacation

Posted on March 21, 2012 by

When the Hytech Lawyer goes on vacation, it’s just another opportunity to try new gadgets in an out-of-office environment.   Today, we will be reviewing the Olympus “Tough One” TG-310 camera.  This was a February birthday present for my 11 year old daughter Maegan.  She likes to take photographs underwater and to make videos of all kinds.  With her input, we settled on the TG-310 ($133-200 Hytech Lawyer Store).

This is one truly tough camera that captures both high-quality pictures and HD video.  Waterproof, shockproof and freeze proof, the TG-310 is a great camera for a family ski vacation or just an afternoon by the pool.  An innovative system of waterproof seals and gaskets keeps water out so you can take pictures as deep as 10 feet underwater.  The camera’s rugged body and shock-absorbing construction are designed to withstand a 5-foot drop. A 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom captures even more of the subject into each shot. The lens does not protrude from its body, so it is further protected from harsh conditions. For those into cold weather sports, the TG-310 is winterized to perform at below-freezing temperatures. A simple one-touch button allows you to record movies with amazing clarity in high-definition right from your camera. Here are the specs:

  • Waterproof 10ft/ 3m 2.7″ LCD
  • 3.6 x Optical Zoom
  • Freezeproof -10C/14F
  • 720p HD Movie with HDMI
  • 14 megapixels (effective), 1/2.3 in. image sensor; 3.6x optical zoom plus 4x digital zoom
  • 2.7 inch LCD monitor; CCD contrast detection; One touch 720p HD movie with HDMI
  • Shockproof
  • Dual image stabilization; 3D Photos (even underwater)
  • TruePic III+ image processing
  • USB 2.0 High-Speed
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible (card not included)

The camera takes very good photographs and video. The video sound quality is good.  A few underwater photographs taken by my daughter at Discovery Cove in Orlando are provided as examples below:

We have only noticed one drawback to this camera– using the the HD video mode rapidly drains the battery.  For regular photographs, you should be able to get about 150 shots before needing recharge.   For about $12 you can buy an extra Olympus Li-42B Lithium battery, so as to have a charged spare handy. Note that care must be taken to make sure the waterproof battery compartment is securely sealed when changing batteries.

 

 

In summary—this is a camera you can hand to the kids and feel fairly secure it can take what they can “reasonably” dish out.

RECOMMENDED

 

 

 

Posted in Cameras | 1 Comment

iPad and iPhone Lawyers– IOS 5.1 Wireless Update Now Available for Download

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

IOS 5.1 is now available for download.  Does not appear to be particularly earth shattering.  The good news is that if you have kept your iPhone and IPad up to date, i.e., you have ISO 5.01 installed this update will be wireless and relatively painless. First make sure you have a good WIFI signal and that your device is well charged or plugged in to power.  Make sure your WIFI is turned on.

 

Simply go to “Settings”, then select “General”  and then “Software Update.”  When prompted select update and agree to the terms.   While this update is not very exciting, you always want to keep your operating system up to date This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

  • Japanese language support for Siri (availability may be limited during initial rollout)
  • Photos can now be deleted from Photo Stream
  • Camera shortcut now always visible on Lock Screen for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (4th  generation)
  • Camera face detection now highlights all detected faces
  • Redesigned Camera app for iPad
  • Genius Mixes and Genius playlists for iTunes Match subscribers
  • Audio for TV shows and movies on iPad optimized to sound louder and clearer
  • Podcast controls for playback speed and a 30 second rewind for iPad
  • Updated AT&T network indicator
  • Addresses bugs affecting battery life
  • Fixes an issue that occasionally caused audio to drop for outgoing calls

Rumor has it that IOS 6.0 is not that far in the future.  We will keep you posted.

Posted in iPad, iPad (new 2012), iPad 2, iPhone | Leave a comment

New iPad Features

Posted on March 7, 2012 by

Thanks to Geeknizer for this succinct listing of Specs for the iPad 3 HD.

http://geeknizer.com/ipad-3-full-specs/

 

Posted in iPad (new 2012), Software Solutions, Speech recognition, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Review of PaperPort Notes: Voice to Text Dictation App for the iPad

Posted on February 27, 2012 by

I was first exposed to the concept of voice type dictation as a young child viewing the original TV show Star Trek. In one particular episode involving the Enterprise travelling through time to 1960s Earth, actress Terri Garr was astonished to observe a typewriter type by itself everything she said in real-time.   Even as a youngster, I thought that the concept was extremely cool and envisioned how such a device would make my school work so much easier.   Over the years, I have experimented with all kinds of dictation software looking for a practical and accurate voice type dictation system to use in my legal practice.

 

Nuance is a leader in the development of voice to text applications for both PC, Mac and iPad.  Among its products are the popular Dragon dictation voice recognition software available for PCs and Macs.  It also distributes the free Dragon dictation application for iPad.  Recently, Nuance introduced PaperPort Notes for the iPad.  This free note taking application has handwriting, typing and audio recording capability—by itself exceptional functionality for a free App.  However, what really makes PaperPort Notes special is the ability to dictate  your notes in a word processing environment.

The App has a basic layout.  To dictate, you select the typing mode and a small microphone appears at the top of the keyboard.  Press the microphone and dictate for up to a minute.  Press the microphone again and your dictation is transcribed in a matter of seconds. Then you can dictate for another minute, and so on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a practical matter, I have found that dictating into an iPad is somewhat awkward because you have speak near the iPad microphone for best accuracy.  My solution is to use a USB headset plugged into the iPad camera adapter (you could also use a mini-plug microphone).

 

[NOTE:  I have found that the Apple Camera Adapter also works with USB keyboards].

 

 

 

Using this setup, the voice dictation accuracy of the App is very good—in fact, it seems to be more accurate than my relatively expensive PC desktop version of Dragon 11 premium.   This is probably explained by the fact that the processing of the dictation for the iPad App is accomplished on Nuance’s powerful servers via the internet, instead of by software on my more limited PC.   The one weak area is proper names.  With the PC version you can teach the program new words and proper names.  There is no such capability for PaperPort Notes.

Once you have completed your dictation, you can edit your work with the typewriter feature.  There are multiple export options, including emailing the dictation out in various formats, or transferring it via DropBox. (See below)

 

I dictated this blawg entry using PaperPort Notes.  After editing, I then emailed the document to myself.  Upon receipt, I cut and pasted the PDF text into MS Word.  This App could really be improved by an export as Word document feature similar to that found in the Pages App.  However, it is useful in my practice in its present form given its dictation capability.  Since its free, why not give PaperPort Notes a try?  I think you will be impressed.

 

Posted in iPad, iPad 2, Speech recognition, Voice type dictation | Leave a comment

Review of 7Notes HD Premium –Handwriting to Text on iPad, iPhone, Android and Kindle Fire

Posted on February 23, 2012 by

[Note: 7Notes is available for Android and Kindle Fire, but only the  iPad and iPhone versions were tested for this review.]

For the past two years, I have been waiting for an App with the ability to accurately and practically convert handwriting to text.  We previously reviewed 7Notes HD Premium (“7notes”) ($8.99 iPad) when it was first introduced.  http://hytechlawyer.com/?p=446

The  App has been updated multiple times and has evolved into a practical note-taking tool.  In fact, I wrote the first draft of this review by hand using the App on an iPad2 [I used my favorite Bamboo brand stylus].  My handwriting is horrific, yet 7Notes converted almost every word correctly.  It does this by using a predictive language engine, which while generally accurate, struggles with proper names.

 

You have the option of having your text converted as you write, making corrections along the way, or converting to text later. In our testing, the text conversion was much more accurate in the “convert as you go” mode as compared to using the “convert later” feature.

7Notes allows for the exporting of documents by Email, DropBox (under the print function) or direct upload to Twitter or Facebook.  Right now the export is in text, image, or PDF  file formats,  but the developer is reportedly working on an export to Word feature that could be quite useful.  The App also integrates with Evernote after a $ 6.99 in App purchase.  This integration was not tested.

A large library of helpful support videos have been created by the developer: https://www.youtube.com/user/7knowledgetv#p/u The App also has an active support site: https://getsatisfaction.com/7notes .

The iPhone version of 7Notes Premium ($4.99) provides the ability to take handwritten notes on the iPhone.  However, I found the text conversion to be less accurate than the iPad version—although that may be a function of the smaller writing surface.  Nevertheless, the ability to take handwritten notes on the iPhone is still pretty cool, and works well enough to earn a qualified recommendation.

In summary, 7Notes for the iPad clearly meets our recommendation criteria of being both useful and practical.  7Notes for iPhone gets a qualified recommendation.

 

Posted in iPad, iPad 2, Litigation tools, Software Solutions | 2 Comments