WARNING: Geeky-type post!
Although it’s had a tepid response in the marketplace, I could certainly see the vision behind the Google ChromeBook. No hard drive, instant boot-up, constant cloud connection. Wherever you are, there’s your (digital) stuff. No more thumb-drives or sending yourself emails with attachments.
Since voice-overs in this age are so tied to technology, these sorts of tools are worth reassessing regularly, because the pace of change is so fast.
So, as I prepare to reformat the hard drive on my 4-yr-old stalwart-of-an-HP Laptop (first time reformatting since I bought it), I’m trying to formulate a plan to not have to use the hard drive any more than I have to. It’s not very hard.
I have Zoho web-based email, DropBox, SugarSync, Cubby, Nuance’s PaperPort Pro, and Microsoft’s SkyDrive (which BTW just saw a welcome make-over).
My iPhone and iPad have all those apps installed, and synced. Those two devices also act as my scanners — using their cameras to store, or forward all sorts of documents, business-cards, and .pdf’s…including apps that allow me to sign my signature and return to the originator. Paperless! Who needs a printer anymore?
A truly innovative approach to cloud-computing is ZeroPC. Once you log-in, you’re on a screen that simulates your computer desktop…complete with application icons and web-browser. The program lets you share files between different online cloud storage sites, use social media, and browse websites…all from within a virtual desktop.
Just today, I had to do a remote-control session with my studio computer from my laptop away from home. I used LogMeIn to take control of that computer, transfer files, and upload from that computer.
From my iPad, I can control my laptop and my home and studio computer using SplashTop Streamer.
One of the coolest iPad/iPhone apps I’ve ever seen is OnLive Desktop. With that app, I can generate new Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents from scratch using the native MS programs, and share them anywhere. Nothing is on the device itself but the app, yet the programs are as full-featured as any installed on an HD.
Evernote and SpringPad have become my memory online. I can save anything to either of those programs to refer back later with a high level of security. I save all manner of mental notes and facts that I can search later.
Pocket and Instapaper are repositories of web pages I want to read later.
In short, there is no end to the opportunities for using “the cloud” to facilitate my paperless, HD-free digital workspace.
I do run some programs native to my operating system that so far are not available online, but that will come. Microsoft’s latest version of its popular Office software is entirely cloud-based. More will follow.
Most of these developments come at a relatively low cost compared to yesteryear’s program installs on a Hard Drive. Online Vendors offer a spectrum of memberships or feature sets that can fit your budget.
What’s not to like?
Now get out there and get in the cloud!
CourVO
