*  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.

Now video to the iPhone is not revolutionary. Obviously people have been jailbreaking their iPhones for some time now to setup services like QIK to stream video from their iPhone.  But as I said, they had to jailbreak the phone which is not sanctioned by Apple and equates to hacking the device.  Now, if this news is correct, all new iPhone owners will be able to capture and share video using the device they’re already using for leading social networking applications, GPS, mobile email, internet activities, etc.

My mind starts racing at all the possibilities for real estate professionals. Imagine harnessing the power of a lifestream to aggregate all your shared video, pictures, and content shared from this one device.  (See my lifestream here.)  Let me give you an example, you drive to your first appointment of the day and you arrive a few minutes early.  You realize the sunrise is exceptionally beautiful so you take a few minutes of video highlighting the entrance to the neighborhood and sports park. You tag and share the video. Now it’s immediately available for your network to see and archived on your blog/website via the lifestream.  Later the same morning you learn of a new downtown project that will be affecting local homeowners so you break out the iPhone and open your favorite Twitter application and share the news. That too, has been broadcast to your network and archived on you lifestream.  I think you get my point!

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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.

The development of LED lighting technology has ushered in a new class of projector, the “mini-projector”. These tiny devices fit in the palm of your hand and weigh mere ounces. Unlike traditional projectors, LED lit models require no warm-up time and can last for over 10,000 hours.

Connectivity options for mini-projectors can include iPhone and iPod adapters. Can you imagine the impact of a client telling their friends, “My real estate agent pulled out his iPhone and a tiny projector from a pant pocket and showed me a short movie on why I should hire him”? Talk about a way to differentiate yourself from the competition.

Now, these projectors won’t win awards for picture quality. Due to their small size, you will need a fairly dark room and some distortion should be expected. But a 60 inch image out of device the size of a smart phone deserves a bit of slack on picture quality.

Here are a few mini-projectors to consider. They vary in size, price, connectivity options and functionality, so no one projector is best for every real estate agent.

• Dell M109S – One of the largest mini-projectors at nearly 1 pound, the Dell M109S is also the most like a traditional projector in form, connectivity and performance.
• 3M MPro110 – This tiny, battery-operated projector is truly a go anywhere mobile device.
• Optoma PK101 (Pico Pocket Projector) – The optional iPod adapter makes this mini-projector a must consider for the real estate agent addicted to their iPhone or iPod Touch.

For an investment of around $400, a mini-projector just may be what your mobile real estate presentation is missing.

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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:

Microsoft SyncToy

Synctoy 2.0 is a free download from Microsoft. This small program allows you to synchronize files between folders and computers. Use this program to sync your data from a computer to another computer or an external storage device like a USB flash drive.

I used this program for over a year with great success. I created a network drive on my laptop and used Synctoy to transfer files over my network.

Strengths

• No internet connection necessary
• No data limit
• Free

Weaknesses

• Microsoft offers no support
• Syncing can take time
• Corrupted files can cause syncing to fail

Microsoft Live Sync

Previously called Microsoft FolderShare, Microsoft Live Sync is a free online folder synchronization service. Files are transferred from your computer to your Live Sync account. Those files can then be synced with another computer, accessed via a browser or shared with others.

Strengths

• Free
• Access your files from any internet connected computer
• Share files with others

Weaknesses

• Data limited to 2GB
• Requires an internet connection to access files

GoToMyPC

GoToMyPC is a paid service that provides remote access to your computer from any internet connected computer. Not only does the service provide access to your data, programs can be run remotely, as well.

Strengths

• Secure remote access to your data and programs
• No need to sync files

Weaknesses

• $20 a month fee
• Requires internet connection
• Computer with the data must be on

Seagate FreeAgent Go

Portable external hard drives have come a long way. Using laptop-size drives, these small devices provide storage capacities of up to 500GB.

While many manufacturers make portable drives, the Seagate FreeAgent Go is my favorite. They are the only company to offer a desktop dock and carrying case as an optional upgrade.

Simply configure the Seagate Sync software and your files are transferred to the external drive. Encryption is also available for added protection in case of theft or loss.

The Seagate FreeAgent Go is the solution that I use to have all of my files, photos, music and videos with me at all times.

Strengths

• No internet connect required
• Huge storage capacities
• Access files from any computer with a USB port

Weaknesses

• Drives cost $100-$150 plus $30 for the desktop dock and carrying case
• Syncing files can take time

When deciding on a solution for your real estate business, think about what files you need and where you will be accessing them. Some solutions require internet connections, so working at an open house is probably out of question. Other solutions can’t handle large volumes of data and are best suited for limited data needs.

Are you using a different solution to access files remotely? Share it with us.

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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.

To squeeze a bit more performance out of my laptop, I picked up a high-speed SD card to use as a ReadyBoost drive. With the way prices on flash memory has fallen, a 2GB SanDisk Ultra II on sale cost only $15.

Configuring the drive was a breeze. When the card was inserted, Windows gave me the option to use it for ReadyBoost and literally 3 clicks later, the set-up was complete. It took longer to get the card out of the packaging than to install it as a ReadyBoost drive.

Now, my laptop has an extra 2GB of high-speed memory to draw upon and it only cost $15 and a few minutes of time.
Here are a few requirements to consider before adding a ReadyBoost flash drive to your laptop computer:

• Your computer must be running Windows Vista
• The card reader in your laptop must be fast enough to support ReadyBoost. A quick Google search with the make and model of your laptop and the word “ReadyBoost” should answer that question for you.
• The flash memory needs to be high-speed. Many manufacturers will use terms like “100X” or “133X” instead of actually coming the card “high-speed”.

Not much real estate technology can be had for a mere $15 and little time investment. Collect all of the change in your couch cushions and the bottom of the washer machine. You should come up with enough money to pick up a quick laptop performance booster.

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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:

• Wallpaper support
• Extension of the task bar to all monitors
• Additional buttons and menu choices for moving, throwing and sizing windows
• Shortcuts to open programs in specific locations
• Highly customizable

MultiMon (Free or $28 for Pro)
Dual monitor utility with 2 levels of functionality. A free version extends the taskbar across all monitors, adds a move to window button and a few other features. The pro version includes more customization and window management capabilities.

Display Fusion (Free)
Dual screen wallpaper utility with Flickr integration.

Wallpapers

The right image can really make your dual monitor system pop. These have to be very large and panoramic photos. Not really something that you will find in your My Pictures folder.

Here are some wonderful resources for stunning images that fit perfectly on a dual monitor computer.

• Hongkiat
• BestSitesList
• Dual-Display
• Dual Monitor Backgrounds
• Screen Treats

Custom Stands

The real downside of a dual monitor system is the added desk space taken up. Solve this problem with a multi-monitor stand. Available in configurations holding 2 or more monitors, these space saving devices can mount to a wall, furniture or simply stand on your desktop. ErgoTron and Planar are leading manufacturers of multiple monitor stands.

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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.

The economics of a dual screen system

Believe it or not, it is cheaper to buy 2 smaller monitors than 1 huge monitor.

Let’s look at an example of buying a high-end Dell 24″ monitor (UltraSharp 2408WFP) versus 2 comparable Dell 22″ monitors (UltraSharp 2208WFP). The 24″ monitor costs $690, while the 22″ monitors cost $249 each ($498 for 2). That is a $192 dollar savings.

Not only would you save money going with the two 22″ monitors, you actually get more working space than with a single 24″ monitor.

Tips for adding a second monitor

Video cards
You will need a video card with 2 ports. Upgraded video cards have included 2 ports for years, so your computer may be ready for a second monitor, already.

If your computer uses an integrated graphics system (found in entry-level computers), you will need to add an aftermarket video card. This is a simple and inexpensive upgrade. You don’t need a cutting-edge gaming card to perform real estate technology tasks, so you could get away with a card costing $100 or less.

Monitor choices
If you already have 1 monitor, try to purchase a second identical monitor. This will not only look better on your desktop, but it will mean that the colors and brightness are the same.

If you are unable to buy an identical second monitor, make sure that the new monitor has the same native resolution as your current monitor. Running 2 monitors with different resolutions complicates an otherwise simple configuration.

Buying 2 new monitors? Purchase screens whose size is in the current price-to-size sweet spot. Right now, 22″ monitors are the cheapest for the size. Prices go up considerably once you jump to the 24″ size or larger. This changes over time as larger monitor prices drop, so do your homework.

Pick up a second monitor and watch your productivity surge. It really is one of the smartest real estate technology investments you can make.

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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?

And now for the reasoning for this question:

Market Share

Although Windows and Apple computers have been around for decades, Windows has enjoyed dominate market share. Actual numbers vary, but Apple appears to have around 10% of the U.S. market (one analyst claims a 21% market share) and less than 3% of the worldwide market. Windows market share is slipping, but it still holds nearly 90% of the market.

Apple sales are growing rapidly, with sales 6 times that of the overall growth in computer sales. Coincidentally, the largest growth in Apple computer sales has come since the switch to an Intel platform allowing Windows to run on an Apple.

If Windows is so flawed and the Apple OS so superior, why are 9 out of 10 computers running Windows?

Apple Knows How to Dominate a Market

There is no doubt that Apple knows how to produce and market a product that can slaughter the competition. Take the iPod for example. Roughly 70% of all MP3 players are iPods. Look around any gym in America and you quickly realize just how many devices Apple has sold.

When Apple entered an already saturated phone market with the iPhone, they quickly made their presence felt. In 2008, over 10 million iPhones were sold. Apple has become the third largest cell phone company in terms of revenue and shipped more phones than RIM (the maker of Blackberry smartphones) during the third quarter of last year. During that same quarter, the iPhone outsold the well-established Windows Mobile smartphones in all of their various incarnations.

Add to these remarkable successes the strong media sales through iTunes and the App Store and you really get the feeling that Apple knows how to sell a product.

With such dominance in the electronic device market, why does Windows still dominate in the computer market?

Back To Our Question

If Apple has shown that they can dominate a market on numerous occasions but still hold a very small percentage of the computer market, is the Apple computer really as superior to a Windows computer as many Mac users would have you believe?

I can’t wait to hear what everyone has to say.

By the way, I am hoping for an intelligent discussion on the subject. Since I have already had Apple enthusiasts claim that Mac users will “eat my lunch” and that I should “consider another vocation”, let’s keep me out of the discussion. I got enough harassment at family gatherings over the holidays. This is purely about which computer system is better and why.

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How does this simplify?

• You only need one printer and one external hard drive since everyone can share them easily through the network.
• Need to access your real estate partner’s files? Have them saved to a network connected drive and quit bugging them to email it to you.
• Print wirelessly from your couch (I love this one).
• All devices remain connected, so going mobile with your laptop doesn’t require disconnecting numerous USB cables.

Many printers and external drives are network-ready, but they tend to come at a premium price. Also, what if you already have USB-only devices and you don’t want the expense of replacing them? This is where the Belkin Network USB Hub comes in.

Plug the Belkin Network USB Hub into your network and virtually any of your USB devices become network devices. With 5 USB ports, this hub provides plenty of room for an all-in-one printer, laser printer, external hard drive, flash drive, card reader or any other devices that would benefit from network access.

At $100, the Belkin Network USB Hub is a lot cheaper than replacing all of your USB devices with network-capable models.

There’s nothing like breathing new life into aging technology.

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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?

Surge Protection

This should go without saying. If you got a computer, but no surge protector, don’t plug it in without one. You’ll say that you will pick one up, but you never will. Take it from someone who lost an expensive stereo receiver in a beautiful green flash of light, always use a quality surge protector (cheap ones won’t do).

Image the Drive

Your hard drive is so clean and pristine when you first pull it out of the box. Capture that by making an image of the drive or a recovery disc.

HP and many other computer manufacturers put a recovery partition on the hard drive for restoring the computer to its fresh-out-of-the-box state. Use the recovery disc creation system to burn a set of recovery DVD’s. Remember, that recovery partition is worthless if the hard drive fails.

If you don’t have a recovery disc option, pick up drive imaging software to accomplish the same task. I have had great success with Acronis True Image Home. It retails for $50, but I found it on sale for less than $30. Use this program for your initial drive image and have it perform incremental backups on a daily or weekly basis to keep you protected.

Remove Bloatware

Most manufacturers load up a computer with trial software and limited versions of software. They do this because the software companies pay them in hopes that you will buy the full versions once the trial has ended or find the need for more functionality.

Unfortunately, all of that bloatware can greatly slow your computer’s performance and start times. I read one study that showed as much as an 18% increase in performance once the bloatware was removed.

You could always remove this junk manually, but why when you can download PCDecrapifier for free? This ingenious little program finds and removes bloatware from your system. Be sure to create a restore point and your recovery discs or drive image prior to running PCDecrapifier. If something you wanted to keep is removed, this will help you to restore it.

Install a Security Suite

Most experts agree that an unprotected computer connected to the internet will be attacked within 4-10 minutes. That barely enough time to make a bag of microwave popcorn!

Buy a quality internet security suite that includes antivirus protection and a firewall. Standalone anti-virus programs aren’t enough to guard against all types of threats. Free anti-virus software can be tempting, but this isn’t an area to skimp.

Lastly, make sure that you keep the virus definitions up-to-date and that your subscription is current. New threats come out on a daily basis that you need to be protected against.

Check for Updates

Software isn’t perfect. Even after thorough testing, bugs and security holes are found months after programs are sold. Luckily, software manufacturers continuously work to improve their products and offer updates as problems are fixed.

That shiny, new computer under the tree may have left the manufacturer months before. Most likely, new updates have come out since that computer went into the box.

Here are the items that may need updating:

• Windows will most certainly need updating as Microsoft releases updates on a weekly basis. Many updates will download automatically, but you still should go to Windows Update to get recommended updates. While you’re there, install Microsoft Update to update Microsoft Office with your Windows updates.
• Programs will need updating. Some programs will prompt you when updates are ready to download, while others require you to go to the manufacturer’s website to check for updates. To make software updates easier, install a program called Secunia PSI. This handy program scans your computer and notifies you when a program has an update available. This will prove to be a huge timesaver.
• Hardware drivers and firmware may need updating. Go to the computer manufacturer’s website to find updates specific to your system. BIOS, video card and chipset updates can greatly improve system performance and stability, but can be a very tricky task for the computer novice. If you feel you may get in over your head, pay the small fee to have a professional do the updates. They will know what to do if something should go wrong (and it probably will).

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to enjoy your new computer. Your system will be protected against possible threats, will be performing at its best and you’ll be prepared in the event of a system failure.

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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.

These aren’t laptop replacements. The low power components used in these systems does limit their capabilities, but most real estate agents don’t need a lot computing power on the go. They simply need to write an email, check a listing on the MLS or surf the web and watch an online video or two.

A real benefit to using a low power machine is battery life. Some mini notebooks are boasting 8 hour battery life.

The ASUS Eee PC is the leader in the mini notebook market, but the Dell Mini 9 and HP Mini-Note are new products that are growing in popularity. Prices vary, but some models start at under $400.

There are a lot of configuration options when buying a mini notebook. Operating system, hard drive size and type, memory, web cam, wireless connectivity are all items that you will need to decide upon. You can create systems that are tiny Windows-based laptops or barebones, high efficiency handheld computers.

When configuring your mini notebook, remember that this isn’t going to replace a traditional laptop. You don’t want a lot of power and functionality. You won’t need it. You want quick and easy implementation of basic computing needs.

A few recommended options:

• Solid state drive instead of spinning hard drive – less capacity but faster, more energy efficient and reliable
• Upgrade to the most RAM available
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – wireless connectivity continues to grow in usefulness
• Quality webcam for Skype video calling
• Linux instead of Windows for the operating system

The choice of Linux is a bit unusual, but well worth it. Windows is slow and a resource hog, Linux will run faster and start quicker. You will be limited on software for the Linux, but that isn’t an issue. Since you are using the mini notebook for just email, internet and docs, web services and free applications like Google Docs, web-based email and Open Office will meet your needs.

You can bet that a mini notebook will be on my holiday wish list.

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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 Olo^TM 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.

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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!

Finally, a better solution is available with the release of the Kensington ShareCentral.

The ShareCentral is a hub that allows 2 computers to share USB devices easily. Connect both computers and your peripherals to share devices with the push of a button. It even supports Automatic Printer Sharing on Windows XP and Vista machines, for effortless printing.

The ShareCentral comes in 1, 2 and 5 device models to fit the needs of any real estate agent. Go for the 5 device model to give yourself a bit of room to grow.

To cut down on confusion, Kensington throws in labeled button covers. The large printer, scanner and hard drive icons make peripheral switching a breeze, even without putting on your glasses.

A little bonus, the ShareCentral acts as a USB hub by allowing 5 devices to be connected to only 1 computer port. A huge benefit for those with limited USB ports.

Models range in price from $40 to $80 and can is available at most electronic stores and online.

Pick one up and simplify your computing experience.

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Heat has always been an even bigger issue with laptop computers. Heat producing components are crammed into the smallest cases possible. This leaves very little room for cooling systems, which are usually limited to tiny exhaust fans. Not quite adequate.

Use your laptop for an extended period of time and feel the bottom. It is hot! People have burned their legs from this heat. Furniture has even been marred from it.

Thankfully, there is an easy, inexpensive solution to the laptop heat issue.

Manufacturers, such as Targus, Belkin and Antec, are producing laptop cooling pads. These thin plates contain 1 or more cooling fans and are powered via a USB cable. When you set your laptop on one of these devices, fresh air is continuously blown on the bottom of the laptop keeping it cool.

I was very skeptical of these cooling devices. I doubted their effectiveness. They seemed too bulky to carry with my laptop. I was also concerned with laptop battery life due to the power draw of the extra fans.

After using my Targus Laptop Chill Mat for a month, I wouldn’t use my laptop without it. Here are a few benefits that I have experienced:

• My laptop no longer slows or locks up after running for awhile.
• It is now comfortable to use my laptop on my lap for long periods and my furniture is safe.
• I can use my laptop in bed without fear of the blankets blocking air flow to the exhaust fans.
• Turns out that a cooler running computer is a more efficient computer, so I haven’t noticed any battery life changes using the extra fans.
• The cooling mat is very light and slides into my laptop bag easily, making transporting the device a breeze.

In short, every laptop toting real estate agent needs this technology. It will improve your computing experience and will extend the life of your expensive laptop.

Cooling mats start at around $30. Models that integrate a USB hub (a handy addition if you are short on USB ports) start at around $50. With a bit of patience, you can get a deal on one. Each week, Best Buy, Circuit City or Staples will usually have a cooling mat on sale. I decided the model that I wanted and waited a couple of weeks until I found it on sale for $20. One of the cheapest technology investments you can make.

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Just as quickly as Windows Vista became the only operating system choice at the big-box stores, it seems that the 64-bit version of Vista is becoming the pre-installed version of choice. It has gotten difficult to find a Dell or HP computer at such stores as Best Buy, Circuit City or Costco that doesn’t have an edition of Vista 64-bit installed.

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Vista?

Without getting too geeky, 64-bit operating systems can use more RAM. 32-bit systems are mathematically limited to 4 GB of RAM. This total includes the video card memory, as well.

For computers, such as mine, with 4GB of RAM and a hefty video card installed, only 3-3.5 GB of the RAM will be recognized and utilized.

So 64-bit must be better than 32-bit, right?

In the long run, it will allow for more powerful computers. Unfortunately, real estate agents making the switch to a 64-bit platform could experience a lot of compatibility issues.

What types of issues should I expect when switching to 64-bit Vista?

Before going to a 64-bit system, do your homework.

Make a list of every peripheral that you own (printer, scanner, digital camera, web cam) and every piece of software that you could not do without.

Once you have that list, go to each manufacturer’s website to determine 64-bit compatibility. Hardware will need compatible drivers. Software may need patches to work.

If the manufacturer doesn’t offer any real answers, Google it. A quick search for “Vista 64-bit compatibility with…” can provide a wealth of information. Forums are filled with real-life accounts of computer users and their 64-bit experiences.

Be prepared to find out that a peripheral will need to be replaced or a newer version of a program will need to be purchased to be compatible.

What was my switch to 64-bit Vista like?

My computer seemed to be the perfect candidate for an upgrade from 32-bit Vista Ultimate to the 64-bit version. It has 4 GB of RAM and a video card with 768 MB of memory. On the 32-bit platform, only 3.2GB of memory was recognized. Seemed like a waste of money to have bought all that RAM for only 80% to be utilized.

After careful deliberation, I decided to jump into the 64-bit world. My reasoning: if 64-bit systems are being sold to mainstream users and my hardware and software are relatively new, it should be a safe switch. Besides, I wanted to use all of my RAM (or go all out and install the maximum 8 GB of RAM).

I did my research. I went to manufacturer websites, did Google searches and even directly contacted tech support for a few questionable pieces of equipment.

Overall, my experience was dreadful. Even with my careful research, I ran into issues:

• Spysweeper isn’t compatible and had to be thrown out.
• My iPod corrupts each time I sync. I now use my XP laptop to sync via my network.
• A BIOS update was required to keep a USB card from freezing my computer.
• Symantec spent a total of 9 hours remotely controlling my computer to get Norton Internet Security 2008 to work.
• Outlook won’t shut down.
• The system won’t hibernate anymore.
• Acrobat needed a patch before it would create a PDF.

While some of these issues will eventually be resolved (through countless hours on my part), they are definitely affecting my productivity and computing enjoyment.

I would not recommend anyone go through this hassle. The performance boost is not substantial enough to justify the time and energy spent.

What to consider when purchasing a new computer?

Eventually, you will need a new computer. Should you find a system with 32-bit Vista or go with 64-bit versions?

Before you know it, 64-bit computing will be common place. The progression is inevitable. Purchasing a 32-bit computer now will only lead to regret in the near future when everything is running on 64-bit.

Luckily, many of the upgrade problems that I ran across won’t be an issue for computers purchased with 64-bit Vista pre-installed.

Just as I recommended for real estate agents making the jump to Windows Vista, do your research and expect to pay more on your next computer purchase. The extra money isn’t for the computer (new computers are ridiculously cheap these days), it is for new peripherals and software.

That 6-year-old printer might print just fine for you, it may not be 64-bit compatible and need to be replaced. Your copy of Acrobat 7 might suits your needs for PDF conversion, but a purchased upgrade to 8.1 or newer is required to run on a 64-bit computer.

When budgeting for a new computer, expect to spend nearly as much on software upgrades and new peripherals as you do on the computer, itself.

The good news: 32-bit computing has been the standard since 1995, so 64-bit technology should be around for awhile.

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Luckily NikNik got the iPhone at the same time!

Luckily for me, NikNik and I got our phones at the same time.  Although mine had terrible reception from the start.  But the issue was strange; I would go from 5 bars to no service very quickly.  When I compared it with NikNik’s, the difference was night and day. Her iPhone had great reception.  I immediately went to AT&T to let them know that I had a defective phone. However the salesman at the counter told me it was a bad SIM card. So he added a new SIM card and sent me off on my way. Within 5 minutes I knew my iPhone was not fixed. I still had “NO SERVICE!”  So now I’m back at AT&T for the 3^rd time in as many days so we could take a closer look at my iPhone reception problems. This time the sales associate tells me that I will need to purchase another iPhone and I can get reimbursed when it arrives. They’ll simply swap devices. But because of the current demand it may take 21 days. This got me a little annoyed, so I asked the sales guy to do something for me since I was without a reasonable working phone.   He replied that I could buy another phone and return it when the iPhone arrived. (Great…let me buy 3 phones so 1 can have one working?! ) I didn’t like this suggestion much. I decided instead to get through the next few weeks without a properly working phone. It was challenging, to say the least. Many calls went to voicemail. But that all changed late last week when my new iPhone arrived; now I’m happy to say the iPhone works perfectly. I now have great reception.

Although with my phone working, my immediate thoughts went out to other consumers who may have a similarly defective phone and not even know it. If I could not have compared my phone with Nik’s I would have thought the iPhone reception was weak in general!  But that’s not the case, once working the iPhone has been an amazing and innovative change in mobile smartphone technology.  Which brings me to my last thought, is it right for you?

Do I recommend iPhone or Blackberry technology for real estate agents?

This is a tough question because of so many different personality types out there.  To start if you are a teckie real estate agent there is probably no stopping you…as a matter of fact you probably already own the smartphone. Although if you are looking for stability and time tested solution the blackberry is still a great vehicle for you. You may want to wait a few more months for demand to die out and then you can easily move into the device. And if the unfortunate should happen like you purchase a defective phone at least you will not being waiting 21 days for a new one to be shipped to you.

Things I love about the iPhone:

1. It’s beautiful
2. Huge screen w/ accelerometer
3. Real Internet with 3G (where available…seriously)
4. Push email with Microsoft Exchange support (crucial)
5. Convergence of multiple devices (laptop, camera, iPod, phone)
6. Multi-Touch….LOVE THIS!
7. Wi-Fi
8. The app store
9. Perfect convergence between work life and personal

Things I loved about my Blackberry Curve:

1. Keyboard
2. Durable case
3. Camera w/Flash
4. Light-weight
5. Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES)

Below is a basic matrix for comparison between the iPhone and the Curve.
(Note soon Blackberry will release their BOLD which would be a better comparison.)

¹ T-Mobile Curve 8320, AT&T Curve 8310, Sprint Curve 8330, Verizon Curve 8330.

² T-Mobile Curve 8320 offers IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 while the AT&T Curve 8310, Verizon Curve 8330 and Sprint Curve 8330 offer only Bluetooth 2.0.

³ Curve 8310 offers GPS receiver.  The T-Mobile Curve 8320, Verizon Curve 8330 and Sprint Curve 8330 do not offer GPS.

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The HP Touchsmart PC is the latest all-in-one computer system to hit the market. Much like the Apple iMac, Dell XPS One and Gateway One, the HP Touchsmart PC incorporates the entire computer into the monitor housing. No need for a separate CPU cluttering your desk or floor, this class of computer is a dream for those with limited space.

What separates the Touchsmart PC from the competition is the inclusion of a 22″ touchscreen monitor. As tablet laptops have done for years, the Touchsmart PC allows you to interact directly with objects on the screen. Better than a tablet laptop, though, since it was designed to be used with your fingers instead of a stylus.

The similarities between the Touchsmart PC and a laptop computer go well beyond just the touchscreen technology. Looking at the specifications of the Touchsmart PC, it would appear to be more of a huge laptop than a compact desktop computer.

Utilizing many laptop components, the Touchsmart PC runs on an energy efficient Intel Core 2 Duo platform. A slot loading DVD burner, 5-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard slot, Bluetooth and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity are just some of the features you expect to see in a laptop computer, not a desktop PC.

The Touchsmart PC isn’t short on traditional desktop features, though. A 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM, a Gigabit network card and integrated hi-def TV tuner allow the Touchsmart PC to compete with most multimedia desktops on the market.

Marketed as a multimedia computer for the family room or kitchen, the HP Touchsmart PC could possibly be the perfect computer for real estate agents.

For many real estate agents, interacting with a computer is cumbersome. Using a mouse on a horizontal plane to guide a pointer on a vertical plane is not an intuitive action. Using the Touchsmart PC makes interacting with objects on the screen much more natural.

Imagine browsing the internet by touching website buttons instead of clicking on them with a mouse. How about playing a video tour of a listing by touching the play button with your finger? You could even move pictures around a listing flyer with a simple swipe.

The real estate business applications of this technology are limitless. It would be a shame to only use this machine in your family room.

For any real estate agent who dreads their daily interactions with a computer, the Touchsmart PC is a great computer to invest in. Much as the iPhone is changing the way that real estate agents perform mobile computing activities, the Touchsmart will alter real estate computing at the desk.

Check out these comprehensive video demo of the HP Touchsmart PC:

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If you thought the Mortgage Rate Widget was the only new candy in Zillow’s goodie bag, it’s time to reach in for a second helping. Did you feel that? It’s Zillow’s FREE co-branding! With it, your blog readers will have access to Zillow tools and features while being reminded who sent them there in the first place.  With Zillow’s co-branding individuals or companies can utilize this free service just by adding any of the following to their blog or Website: individual Zillow URLs, mortgage rate widgets, links generated by the Zillow API, new profile badges.

Here’s how it works:

Before you can take advantage of Zillow’s free co-branding, you need to take care of the following: (1) sign up for a Zillow account, (2) add a Zillow URL to your blog or Website and (3) include the following code at the end of your Zillow link “/?scrnnm=YourZillowScreenName”. Then, when readers select the Zillow URL on your blog and a new Zillow page opens, you’re picture, contact information and link to your Website will appear at the top of that page.  Wherever your blog reader travels on Zillow during that session, your branding will follow too. Click here to learn more about Zillow Co-Branding.

In this market, any edge, ledge, step stool or leg up you can get to boost your blog community and market freely to your target audience is worth checking out. And if you’d like to get up close and personal with the Zillow team AND you’re planning to go to REBarCamp and the Inman Connect, you won’t want to miss Beer with Bloggers. The venue is Café Du Nord (from 6-8pm), which just happens to be right above REBarCamp on July 22, 2008. See you there!

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… C: wait… SD: wait…

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This lack of ability to power down isn’t uncommon with technology. Many scanners, printers, external hard drives and speakers are very difficult to shut them off.

The push for being green and the need to save money in this real estate market calls for a better solution than simply leaving everything on. This is where the APC Back-UPS ES 750 VA comes in.

The APC Back-UPS ES750 VA is more than a 10 outlet surge protector with battery backup. It is a power saving device, as well.

The ES750 incorporates 3 outlets that are controlled by the power status of the master. In English, you plug your computer into the master outlet and the ES750 powers up the 3 controlled outlets when the computer is on. The controlled outlets are powered down when the computer shuts off.

Available for under $90, the APC Back-UPS ES750 is a solid choice to protect your sensitive real estate technology from power surges and power outages. It also could end up paying for itself as APC claims a $40 a year energy bill savings when using the ES750.

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The problem that I have had in writing the post has come that my experiences with mobile inkjet printers. Poor print quality and speed, and fragile construction has made it difficult to recommend any real estate agent rely on one of these devices.

The latest generation of mobile printers by Canon and HP are revitalizing the idea of printing on the go. Both companies have mobile inkjet printers that produce quality prints at a surprisingly fast rate.

Top Mobile Printer Models

The Canon Pixma iP100 is the latest entry in a long line of Canon mobile inkjet printers. Unlike its predecessors, this new model performs more like larger desktop printers. Printing with 5 ink colors at up to 20 pages per minute, the issues that I have experienced using an older Pixma iP90 seem to have been addressed.

The HP Officejet H470wbt is the top of the HP line of mobile printers. Unlike its less expensive siblings, the H470wbt includes both a Bluetooth adapter and a lithium battery. Printing speed of the Officejet H470wbt bests the iP100 by 2 pages per minute, but color prints may be hindered by the inclusion of only 4 ink colors.

Choosing the Right Mobile Printer

Deciding which printer is right for you will depend on how you will be using the printer.

As with other Canon printers, the Pixma iP100’s real strength is in photo printing. It also has a lower price than the HP model, thanks to the lack of an included battery or Bluetooth adapter. These accessories and others, such as a car adapter, are available but will easily add another 60% or more to the price of the device.

The Canon is a better choice for the real estate agent who will be printing within reach of a power outlet and doesn’t mind connecting a USB cable (or doesn’t have a Bluetooth adapter in their laptop).

The HP Officejet H470wbt focuses on truly mobile business printing. The included lithium battery and Bluetooth adapter allow a real estate agent to print from anywhere, without the need for power outlet or USB cable.

While the price of the HP may seem higher than the Canon, it is actually cheaper than the iP100 with the optional Bluetooth adapter and lithium battery. This makes the HP the choice for the truly model warrior. Just pull out the Officejet, drop in paper and print from any Bluetooth-enabled device, like a laptop or smartphone.

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This holds true for most real estate agents. There just doesn’t appear to be a compelling reason to invest in newer technology. That is what I thought until I did a little research. Since then, I have retired my trusty 802.11g router for a new, cutting-edge model.

Originally, you probably bought your router so that multiple computers could share a broadband connection. Plus, the added benefit of a wireless signal gave you the freedom to use your laptop from the couch. For these simple needs, that old router is fine. I’m here to tell you that your needs have grown beyond those simple tasks.

Ask yourself these questions to identify how your home network needs have changed:

1. Do you work primarily from home?
2. Has your broadband connection speed increased (10 Mbps compared to 1.5 Mbps)?
3. Do you have a network connected printer, external hard drive or maybe even a new Windows Home Server?
4. Have you used VOIP (Skype) to make phone calls and video chat?
5. Are you a YouTube junkie?
6. Have you filled up your iPod by downloading music from iTunes?
7. Have you conducted an online meeting (GoToMeeting)?
8. Are you or your child known as a master of Worlds of Warcraft?
9. Have you remotely accessed your home computer (GoToMyPC)?
10. Are your recent vacation photos on Flickr?

I was going to come up with a scoring system to provide a numerical value, but that would be too much like Cosmopolitan magazine. Just know that if you answered yes to even two of the preceding questions, you are a candidate for a router upgrade.

Here is what the latest crop of home routers will give you:

• WPA – The old WEP security encryption for wireless signals is easily cracked. WPA is more secure and easier to configure since you can use a phrase or sentence as the encryption code (no more typing in a 26 digit hexidecimal code to give a house guest’s laptop Internet access).
• Gigabit transfer speed – 100 Mb wired networks are painfully slow for transferring large multimedia files. Gigabit will move movies and music files between computers 10 times faster.
• 802.11N – While the latest wireless standard has yet to be ratified, it is close enough to invest in. 802.11N is faster than the B and G standards, but the real benefit is in signal strength. That means a stronger signal throughout your house and even into the backyard (no dead zones).
• Intelligent QoS – Think of this as prioritizing of your network needs. This makes it so that downloading music doesn’t lower your Skype call quality.
• USB storage connection – Turn any USB hard drive or flash drive into network storage.
• Automatic firmware updates – Makes router maintenance a breeze.
• Dual-band signals – Transmitting on both 2.4 and 5 gigahertz keeps cordless phones, microwave ovens and baby monitors from interfering with your wireless signal.
• LCD display – Network status updates without having to log into an admin page.

There isn’t a single router on the market that incorporated all of these features, so you will need to identify what features are most important to your needs.

Here are four routers to consider when upgrading your home network:

• D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router
• Linksys WRT600N – Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router
• Netgear WNR3500 RANGEMAX WIRELESS- N GIGABIT ROUTER
• Belkin N1 Vision

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