EffecTech

When it comes to the iPhone versus Android debate, I'm about as objective as you can get. I own an iEverything—yet oddly enough, when it was time to pick a phone, I chose Android (the Galaxy SIII). Nevertheless, the proud owner of six Apple products (including an iPad), I am an avid user and fan of iOS. Therefore, I believe that I have the balanced perspective needed to moderate this epic clash of titans. Below, I've listed the most pertinent advantages of both products in my judgment. If you think I missed some important specs or considerations, please let me know in the comments!

iPHONE

SPECS

sharper display

10% thinner

15% lighter

easier to use with one hand

performs better in drop tests

reversible charging cable

louder speaker

faster boot time and browsing

faster, more responsive screen

more precise in terms of touch response

  ENVIRONMENT

iTunes and app store

higher end build

more intuitive to use

  SUPERIOR iOS APPS & FEATURES (exclusive to iPhone unless otherwise marked)

Do Not Disturb

Find my iPhone

Podcasts

Find My Friends

Calendar & Timer (superior to Android)

Universal Search 

APPS

Notability (exclusive to iPhone)

Prezi (exclusive to iPhone)

Logos Bible (is better)

Starwalk (is better)

Vine (exclusive to iPhone)

  CAMERA

personally think the pictures turn out better

better panoramic feature

option to use a physical button (the volume control)

  ANDROID

ERGONOMICS

Direct Call--raise phone to face to call

Smart Alert--shake phone to update widgets

Tilt to Zoom--place two fingers on screen and tilt while in camera mode

Pan via Tilt--move quickly between pages

Turnover to Mute--turn upside down to shut off sound

Frontstay--phone screen doesn't shut off as long as you're looking at it

Sbeam—tap phones together to send

Palmover Screenshots--just run your hand across the screen

Voice Controls--camera, alarm, music

  CUSTOMIZATION

widgets

live wallpapers

access toggles

multiple lock methods

3rd party integration

            >>3rd party app stores             >>3rd party app access to phone's native system             >>3rd party  launcher interface             >>3rd party lock screens             >>3rd party keyboards

refunds for apps

stock apps disabling option

  SPECS

bigger screen

removable battery

LED notification lights

bigger screen

burst shot mode available in camera mode

micro SD card slot-->expand/swap out

C pen (additional hardware option)

HANDINESS FACTOR

access to more carriers

access to data/battery statistics and limits

a lot more options for attachment file types in emails

universal microUSB charging port (more likely to match other devices)

  APPS

Google Street View, Maps

Driving Mode

  THE DRAW!!!

MY MOST-USED APPS THAT ARE AVAILABLE ON BOTH

Splashtop

Flipboard

Paper Camera

Zedge (ringtones & wallpaper)

Social Media, the usual

APPS & FEATURES THAT ARE TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Siri vs. Now

but most importantly ... THE INTERFACE as whole

MAIN DISADVANTAGE OF iPHONE

I can sum up what it lacks in one word (and you know what it is): CUSTOMIZATION

MAINDISADVANTAGE OF ANDROID

screen response and cleanness/precision of touch interaction

plus, I wish it had better note-taking apps ... that's huge for me

THE WINNER

Well, you already know which one I picked. But scarcely a day goes by that I don't wish my Droid had Siri or Universal Search.

Ten days ago, the annual Boston Marathon became an unlikely stage for fear and bloodshed. And in the days that followed, the world looked on breathless, as the investigation unfolded. Fortunately for the world's sake,  we didn't have to hold our breath for long.

Investigators tracked down the suspects, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, in mere days using footage from surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the finish line. In particular video feeds from stationary cameras located at the nearby Lord & Taylor store was circulated by the FBI to help identify the suspects. And according to numerous media reports, that footage (though extremely low resolution) was sufficient to gain the recognition of people who knew the brothers.

But Big Brother has a Little Brother ... and he is ourselves. Footage posted by the FBI produced a deluge of personal photos: higher resolution and clearer shots of the suspects' faces, which were easier to identify.

It's road tripping time of year once again. Here's my list of must-have travel gadgets. I'm sure that other great brands and products are out there, but I'm only recommending products here that I have personal experience with. Feel free to leave other recommendations in the comments.

  Energizer XP18000 Universal AC Adapter

Imagine a powerful but small portable battery that charges your laptop computer (for a few hours), cell phone, music player, DVD player, projector, PDA, eReader, GPS, iPad, Blackberry, netbook, Kindle and more. It even charges up to 3 devices at a time! A handy gadget to keep in your backpack for the hiking trail or in your briefcase for the conference.

PowerLine Inverter

This device changes the 12-volt current from your car battery into a 115-volt alternating current that you can use to power everything from a laptop to a charging cord for your phone or music player. This particular innovative model fits easily in a standard cup holder.

  Autonet Mobile WiFi

The Autonet Mobile router lets you take the Internet with you on the road. Manage emails, listen to Pandora/Spotify (you don't need Premium) or surf for local restaurant suggestions—from in your car or within a 150-foot radius (meaning you can probably even access your Autonet from a motel room!).

  Satellite Phone

Will you be driving through remote areas with patchy reception? Consider investing in satellite phone, which works pretty much wherever you are—as long as you have a clear view of the sky. The typical rate is $1.69 per minute, but texting (50 cents per message) instead of calling is also an option.

  CarMD Vehicle Diagnostics Kit

If your "check engine" light is flashing, it could mean anything! Plug this device into your engine and get answers fast. (Technically, this isn't a gadget, so it didn't make the list but AAA membership is always a good idea. If your problem is any more severe than a loose spark plug, you're probably going to need outside assistance, even after the issue is diagnosed.)

  Photojojo Digital Time-Lapse Camera

Next time you travel, why not make a time lapse to capture all the beautiful scenery from your drive? Towering canyon walls, windmills, fields full of cattle, crazy thunderstorms, radical drivers, the whole nine. This one receives good reviews and is reasonably priced too…

  Garmin or Magellan GPS unit

I personally recommend a model from Magellan or Garmin (although TomToms also get excellent reviews). Try the Magellan SmartGPS, with cloud syncing and WiFi capabilities. Or if you can afford it, take the Garmin Nuvi 3490LMT for a more elite travel experience, the costly .

  iPod

Listen to tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks on the road! Nanos are optimal for driving. However, the iPod Touch includes access to iOS apps like those listed below under Smartphone (particularly handy if you don't have a phone), and the Shuffle can be clipped to a key lanyard so that it's always with you on the road but never left behind in your vehicle to bake in the heat. If you have two iPods consider using the voice memo feature on one (not available on the Shuffle) to record notes on the audio book you're reading or to take mental notes regarding your itinerary (or… whatever, it's amazing how random thoughts pop into one's head while driving).

  Jawbone ERA bluetooth headset

Make and receive hands-free calls on the road. Have text messages read to you and dictate your responses.

  Smart Phone

Whether you're an iFanatic or an Android Junkie, your smartphone has a lot of useful features to offer while you're on the road.

  GPS

Don't have a GPS unit? No problem, use an app! Google Maps, Navigon and Magellan Roadmate lead the charge!

  Lemon Wallet (iOS, Android)

It's like having a second copy of all your important cards in a much-more-comfortable wallet.

  TripIt (iOS, Android)

Tripit is your one-stop travel organizer. Forward your confirmation emails (flights, hotels, concerts, etc.) to TripIt, and this service will automatically compile your full trip itinerary. It's a free service and a free app.

  ZIPCAR (iOS)

This iOS app makes car rentals by online credit card purchase a snap. GPS uses your position to direct you to the closest set of wheels in your area at steal-of-a-deal rates: $8 per hour or $75 per day. And instead of going to a rental agency, you'll only have to walk to where the last customer parked the car—meaning you may only need to walk to the parking garage on the next block.

  Yelp! (iOS)

Augmented reality mode combines camera and GPS functionality to reproduce your environment in 360 degrees, including pushpins to mark attractions in your area (starred reviews, open hours, pictures of food/products). Simply point your device in any direction to find out what’s worth seeing!

  Splashtop (iOS, Android)

**This week, I’ve been assigned to write a blog post that reveals more of my personality and inner thoughts, so I apologize right upfront for the change in tone from my previous posts. For the benefit of those who follow EffecTech, I’ve tried to keep this post technology-related, raising questions about when social media/technology becomes a crutch that dehumanizes and damages us instead of improving our quality of life.**

  This week, I’ve been frustrated, because I got just what I thought wanted… and yet nothing turned out the way I expected. Has that ever happened to you?

The weather this week has been beautiful. Stormy at times, but warm and full of fresh spring vigor, nonetheless. A long-anticipated opportunity to get out and enjoy fresh air/exercise… to “live deep” and “shave close” as Thoreau said. To leave my stuffy dorm room and suck out all the marrow of life.

  What’s more, my classes assigned a lot less work this week, which allowed me to spend more time talking to people and enjoying spontaneous ventures of every kind. Unfortunately, I often found conversation and even the most exciting social interactions … insufficient. Deprived of the schoolwork that I claim to loathe, I was left strangely restless and unsatisfied. As if my life suddenly lacked purpose. 

And so this week I drifted off into the social media sphere, burning more time there than I have for months. YouTube, Facebook and Twitter became a new late-night obsession.

Even with no projects to keep me up, I’ve voluntarily pulled a couple of late-nighters this week just vegging. And while we all need time to relax, I have the unsettling and unshakable feeling that my behavior springs from unhealthy origins. Something deep within my being became insecure when I had absolutely nothing to do (the “human being” versus “human doing” distinction).

Why social media? I think I used it as a cheap sort of painkiller, a pacifier or “perfect reality” escape. My self-discipline utterly broke down on a couple of occasions this week and gave way to indulgence. Whole hours would vanish—along with all traces of my deliberation and self-control, apparently. Kind of scary!

It’s terrifying that real life—and lots of it, wasn’t enough to satisfy me. It appears I’ve relied on academic identity more than I thought. When robbed of my normal busyness, I become downright pathetic in terms of my resolve. Now, in all fairness I’m also exhausted from the semester—as the end of my college career approaches, my verve and vitality are starting to break down. So physical tiredness probably plays a part. But one thing is sure: I didn’t help my sleep situation in the least by spending copious, irregular hours watching videos on YouTube or browsing pictures on Facebook.

I think we all sense that there’s something artificially safe, controlled and perfect about the social media world. Something that makes it loathsome and exhilarating at the same time. As a communicator, I have the slight advantage of “slow-burn wit” in my favor when I’m online, which I can lever in my favor, taking as long as I need to formulate amusing comments and posts. (In normal conversation, I’m usually not quick enough to deliver zingers. With social media, I can take as long as I need…) So, I would post something, watch something, read something, make something, share something… then sit and wait expectantly for the “likes” to roll in, thereby validating my existence.

That’s another thing: I tended to take liking and retweeting more personally this week due to my heavier investment of time. When a post was popular, my mood would improve, but when it met only stony silence, I’d get irritable. What’s crazy is: I know that my temporary highs over successful posts that create positive interaction and buzz are only temporary, shallow forms of happiness. And what’s even worse, the “highs” set me up for disappointment in the long run, because they create a false expectation that, for whatever reason, won’t be met sooner or later.

The occasional emotional control that social media can exerts over me makes it easier for me to understand why research shows that its excessive use depresses people. And for this reason I think about taking a break from social media, if only for a little while. It’s still the best way to contact a lot of my friends, so I’ll probably leave it running while I’m in school. But I need to limit my weekly use effective immediately, there’s no doubt.

Social media can be used well, but only with a healthy set of intents and heartset that puts others first. A friend of mine often talks about her aspiration to have an “unoffendable” heart. I like that. I think the way to pursue this is to get away from self-focused expectations and entitlement, to see social media as a mere means to an end (the end being real human connection). When we get the two switched around and think of actual people as a means to some sort of end (i.e. their “likes,” how they make us feel, or just their approval in general), it’s really a terrible thing. Yet if you monitor yourself closely, I think you’ll find that this pattern of thinking has a subtle way of creeping in.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” Clichéd as that line is, I’m inclined to stick with it until someone comes up with a better way of saying it. (Sorry, despite a noble effort, the Uncle Ben-from-The-Amazing-Spiderman just didn’t cut it for me.)

I think the main reason we keep hearing “great-power-great-responsibility” line applied in various situations is that it concisely articulates a truth about the world. And despite all the power and potential that we see in the world today, responsibility is often in short supply. So maybe we need to hear it a little more often.

The development team responsible for Google Glass has undeniably tapped into a very “powerful” idea—but the public’s reception has been mixed. I think more than anything, we’d just like to see the company exemplify some “superheroic” accountability.

Glass has been a real hot-button topic in recent months, creating sharp divides, particularly among techies and those concerned with preserving our right to privacy. Glass’s most vocal objectors have founded groups like "Stop the Cyborgs" for the sole purpose of protesting the new technology. A couple of independent filmmakers even produced a short speculative film about reality-enhancing contact lenses entitled Sight, which points out how wearable technology and constant access to apps/social media could bring out the worst in people. It even suggests that privacy breaches, surveillance and yes, mind control may become issues in the future. Google has promoted its new product with an early concept video and, more recently, with commercials for the newly released beta: one  promotional ad,  and one extreme sports demo.

My first thought: Google needs to address the concerns of its dissidents, making it clear that the company prioritizes consumer interests before profits, and it must do so quickly, thoroughly—even at a sacrifice of Glass' current functionality. Google must give us reason to believe, beyond a reasonable doubt, that its glasses cannot be hacked for surveillance or voyeuristic purposes, that they cannot be easily broken, that they will not be used to excessively penalize people for committing minor infractions, that they will not worsen the current hazard of tech-distracted drivers on the road, that they will not be used to proliferate needless ads and commercials, and that they will not create needless distractions and distance people by putting time-wasting apps more immediately within subjects' reach.  Admittedly, it may seem like if the company addresses each of these needs thoroughly, they won't end up having much of a product left in the end—which raises the question: Is it worth it? I say yes. I'm inclined to give Google the benefit of the doubt. After all, if the company's engineers possessed the genius to design a product like Glass, might they not also have the proficiency to make it safe and unobtrusive for users?

I would also like to address Google's advertising and promotions. In its two most recent promotions (linked above), we've seen Google Glass through the eyes of wingsuiters, pro skateboarders and bikers, trapeze artists, ballet dancers, stunt pilots and speed rapellers. And although Glass has exhibited its product interacting with everyday life too, as a marketing minor, I feel I must chide Google for seeming to sell exciting lifestyles, rather than a product. Even scenes of everyday were idealized and over-the-top, showcasing human-sized bubbles, roller coaster rides and a huge python.

Simply buying a pair of Glasses does not suddenly make one's life fun and exciting. I appreciated the original concept video (also linked above) because it showcased the practical and even quaintly charming applications for enhanced reality eyewear throughout a fairly normal day. Due to a perceived need for escalation, however, I believe that more recent videos have exploited people's discontentment with "normal" and their desire for extraordinary experiences. After all, how many tiger-etching ice sculptors does Google honestly expect to market its product to?

In our society, people often buy gadgets to fill a void of discontentment. People commonly assume that this void exists because  they haven't lived a full or exciting enough life, and we think that the way to fill the hole is to become more efficient at work, to play with one's kids, to go sky diving or to visit exotic countries—the types of scenes Google shows in its commercials. As I noted above purchasing technology is just one of the ways that we strive to resolve our discontentment . By grouping various discontentment-fillers together into one dynamic "this-is-what-your-life-is-missing" show, I feel like Google may be overstepping its bounds, ethically.

I also question the long-term ethical implications of certain Glass applications, proposed by its videos. For example, to my mind, using Glass while playing with one's children or while in a conversation seems like a hindrance to human interaction rather than a compliment to it. Also, the use of Glass to search for basic information (like how to walk to a store just a few blocks away, as shown in the concept video) seemed to demean human intelligence. Google needs to be aware that the potentially crippling, distracting and distancing effects of its technology are foremost among people's concerns. Therefore, Google's advertising should never endorse or even hint at signs of these consequences. Rather, Google should take proactive strides to prevent these “negative side effects” through the company's official stance on the use of its products and through its product designs.

Overall, I believe in the underlying idea behind Google Glass (that "technology should work for you … be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't"). I think engineers should continue to pursue a viable Glass design, bearing in mind the Ben Parker Rule: that with great power comes great responsibility.

Come to think of it, perhaps Google should consider producing a commercial that features the Web Slinger wearing Google Glass. Now that would be awesome! But wait ... it's already been done.

Editors, both freelance and professional, are often too busy to edit a manuscript by hand and then sit down at a table across from the writer to explain what works and does not work. As an alternative, electronic editing offers solid efficiency advantages—but communication tends to break down without good old-fashioned free-form explanation. It's hard to suggest complicated plot revisions using Comments or PDF Sticky Note annotations alone, and it's also difficult to clarify extensive revisions (like reordering sentences and paragraphs, for instance) just by using the Tracked Changes tool. 

That's why I submit, for your consideration, a somewhat unlikely editing tool that puts the editor across the table from the writer again, just like old times. Camtasia allows the writer to “look over the editor’s shoulder” as the editor walks through an edited document, explaining the rationale for certain edits and clarifying revisions.

These additions: Visual explanation and the ability to explain revisions in the natural medium of one’s own voice, restore clarity to the exchange between editor and writer. Note that Screencast copy editing doesn't replace Tracked Changes or comments, it merely compliments and clarifies them. And you don't need to use Camtasia for every editing project, just when it's helpful. 

The following instructions are ideal for PC users. However, Mac users will only have to modify the directions slightly. A video tutorial version of instructions 3 through 7 is available here.

Visit the Techsmith website to purchase Camtasia Studio 8 or to download a free trial.

Edit a document.  (a.) If you’re editing a PDF, use sticky notes to insert editorial comments. 

                                             b) If you’re editing a Word document, use Tracked Changes and Comments. Et cetera.

Open the Camtasia software and press the “Record Your Screen button,” found in the upper left corner of the screen.

 A smaller menu will open, giving you options for full or partial screen capture, web cam connection, and volume options. (a) Click the dropdown arrow beside the microphone and uncheck “System Audio” IF you don’t want to record the sounds that come from your speakers during the tutorial. Also, select the audio input device that you plan to use from the same menu, which should appear in the menu. If it does not, make sure your device is properly connected and set up.

(b) Next, drag the input volume slider until the audio of your voice (speaking normally) falls most consistently about half way across the level indicator. Check the video tutorial for clarification.

Open the document you plan to edit, and press either the red record button on the Camtasia menu or the F9 key. A countdown will appear on the screen. Use this time to minimize the Camtasia menu and get ready to begin your screencast.

When the coundown completes, recording will begin. Narrate, explain and visually exemplify a “walkthrough” of the edited document by explaining suggested revisions that bear explanation. I recorded a sample editing screencast, available here.

When you're finished, press F10 or open the Camtasia menu on your task bar and press “Stop Recording.”

Preview your screencast, select the canvas dimensions for the final video, save, edit and share. If you get stuck, follow the given links in this instruction to find video tutorials corresponding to each of these steps.

Like most writers, I've experimented with numerous word processors: everything from Word to Open Office, from OneNote to Writeroom, and from Pages to Storymill (though, admittedly, these softwares are optimized for very different parts of the writing process). Two years ago, I was introduced to a writing tool that is quickly outmatching its competitors: Scrivener. Perhaps most notable is the source who first recommended that I use Scrivener: Steven James, a prolific novelist and storyteller who, in recent years, has unseated Ted Dekker as the king of Suspense at the annual Christy Awards. During a two-week writing course that Steven taught at Taylor, he introduced us to a program which he raved about: Scrivener. Having tried it myself I'm inclined to share Steven's favorable opinion.

First, I should note that Scrivener isn't just a word processor, it's an integrated project development environment that enables writers to  organize pieces of written content, as well as research  (PDF's, images and web pages).  More than any word processor currently on the market, Scrivener caters to the needs of writers and delivers a valuable, feature-rich experience. What's more, it's available for a free 30-day trial, and it costs merely $45, which is comparable to the price of programs which offer little more than a full-screen notepad. However, it should noted that Scrivener for Mac is superior to Scrivener for PC in a number of minor ways. Let's dig into specifics.

  STRENGTHS

*Scrivener enables users to break pieces of writing into multi-level parts (pages, chapters, sections, scenes, etc.). Suppose you're writing a book comprised of chapters. Each chapter will be viewable as a separate text file or in "corkboard view" which shows all the chapters represented as notecards on a corkboard. The notecards are ideal for chapter synopses and notes. Thus, the corkboard enables viewers to see the project from a bird's eye perspective and functions as a strong outlining tool.

*Full screen view eliminates the distractions of one's computer by making the text full screen and putting the background on a dimmer switch. Customizable settings enable the writer to  keep the insertion point at the center of the screen, change the width of the paper, or view the notecard for that particular piece of writing.

*Scrivener is filled with innovative features, and while few writers will use them all for a given project, the variety of customization options in Scrivener sets it apart drastically. A list of features follows below. A set of these features may be customized to fit one's project and personal writing style.

A scene may be edited individually or multiple  scenes (i.e., scenes 1, 3 and 7 only) may be edited in one continuous scroll.

A "project targets" feature enables the user to set up and view floating progress bars for a project as a whole and/or for one's daily word count goal.

A strong searchability function makes content simple to track.

Projects may be backed up via Dropbox or packaged as zip archives.

Using color-coded Meta Data tags, individual pieces of writing can be categorized by draft type (first, final, etc.) or by note type (characters, locations, etc.).

Writings can be exported individually, or projects can be compiled and exported as a whole.

Text entry modes and templates are available for various types of writing (fiction, nonfiction, scripts, as well as more specific breakdowns).

Fiction template includes planning resources for characters and locations

Nonfiction template includes standard book sections as well as pages for personal notes

Keyboard shortcuts for almost every conceivable function

Snapshots screencapture sections of text as images.

Comments enable in-text annotation.

Text statistics inform the writer about a text's reading level and other information.

Direct access to online forums and online troubleshooting resources provide additional help, which is essential, because few ever "master" a software as complex as Scrivener.

WEAKNESSES

*In full-page view, one loses access to formatting options, such as bold, italicize, underline, align, bullet, number and highlight. It makes sense that the full screen view should have reduced functionality, even with the popup menu open. However, these features seem fairly elementary, and some writers may find it bothersome to exit full screen mode when they need to format text.

*You'll have to abandon Scrivener in the submission and editing stage. Publishers work in Word format, because that's the most commonly used. In order to set up pages for final submission and to respond to Tracked Changes from editors, Microsoft Word or a free variant such as LibreOffice is needed.

*While it is very large in terms of file size, the PC version of Scrivener currently offers inferior functionality. Scrivener was originally designed for OS X and although the PC version has come along way, Scrivener still works best on a Mac. A full list of features offered in a Mac environment that are not available for PC users can be found here. A reduced list follows below:

Fewer compiling and printing options, no page layout view

Fewer templates

No freeform corkboard mode

Greater drag 'n drop flexibility among folders

No QuickReference panels

No speech integration

Sometimes it is helpful to customize keyboard combinations for simple tasks in Microsoft Word 2013. This can be accomplished using Macros. Here are instructions for creating a simple Macro to highlight text. 

In Word, type and then select one or more characters of text.

Navigate to the View tab and click the Macros drop-down arrow beneath the word "Macros." Click the “Record Macro…” option.

In the dialogue box, click the "Keyboard" button. Next, press the combination of keys you want to use for your intended command and click “Assign.”

All menus should close. You may see a cassette tape icon next to your cursor which indicates that the Macro is recording. Go to your Home ribbon and select a highlight color, which should then apply to your selected text.

Without clicking anything else, go back to the View ribbon, click the Macros drop-down arrow and select “Stop Recording.”

HARDWARE

*Energizer XP18000 portable battery—Suppose you're using your netbook to take notes in a meeting for your next writing project  when your battery runs low and there are no outlets nearby. Perhaps you're interviewing someone and your audio recorder runs out of juice. Or maybe you're simply driving to a conference and discover that you need to charge your cell phone and run a GPS at the same time with only one DC port and no extender. Times like these are when you need the XP18000. What is it? 

about the size and weight of a paperback book

powerful enough to charge large devices like your laptop comptuer, iPad or projector

versatile enough to charge smaller devices like cameras, Bluetooth devices and music players

*Tablet (specific examples given will be for the iPad, a device I own)—The tablet scarcely existed 10 years ago, why should we care about it now? The diversity of available applications and accessories will renew the value of a tablet device again and again, making it well worth your investment in this writer's opinion. Here's a breakdown.

ACCESSORIES

A stylus (e.g., the Maglus magnetic stylus from ApplyIdea) transforms your tablet into a sketch pad for brainstorming or a handout reader for PDFs that makes your documents markable, annotatable and instantly sharable.

A Bluetooth keyboard (e.g., the ZAGG Folio or the Targus Versavu) turns your tablet into a laptop computer screen if you're not comfortable with the on-screen keyboard. However, note that if you don't mind an on-screen keyboard, the ability to enter text silently is often convenient in lecture and interview settings.

APPS

Remotely wake and fully access computers via LAN and WiFi, enabling you to access projects on a computer literally miles away (WakeUp, Splashtop 2).

Still waiting for your next cash advance on a writing assignment? Save green in the meantime using free calls and texts (Talkatone).

Conduct interviews using note-taking apps that integrate photographs, text entry and audio recording in one slick interface (Notability).

Peruse books and conduct research with PDFs using reader applications that offer highlighting, annotation and syncing to the web (pdf-notes, Kindle app, iBooks). Note that Audiobooks are also available via Audible, Google Play and the App Store.

Beyond books and PDFs, the tablet makes reading material instantly accessible, no matter       where you are. In your spare time, sharpen your craft by becoming a ravenous consumer of the written word, not just a producer. Look into apps that deliver news and magazine content, wherever you are (Newsstand, Flipboard, BBC News).

For group projects, take advantage of apps that allow collaborative editing (Google Drive,       MobileNoter).

Use voice memo recording apps to conduct interviews or run them in conjunction with reading apps, "behind the scenes." Verbally highlight main points of an article, recording only your voice and eliminating pauses to create a condensed synopsis. Then convert your voice to text for convenient use in your own projects (AudioMemos, Dragon Dictation).

Photopraph editing and sharing apps, as well as blogging and social media tools enable you to engage with your online audience while on-the-go (Twitter, Hootsuite, Facebook, Instragram).

Use device-syncing Bible apps that offer entire bookshelves' worth of additional resources for writing devotions (Logos Bible).

*Headset (i.e., Jawbone Era Bluetooth headset, Sennheiser OfficeRunner)—Randy Pausch, famous for his "Last Lecture" at Carnegie Mellon      University, delivered another message entitled "Time Management" in which he advocated a wireless headset as the most important time-saving tool in his arsenal. Use it for music when you need to tune out noise and get work done. Use it to conduct Video conference interviews with privacy. Or even use it to make hands-free calls while you're on the go or behind the wheel.

*LiveScribe Smart Pen—As you take notes on paper, this pen records everything you hear and links it to what you write. Press your pen on a particular note and the LiveScribe replays audio from that point in the recording. Also, a camera within the pen's frame records video of the pen tip and stores a digital copy of your notes, even though you're writing them on paper, enabling you to share electronic copies of your notes with friends. The pen also has a number of quirky features that you can explore on the LiveScribe website: .

  SOFTWARE

*Carbonite Online Backup—It's a good idea to back up your computer on an external hard drive, but what if there's a fire? If your computer is stolen, what's to stop a thief from taking your external hard drive too? Carbonite works behind the scenes on your computer, saving photos, documents, videos, emails and other files without delivering pop -up messages or asking for permissions. In fact, you'll forget Carbonite is there—until your hard work is permanently deleted. $150 pays itself off quickly in moments like these.

*Microsoft OneNote—This software is far more than just a resource to take notes. The most convenient aspect of OneNote is its design: based on filing system composed of crates and file folders (that contain notes or even another tier of folders).  The extent of multi-level complexity in a OneNote journal can be infinitely complex or infinitely simple, depending on the user's preference.

OneNote has some Word-processing similarities to Word.

It integrates with Outlook calendar and task-scheduling.

It provides customizable tags for your notes.

It offers annotation, audio recording, screen clipping, image-to-text and full searchability.

PDF's, video files, Word documents and spread sheets can be drug onto a OneNote page as if it were a folder, so even when you're working on a project that lends itself to the features of another software, you can still store your project within OneNote's organizational structure when you're done.

*Scrivener—This software is similar to OneNote in some ways, but it's particularly useful for writers. Store all your research (articles, videos, etc.) storyboards, planning materials and scene/chapter drafts in single, smooth interface that offers a variety of functionality for labelling, re-ordering and merging content, as well as text-entry modes designed specifically with career writers in mind. The Mac version is particularly strong in this writer's opinion. 

*InqScribe—If you've recorded an interview or a voice memo and you need to transcribe it, use this free tool, which offers the ability to slow down and speed up your audio, as well as keyboard shortcuts for play, pause and 5-second skipback.