Looking for Something Specific? Search it Here

The First 5 Things You'll Want to Know About Tablet Computers

The First 5 Things You'll Want to Know About Tablet Computers

If you're new here, or to Tablet PC's, there's a few things you should know. A few bits of information we should get out of the way first...

1. The Tablet I use is a PC, Not a Mac
Everything but the iPad is Windows based. Mac's tablet the iPad is more like a giant iPod Touch, it wasn't designed to have a stylus/pen input, but there are several apps for that now, but you can either type (using the virtual keyboard) or use your finger to write. Also, the only way you can get anything on the computer is through email, there are no input ports, but i understand on the iPad 3 that might have changed. But don't dispare, this is only the third version of the Mac tablet, and only the first since Steve Jobs passed, so there's bound to be a bit of a shake down cruise since he's gone, and they'll probably come out with one that has a few more input choices. In the mean time, there is an after market/third party 'upgrade' you can get that will turn a MacBookPro into a tablet computer, but I'm not sure of the cost. (If you're interested in that, leave a message here, or better yet email me at tmoodyca@roadrunner.com and I'll hook you up with people in the know about such things), i will tell you that from what i have seen it partitions the harddrive so that you can run both Mac & Windows. So you'd still be running Windows programs just on a Mac machine.

2. What Kind of Tablet is Right for Me?
There's two different types of Tablet PC's. A slate tablet, and a convertible. The slate does NOT come with a keyboard but is usually lighter in weight, but a bit more expensive. The convertible allows the screen to swivel all the way around and lay flat on top of the keyboard. These are a bit heavier (although not by an enormous amount), but they cost less. Poke about in this blog to find some of the manufactures of both types of computer, or contact me via email at the above address.

3. Using Tablet PC's On-Set
Every Tablet PC comes with the program - Windows Journal, Journal Note Writer, or something like that, in it. The name varies, but it's exactly the same program & Script Supervisor's can use this program to take their notes AND line their pages. It does NOT turn your handwriting into text. You can enter text in this program, it just takes a few more menu scrolls and pen clicks, but it can be done. You'll have to decide if it's worth the effort. Other programs I know Script Supers to use are Excel, Filemaker Pro, Access, Adobe Acrobat, & Bluebeam Revu (more about those last two in section 4.)

4. PDF Readers & Printers
You may not know what it is, but you're going to need it. It's a program (or programs) that will allow you to read and print your pages and forms into PDF. PDF is a universal format that every computer, both PC and Mac, can view. There's a couple of different ways to achieve this, some more expensive than others, but all viable ways to go. The Acrobat Reader is free and easy to download, but that's just about all it does. And there are several programs out there that are just PDF printer drivers and those are either free or at a nominal cost. Or you can go with a couple of different PDF Editors. These allow you to read, print and manipulate PDF files. The two most well known are Adobe Acrobat, and Bluebeam Revu. I believe both have a 30 day free trial that can be downloaded from their websites. (There are other PDF Editors out there, just Google for a list.) These can be used to take your notes and to line your pages as well. However there is a little bit more of a learning curve involved with all of them.

5. eBay - A cheaper way to shop
Ok, you've decided to jump in and do the deed, but you're a little tight on cash. Or you're still a bit skittish about the whole thing because you're a Mac and it's a PC. Here's my recommendation: go eBay. First you're gonna want to do a bit of research. Find the make and model of computer you like (HP, Lenovo, Motion Computing, Dell, Tablet Kiosk, etc.), then I suggest going to Fry's or Best Buy, or Sears, and basically fondling the merchandise. Find something that you like the feel of, the weight of. You like the way the pen writes on the screen. See what software it comes with (Microsoft Word, or Excel, etc.), what hardware (external hard drive, or keyboard, etc.). Find the one that's right for you. Do NOT skip this step, I know the research is often the boring part, but in this case it's important. You are going to have to spend at least 12 1/2 hours a day with this machine, and a fairly large chunk of money, so it should be something you like. After you've researched it and found the machine of your dreams, then head to eBay. First just see what they have to offer in tablets, you might find something you didn't know about. Then get down to business, and look for that one computer that will make your life complete. Now you might have to settle for last years model (so make sure you get the name and numbers correct), but if it comes at a significant discount (on the order of one half the price or so) you'll have a decision to make.

So there you are, the first five things you need to know. Go forth and compute.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Bluebeam Revu - PDF Editor

Giving Adobe a Run for Their Money


They claim their easier than Adobe Acrobat and they are obviously cheaper. Several of my digitial Script Super friends use it to line their scripts. And the company says that Accountants are starting to use their software. Though they're not sure how/why.

There's a free 30 day trial available, so.... Take a look, see what you think.


- Script Witch
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bluebeam PDF Revu
Standard Edition

Bluebeam PDF Revu Standard Edition is the ideal PDF solution for firms that need a smart, simple and affordable solution to create, view, markup, and edit PDF files.

Bluebeam adds buttons to the toolbars of Word, Excel and PowerPoint for one click PDFs and batch creation. For all other Windows files (WordPerfect, Outlook, image files, etc.) Bluebeam includes the Bluebeam PDF printer. Writing files to PDF and nine other file formats is as simple as printing a file. Standard Edition includes an intuitive PDF viewer, markup tool and PDF editor. See the Bluebeam difference

starting at
$149
as low as $49/seat with volume discounts



PURCHASE

FREE TRIAL

REQUEST CD

PRICE QUOTE



  • FAQ's
  • Feature List
  • Pricing
  • Overview

Why Bluebeam?
Bluebeam PDF Revu was designed to make your life easier with simple PDF creation, markup and editing features. When using Bluebeam you will soon come to realize the ease of use and functionality provided with our software. Bluebeam PDF Revu integrates with MS Office programs for one button file creation and includes the Bluebeam PDF printer to create a PDF from just about anything!


Revu
Bluebeam's professional PDF markup, PDF editing and PDF viewing software.

MORE ABOUT REVU


Features
  • PDF creation from any Windows or CAD application
  • PDF markup, PDF editing, and PDF viewing with Revu
  • Adds Bluebeam buttons to MS Office toolbars for one click conversion and batch creation
  • Creates PDF booklets with
    Bluebeam Stapler
  • Conversion to nine other formats including TIFF, JPEG, Bitmap, GIF, PNG, PSD, EMF, WMF and PCL
  • Special predefined settings for top CAD applications
  • Adds Bluebeam buttons to AutoCAD LT toolbar
  • PDF security and digital signatures
  • File attachments
  • Automatic PDF bookmarks
  • Hyperlink transfer for MS Office
  • Text searchable PDFs
  • PDF textstamping and watermarking
  • Built-in measurement tool
  • Search online with WebTab™, a full web browser in Revu
  • View the full list


PDF Editing
PDF Editing saves time by allowing you to change the PDF without recreating it from the original file. Easily edit the PDF by adding or deleting text, customizing the font and font color, changing the layout and more. PDF Page Editing gives you the ability to add blank pages, delete, extract and rotate pages as well as copy and paste true text from your PDF into Word and other MS Office files.


PDF Markup
Included with the Bluebeam PDF creation software is Revu for PDF markup and editing. Within Revu, you will find an extensive list of markup tools including a pen, highlighter, typewriter, text box, symbols, images and stamps to customize your PDF. Included with this helpful application is the option to save frequently used tools in "My Tools" for easy access and quick mark up. Every PDF created using Bluebeam follows the PDF standard and is readable from any PDF viewer accommodating you and your affiliates.


PDF forms PDF Forms
PDF files containing form fields are easily viewed and completed with Revu. Bluebeam automatically recognizes a PDF form and allows you to fill in text, select from a drop down list, check boxes, select radio buttons and press Submit or Reset buttons. Saving filled or partially filled forms to your hard drive helps you avoid losing any work.


Bluebeam Stapler
The Bluebeam Stapler is a stand-alone program that effortlessly binds many different types of documents. With Stapler you can combine a number of different files ranging from Office documents to images files. Stapler allows you to either bind files to create one single PDF, or create a single PDF for each separate file.

MORE ABOUT STAPLER


PDF Creation
After installation, Bluebeam will integrate into your MS Office programs (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and install three buttons at the top of your Office interface. With the click of a button, your PDF is created. Bluebeam batch allows you to convert countless Office files to PDF in a single batch. Bluebeam PDF Revu includes a scan to PDF option and PDF packages.

MORE ABOUT CREATION


Tablet PC
Bluebeam includes features specifically designed for Tablet OS users who are looking for a quick way to review and annotate PDF files with the ease of their Tablet pen.

MORE ABOUT TABLET


Advanced Markup
and Editing
Advanced PDF features in Revu allow you to customize your PDF to create a polished document. Flags and bookmarks can link to PDF pages, hyperlinks, separate files or an area of a PDF page. Add file attachments to send information rich documents to clients or colleagues. Check markups, form fields and PDF text for spelling mistakes and save frequently used forms and documents as PDF templates.


Digital Signatures
Create digital signature fields, certify documents and add digital signatures to PDF files. Bluebeam's intelligent technology can detect if the file has been altered after being signed so you can send your secure documents with peace of mind.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)