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Next-Gen iPhone Details Revealed?
By Reggie · May 20, 2009 · 11 Comments
Today when I checked my reader I was excited to see rumored details of the next-gen iPhone from the Wired Gadget Lab. The article claims the latest iPhone will be released on July 17th and will include many hot upgrades, such as:
* 32GB and 16GB storage ($199 and $299 price points to be maintained)
* 3.2-megapixel camera (up from the current 2-megapixel camera)
* Video-recording and editing capabilities
* Ability to send a picture & video via MMS
* OLED screen
* 1.5 times the battery life of the current models
* Double the RAM and processing power
* Built-in FM transmitter
* Apple logo on back will glow
* Rubber-tread backing
* Sleeker design
* Built-in compass
* Turn-by-turn directions
It’s easy to see how these new features are great for iPhone users, but how will they affect the average real estate agent? Many non-iPhone users will argue features like mobile video and MMS have been on other mobile devices for some time now. But the reality is that other devices are missing the slick yet extremely powerful interface of the iPhone combined with the flourishing iTunes app store.
A Real Estate Presentation in the Palm of Your Hand
By Chad A. Johnson · May 9, 2009 · 2 Comments
Real estate agents are some of the most mobile professionals on Earth. Always on the go from house to house and appointment to appointment.
This mobility has led to an army of real estate agents carrying small laptops. These lightweight devices are wonderful, until you need to present to a client.
Having 2 or 3 people huddled around a 13″ screen to view a listing presentation or homes for sale can be difficult, especially if anyone has a personal space issue. Even the best of presentations will lose some effectiveness given in this uncomfortable manner.
Thankfully, new technology has arrived to make you a mobile real estate titan.
4 Ways to Access Your Files Remotely
By Chad A. Johnson · March 30, 2009 · 14 Comments
So, you are like many real estate agents in that you have more than one computer. Usually that entails a desktop computer at the office and a laptop for home and the field. Shortly after adding that second computer, a completely new technology problem arises:
How do you access all of your important files from each computer?
Luckily, software and hardware companies have created numerous ways to solve this problem. The right solution for you will depend on how much data you have, how consistently you have internet access and what your budget is.
Here are 4 ways to access your files remotely:
Read full story
Boost Laptop Performance
By Chad A. Johnson · March 3, 2009 · 3 Comments
Windows Vista introduced a new feature called ReadyBoost. ReadyBoost uses high speed flash memory (usually thumbdrives) to speed up the computer’s performance.
Though experts argue over the actual performance improvement seen by ReadyBoost, it is a simple and inexpensive way to add memory to a computer. With 4GB “ReadyBoost Ready” flash drives advertised for $10, even the smallest performance increase is worth the investment.
While I have considered a ReadyBoost drive essential equipment for any Windows Vista desktop, I have never incorporated it into a laptop computer. For portability purposes, having a thumbdrive constantly connected to my laptop seemed impractical.
Luckily, flash memory comes in other shapes and sizes.
Many laptops are now coming equipped with flash card readers. While these can be handy, many people don’t use them. In my case, my Dell laptop has an SD card reader, but I don’t own a device that uses SD cards. Hence, the card reader has remained unused, that is until recently.
Pimp Your Screens
By Chad A. Johnson · February 16, 2009 · 7 Comments
Now that you have 2 (or more) monitors, it’s time to customize your system. Here are a few resources to give you extra functionality and ways to personalize your multiple monitor system.
Utilities
Want the taskbar to extend across all screens? Want to display different wallpapers on each monitor or one large image across both screens? These and other features may require additional software. Here are a few utilities to get more control over your multiple monitor system.
UltraMon ($39.95)
Complete dual monitor utility that I currently use. The most feature rich of the dual monitor control programs. Features include: Read full story
Double Your Monitor, Double Your Fun!
By Chad A. Johnson · February 8, 2009 · 15 Comments
Dual monitor systems are no longer just for geeks. Granted, Reggie, NikNik and I are geeks and we all use dual monitor systems. But it is time that the average real estate agent looks into adding a second monitor to their desk.
What is so special about using 2 monitors?
Besides making your friends think you are a computer genius, there are huge productivity benefits to having a second screen. Think of all of the programs that you have open during a typical business day. At any given point, you may have a browser or 2 open, Outlook, a few folders, a photo or video editing program, Twhirl or another Twitter application and maybe even iTunes for some background music. All of this can quickly clutter a computer screen.
Now, image that instead of one 22″ monitor, you have 2. Suddenly, you have twice the real estate to work with. You can move email and social networking activities to one monitor while reserving the other screen for browsing, photo editing and video creation.
No more shuffling through windows to get to what you want to work on next. Everything is already in front of you.
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Apple or Windows? You Chime In.
By Chad A. Johnson · January 14, 2009 · 35 Comments
It has held true that none of my blog posts get as many comments as those that discuss Apple products as real estate technology solutions. The passion and devotion of the legion of Apple fans, not to mention the hordes of Windows users, has made for some spirited debates and turned many new readers on to MyTechOpinion.
In an effort to spark a discussion to rival any that we have had on MyTechOpinion, I would like to try something a bit different. A sort of editorial piece if you will.
I will ask a question, provide a few pieces of information to fuel the discussion and then allow you to weigh in. My hope is that different opinions and points of view can be presented in a way that will shed new light on the subject, as this is a question that has bewildered me for years.
With that said, here we go:
Is the Apple computer really as superior to a Windows computer as many Mac users would have you believe?
Simplify Your Real Estate Technology Needs
By Chad A. Johnson · January 10, 2009 · 2 Comments
OK, now that I have your attention, how do I propose you do this? Connect all of your electronic devices to your network. Printers, external hard drives, media card readers, plug them all into your network.
How does this simplify?
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New Computer Under The Tree?
By Chad A. Johnson · December 15, 2008 · 7 Comments
Tis the season for new technology and many of you will find a new computer under the tree on Christmas morning. What an exciting time.
Before you jump in and start playing with your new toy, there is a fair amount of set-up and maintenance to perform. I know, you can’t wait and why does a new computer need maintenance? Trust me, a bit of work upfront will pay off on the long run. Besides, what else are you going to do on Christmas afternoon?
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Mobile Email Without a Magnifying Glass
By Chad A. Johnson · October 31, 2008 · 8 Comments
A hole in the computer industry has been filled. The crazy thing is that no one saw the hole. Let me explain.
With laptops and smart phones, it would seem that the mobile real estate agent’s computing needs are fulfilled. When the laptop is too much to carry, you have the smart phone for email, internet and even document creation. What else would anyone need?
Unfortunately, the smart phone isn’t the perfect mobile companion for everyone. As eye sight goes, those tiny screens get tough to read. On top of that, the thumb-stroke keyboard is only suitable for short messages.
A new class of notebook, the “micro” or “mini”, has hit the market to fill the void between the laptop and smart phone. Equipped with 9-10″ LED screens, full keyboards, webcams, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and solid state hard drives, these mini notebooks make checking email and surfing the internet a real join.
Is a Mobile Smartphone Docking Station In Your Future?
By Reggie · October 26, 2008 · 2 Comments
Hold on to your seat, Active Innovation Management (A.I.M.) is trying to turn mobile computing on its head. They’ve started with a vision of making an efficient and inexpensive alternative to Netbooks called the Olo. Their concept is a “mobile smartphone docking station” which would not include its own processor, memory, or wireless connection. These specifics play into their concern of shrinking our “ecological footprint.”
A.I.M.’s goal is to make the Olo fully compatible with future versions of smartphones. So when it comes time to upgrade your mobile device, simply upgrade the phone and make any necessary updates to the Olo fitting module. Now the new smartphone could be applied. There is no need to replace components like monitor, speakers, keyboard on the Olo.
No physical prototype is available yet, but the patent process has begun to protect the OloTM concept. So for know well be waiting in anticipation for this great idea to surface.
What will this mean for Real Estate Agents?
In an industry where being mobile is an advantage, I suspect this idea will be warmly welcomed. Don’t get me wrong, this device will surely have limitations. But what real estate agents need most while mobile is internet with email, access to MLS and contracts. These activities could be carried out with the limited processing power of a next generation smartphone. Add a large screen and keyboard; I suspect the Olo will be a winner.
Anyone Up For A Game Of USB Switch-A-Roo?
By Chad A. Johnson · October 16, 2008 · 2 Comments
Two computers, a printer, scanner, external drive and a business card reader.
Sound like an inventory of the technology in your real estate office? How do you share those devices with both computers?
Playing the old USB cable switch-a-roo? While this game can burn extra calories and is entertaining to watch, it is a real pain.
Getting crafty with device sharing over a network? This is a better solution with 2 major shortcomings:
(1) The host computer needs to be on to use the devices. This is tough if all of your computers are laptops.
(2) If you work in a large office, your devices will probably be exposed to everyone on the network. Yikes!
