Every so often I get a call asking if I know any affordable and efficient laser all-in-one (AIO) printer/scanner/fax machines.  Brother recently introduced the monochrome MFC-7840W which lets you do all 3 functions rather seamlessly for about $300.00.  This unit will connect to your network via a standard ethernet cable or wirelessly via wi-fi, making it a good option for the small firm or sole practitioner.  PC Magazine recently gave this unit an Editors’ Choice award.

Making a hardware or software purchase for your practice can be time consuming.  Getting reviews for the product in question can be downright frustrating.  My friend Don Gage recently directed me to Litireviews, a site dedicated to legal and litigation software reviews.  I was pleased to see that some hardware is included as well.  There are 207 reviews posted in the year 2008, so it appears to be constantly updated.

I hope this site serves as a useful tool in your endeavors for the ultimate law practice.

I will be speaking at Western New England College School of Law on October 15th from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. with my friends Terry Welch, Robert White and Channing Migner.  More information on this event can be found here.  The topic will be hot tips for new attorneys just starting out.  We will be giving a similar presentation at New England School of Law on November 6th from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M.   Further information can be found here.

Later that evening on November 6th, I will be speaking for the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys at the Newton Marriott on how to begin thinking about running a paperless office.  As I only have 20 minutes to speak, I will focus on scanning solutions and how to make the scanner your best friend in the office.

Hope to see you at one of these events!

Adobe has announced its latest round of eSeminars discussing the features of Acrobat 9.  They are, as follows:

Using Acrobat 9 to Create and Distribute Legal Closing Binders

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 — 1:00PM EDT

Learn how to enhance legal workflows by using Adobe® Acrobat® 9 Pro software to efficiently distribute PDF closing binders to clients.  This eSeminar will show you how easy it is to create and send a single PDF Portfolio containing many types of documents, add sortable information so clients can work with multiple documents as a set, and present a branded experience by including your firm’s logo and colors.

Using Acrobat 9 to Create Legal Forms

Tuesday, October 14, 2008 — 1:00PM EDT

Learn how to automate data collection processes using forms created with Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro software. Enable your clients or colleagues using the Free Adobe Reader to fill out and submit forms back to you.This eSeminar will show you how to create forms – from word processing documents or paper originals – and distribute and collect information from them.

Acrobat-to-SharePoint Integration

Thursday, October 30, 2008 — 1:00PM EDT

Learn about the enhanced integration of Adobe® Acrobat® 9 Pro software and Microsoft SharePoint, a document management system that is growing in popularity. This eSeminar will show you how to take advantage of SharePoint as a repository for PDF form data collection and PDF review, and how to deploy Acrobat with the settings to enable your user community. You’ll see how to allow clients to easily participate in reviews using only the free Adobe Reader® software.

To register for any, or all, of these events, click here

The ABA has recently published its 2008 Solo and Small Firm Legal Technology Guide.  Think of it as the “Consumer Reports” for legal technology products.  The book provides recommendations on computers, servers, other hardware, software, security systems, and anything else a firm might need.  Sharon Nelson and John Simek, the authors of the book, provide clear explanations of difficult technologal ideas over the book’s 145 pages.  Certainly, the technological neophyte may feel overwhelmed by the depth of material, but I don’t know of a more practical publication.  Regardless, the book is certainly worthwhile for those of you seraching for assistance and advice regarding your technological needs.

Click here for ordering information.

Key XL is perhaps the most comprehensive collection of keyboard shortcuts, including shortcut tips for Microsoft, Adobe and Google applications, web browsers, email, programs, photo/imaging software, and even MP3 players.  You will also find shortcuts for Mac and Linux-based software on here as well.

I will be speaking at the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Second Annual Lawyers in Transition conference, to be held at the Courtyard Marriott in Marlborough, Massachusetts.  The topic is using affordable existing technologies for the lawyer re-entering the practice.  For more information, please contact the Massachusetts Bar Association.   Hope to see you there.