Transferring Files onto your iPad

We are receiving many phone calls each week from counsel excited about receiving PDF files because they have an iPad.  The next inquiry is, “How do I get the files onto my iPad?”

Fortunately for the end user, there are many ways to access the file(s).

1. E-mail – If you have e-mail on your iPad, e-mail the PDF file as an attachment.  Click on the attachment and the PDF file will load.
2. Dropbox – As long as the APP is loaded onto the device and you have access to the Internet, the PDF file will be accessible whenever/wherever counsel may be.  This is the BEST way to download a file.
3. Direct connect the iPad to your computer with the USB cable provided by Apple and transfer the file through iTunes software. 

Recommended APPS to make this all possible:

• Dropbox (free) – get all of your files from anywhere, any place and on any computer or device you have access to.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dropbox/id327630330?mt=8
• PDF Reader ($0.99) – a simple PDF reader that lets you read an ADOBE PDF file.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pdf-reader-pro/id300298606?mt=8
• iAnnotate ($9.99) – Allows you to read and ANNOTATE a PDF file.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iannotate-pdf/id363998953?mt=8

We find that the Page Image PDF is the file that works best as the text is big, clean and looks just like a transcript page.

NATIONAL COURT REPORTERS CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS

Every year court reporters from around the country get together at their annual convention to network, attend workshops and seminars, meet vendors, and to elect their officers and directors for the upcoming year.  This year’s convention will be at the Bally’s Hotel from July 28^th to July 31^st.

The emphasis continues to be on the latest technology available to reporters in helping them make the record.  There is always much to learn and evaluate as far as the types of steno machines, software, and hardware that are on the market today.  The convention setting allows for a comprehensive review and analysis of everything a reporter needs to be at the top of his or her game.

But technology alone does not a good reporter make.  Solid theory and exacting writing skills continue to be the foundation to continued success.  This is why court reporters continue to sharpen their skills and test for ever higher designations that will earn them the respect and recognition of their colleagues and prepare them for whatever testimony comes their way. 

Two special events at every annual convention are the speed contests.  The national speed contest consists of three, five-minute legs of literary at 220 words per minute, legal opinion at 230 words per minute, and testimony at 280 words per minute.  To qualify, one must have a minimum accuracy rate of 95%.  The reporter with the best combined score wins.

The other contest is the realtime competition, which consists of two, five-minute legs of straight matter at 220 words per minute and two-voice dictation at 225 words per minute.  To quality, one must have a minimum accurate rate of 95% WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF EDITING.  The reporter with the best combined score wins.

Needless to say, only the most elite reporters are allowed to compete for these titles.  The winners of these two contests have their legacy sealed in NCRA’s history.

Lastly, the annual convention is also a time to reflect on the great strides reporters have made in the past and contemplate the challenges that face the profession in the years to come.