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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.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Scenechronize - My 'Review'

First let me say that the Scenechronize people put on a very nice presentation. They provided both the lunch and the raffle items (2 scenechronize hats & a $50.00 Target gift card if you're interested.) so you missed out on a free lunch and swag right off if you didn't attend...

And they are very knowledgeable about their product, gave easy to understand answers, even for the less tech savvy among us. They seemed to understand the work flow that goes on in a Production Office, how distribution works, and how things change at a moments notice, that no two shows are ever the same & how this would have to be taken into account when using their system. They seemed incredibly flexible and eager to listen to any and all suggestions, and when encountering a new 'quirk' usually said something along the lines of, 'yes, it can do that', or 'yes, we can set that up for you'. Now i don't mean to make it sound like they're 'Yes Men'. We did hear them say in at least one instance, 'we're working on that, but that feature isn't ready yet'. or something similar.

Honestly, if i was still a Production Coordinator, i'd beg, borrow or steal the money to get this on my show. And they are more than happy to demo this to anyone and everyone that wants to see it in action. Which i recommend if you are even vaguely interested in saving yourself time, money & heartache if you have a massive distro list on your project. The practically automatic watermarking feature alone seems worth it's weight in...well paper probably. But you get my meaning.

About the product: it's web/browser based, meaning there's no software to load onto your computer, and if there's an update it's automatically there when you log on in the morning. As long as you have internet access, it's all good. However, if i understood them correctly, they are looking into a stand-alone module in case you're out in the jungle and there just isn't a Starbucks Wifi Hotspot within 500 miles. I'm assuming a sync feature would keep you up to date once you found that all important coffee shop with the internet connection on top of those Peruvian Mountains you're filming in.

The ease of use on this system is pretty amazing, the learning curve is almost non-existent, even the most techno-hesitant will be up and running in no time. AND when they say they have 24 hour Customer Service, they mean 24/7/365 Customer Service as well as the implementation of special requests. Ask them to tell you some stories about their Watermarking feature. Let's just say it now comes with options you didn't even know you needed. Hilarious.

The security that this thing provides is wicked crazy. The levels of security, and the levels of access that can be assigned, to my mind, err on the side of psychosis. But if that's what your producers and studio execs want, there's more than enough paranoia to go around.

There are 2 versions, Distro & Distro VPO (VPO i assume stands for Virtual Production Office, but that's just my assumption, they never said what it stood for.) The first is a bit cheaper and has slightly less features. The second is a lot more comprehensive and also looks worth the price. And the price is something they're willing to work with you on, depending upon the project. For actual numbers $$ go to their site and drop them an email.

They're working on a stand-alone version of their breakdown feature, made for the AD's, (which is only available in the Distro VPO version, if i understood correctly) and if you know and actually like any of the ADs you work with, send them to this website. They'll be your best friends for life. The software takes a script and in a matter of just a few seconds, minutes at most, it pulls out all the Slug Lines, Character names, and half a dozen other bits of important info, all of which can be changed/altered/added to. (Although it can't actually alter the script in any way, it can make a list of the AD suggestions so that they be sent to the Writers for revision pages.) It's appears to be totally customizable. It also does a page count, which i have to admit i'd have to test myself before i'd trust, but can also be altered if found..not to the AD's liking. And it can then take that info and export it into any number of other formats (Excel, Word, etc.) and it can be given to, say... the Script Supervisor (you knew i'd get to us eventually), and he/she could then use that info to do their own breakdowns. And I must admit, the idea of having something save me all that time on typing the Slug Lines, Int/Ext, etc., is very appealing.

I also think that the sisters & brothers in our other classifications at Local 871 should give this a once over as well. Production Accountants, Art Department Coordinators, perhaps even Teleprompters & Stage Mangers, we all generate and use forms and files, whether they be physical or virtual, and they might benefit in some way from the ease of distribution of the annoying pieces of paper we have to have every day. Now i'm not in any of those classifications, so i'd have to leave those reviews to greater minds than mine. But go to the website, look at the system and if you have any comments or suggestions, no matter who you are or what you do, drop them an email. They respond quite promptly and as i think i said before, they're eager to hear new ideas.

Now, let's talk about what I know you've all been waiting for, what this actually provides for Script Supervisors. Unfortunately, at this time, nothing. Or almost nothing, if you don't count the ability to send the AD breakdown info to us. (Oh and it can make lists. Lots & lots of lists. Lists of Sets, of Actors, of Scenes, of what scenes each actor is in, what set each actor is on and all by scene number.) But they'd like to change that. They'd like to involve the Script Supers of 871 in a possible Script Super module. Perhaps a breakdown feature of our own, or a faster way to get our information to the people that want/need it, a place to store our continuity pictures so anyone can access them, things like that. And they are very mindful of the fact that not everyone is digital. They want to make sure that even our paper and pencil brethren (and why They'd be reading this blog i have NO idea) can benefit from this system and it's software.

Anyway, stay tuned. Our local will be passing along any and all info the Scenechronize people may share. And if you're not in the Union or you're just not on the West Coast of the US, that doesn't mean you're outta luck. Give 'em a call or drop 'em an email. They're a very small but friendly bunch and i'm sure they'd be willing to help in any way they can.

And as i always say, 'Go Here, Look At This' --> https://www.scenechronize.com/index.php
and let me know whatcha think.


- Script Witch

eVouse concept mouse has nothing to do with Valentine's Day

saw this and thought it was kinda interesting. but it's not real. at least not yet.

hit the link above to see the very cool pics


- SW
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eVouse concept mouse has nothing to do with Valentine's Day

By Joanna Stern posted Feb 13th 2010 3:56AM
We're not going to lie, it was a major let down when we found out that this glowing V-shaped mouse with faux Microsoft branding is nothing more than a splendiferous concept, but we're holding back the tears as best we can. The super futuristic-looking eVouse doubles as both a regular mouse and a pen sensor (in theory, anyway) or as its designer Marcial Ahsayane says, "it's a mix between a classic mouse and a tablet PC." We assume that means you can -- you know -- write digitally with it, but it will also work as an air mouse with touch sensitive buttons. Maybe you can discern a little more from the images below where it seems to morph into a boomerang of sorts, but in the meanwhile we'll be in the corner wishing this thing had a ship date attached to it. You hearing this, Microsoft?

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Open Office - An Alternative to Microsoft Office Suites

I posted about this awhile back and it was free then, but it seems it's become popular enough that now they're charging for it. they however charge a subscription instead of a one time price. it's $2.95/month ($29.88), or you can buy 2 years for $17.49/year or 3 years for $12.97/year.

i wish i'd gotten it when it was free, so i could tell you it was worth the price, but i'll have to leave that to someone who's used it. i will say it looks good, and it is, by far still cheaper than anything Microsoft puts out.

if you've used this software please post your comments, i'd love to hear what others think.


- Script Witch

For Local 871 Members...

There's a Production Coordinator's Craft Meeting at the Local on this Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Noon. Now you're probably wondering why i'm posting this when the Script Super's Craft Mtg is two weeks later on February 20th. well that's because there's going to be a demo of the Scenechronize software system on this Saturday, and i'd like to take a look at it.

here’s the link. Watch the intro video: https://www.scenechronize.com/index.php

It looks great for AD’s and Production Coordinators, UPM, etc. Not much for us Script Supers at the moment, but I do like the breakdown format thingy, that might be a bit of a time saver…

i'm going to try to attend and then i'll post my impressions after Saturday, if anyone is interested...

oh, and lunch will be served and there's going to be a raffle for a prize, if bribery will make it more interesing :)


- Script Witch