My Latest Technology Favorites

By Daniel J. Siegel 

People always ask, “What are the latest and greatest technology toys?” There is always something new, and I love to play with them all. Some are not as cutting-edge as others, but here are a few of my current faves. 

reMarkable 2 

Billed as the world’s thinnest tablet, the reMarkable 2 is remarkable because it does one thing and does it extremely well – it’s a tablet that replaces all those paper tablets you used to use. In addition, when you might have electronic notes that you need for a client meeting, for example, you don’t have to print them out anymore, because the reMarkable allows you to save and annotate them on the tablet. 

At its most basic, the reMarkable is a thin, but very solid, electronic tablet. In fact, it’s less than a quarter of an inch thick. With the additional case and keyboard, it’s still only half an inch thick. 

It is known for its paper-like feel and remarkable versatility. When you use it like a tablet, you open a “folder” or a “quick sheet” and begin writing. The notebook has four different styles – blank, lined, a checklist, or a grid – to choose from. You can also organize your documents by folder. 

You use a stylus, but the output can be a variety of things, including a pencil, paintbrush, calligraphy pen, highlighter, ballpoint pen, and more. You can vary the thickness of the tools so that you create the look and feel that you want. If you don’t want to write at all, it can be used like a typewriter, either by choosing the typewriter tool or by adding the optional keyboard. 

You can write as much as you want, and when you’re done, it can automatically synchronize with your computer or your assistant’s computer. All you need to do is connect to Wi-Fi and the reMarkable does the rest.  

One of the handy features is the desktop app, which can convert your output into a variety of formats, most commonly PDF and JPEG. It can convert handwriting to text, all with just a mouse stroke. And you can erase just as easily. 

I love reMarkable’s ability to store other documents on it and use them as well. For example, you may be meeting with a client and going over an intake form or a document, and you can mark up the document right there. That way, you still have the original in your office and you have the annotated version, all while not carrying any paper.  

The reMarkable 2 only displays documents in black and white, but that is actually a benefit. The display is clear and the storage capacity ample. And it feels as sturdy as it is. You can also purchase a keyboard. I did, and it has been a surprising benefit of the device. 

Additionally, you can access online storage with the device, including OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox, and can share documents from the device. Just input the email addresses, write your message, and send it in PDF, SVG, or PNG format. 

In short, reMarkable 2 lives up to its name. The reMarkable 2 starts at $279. You can purchase a variety of accessories as well. I recommend getting a folio (case) and some extra styluses. The keyboard comes with its own folio and is $199.  

Adobe Acrobat’s AI Assistant 

Adobe Acrobat is already a standard in many law offices, although there were not many new or at least major new features, until February 20, when the company announced the introduction of the AI Assistant.  

With a document open, you ask Adobe Acrobat a question, and AI answers. Still in its beta, I have begun to evaluate the feature and it has been very impressive. You can use the insights it provides to create emails, presentations, and more. 

Of course, the first concern is privacy. As reported in ZDNet, “As users will be importing documents that are likely to include confidential information, Adobe has addressed privacy concerns. The company assures customers that data security protocols govern the new AI Assistant feature. No customer document content is stored or used to further train the technology.” 

With that concern assuaged, I uploaded a medical record to the AI Assistant and asked it to summarize the record (with personal information removed). It gave the following result, with links to the relevant places in the report:  

• The patient was injured in a work-related incident, where she fell and hit her head. ​ She experienced swelling in her left hand and low back pain.  

• She presented for a neurological consultation and reported left shoulder pain, radiating pain down the left upper extremity, intermittent numbness and tingling in her hands, chronic low back pain, and intermittent left lower extremity pain.  

• The physical examination revealed tenderness in the cervical and lumbar paraspinous regions, weakness in various muscle groups, and positive signs of cervical and lumbar facet syndrome.  

• The patient has clinical signs of cervical radiculopathy, cervical facet syndrome, left wrist dysfunction, lumbar facet syndrome, and lumbar radiculopathy, all related to the work-related incident.  

• Treatment options were discussed, including EMG testing to assess for nerve damage, continuation of therapy, medication management with Lidocaine patches, Celebrex, and Tizanidine, and the use of a muscle stim unit and knee brace. 

• Further recommendations will be made after the patient returns for follow-up. 

This summary was excellent, and it took about 20 seconds for the computer to create the output. And while I did read the entire record, it was remarkably good. I have used it for other types of projects as well. 

In addition to summarizing documents, you can ask it questions and get answers linked to sources from your doc. You can then use the responses to draft an email, a presentation, and more. Still in the beta stages, Adobe Acrobat’s AI Assistant looks like a winner, and it is just getting started. 

Mobile Jetpack 

Using public Wi-Fi is always a gamble. You have heard all about the dangers of Starbucks’ free Wi-Fi, and how using it is an invitation to cyberthieves to steal all your information. I simply do not use it. Instead, I use a mobile jetpack. Some companies call it a hotspot but regardless of what it is called, it is a secure connection, most devices are 5G, it doesn’t use up your phone’s battery, and for about $20 per month, I get unlimited data. 

The devices are versatile. Most will connect multiple devices and are customizable, and of course, they are a secure connection. 

If you are still not convinced that a mobile jetpack is worth the investment, consider these additional benefits: 

• You can work from anywhere. A mobile jetpack will allow you to access the internet from any location, whether it's a park, a hotel, or a courthouse. You don't have to rely on finding a public Wi-Fi network or asking for a password. You can also avoid crowded or slow connections that might affect your productivity and security. 

• You can save money. A mobile jetpack can replace your home internet service if you don't need a landline or cable TV. You can also use it to reduce your phone data usage, especially if you stream a lot of videos or music. Some carriers offer plans that include both a phone and a jetpack, so you can bundle your services and save even more. 

• You can share your connection. A mobile jetpack can support multiple devices at the same time, so you can share your internet with your colleagues, clients, or family members. You can also use it to create a backup network in case your main internet goes down. A mobile jetpack can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation or a power outage. 

• A mobile jetpack is a smart and convenient way to stay connected and secure while working remotely. It can enhance your mobility, efficiency, and peace of mind. Don't let public Wi-Fi put your data and reputation at risk. Get a mobile jetpack today and enjoy the benefits of a private and reliable internet connection. 

Microsoft Copilot 

Microsoft Copilot is a tool that helps you write faster and better emails with the power of artificial intelligence. It can: 

• Summarize long or complex emails into concise bullet points. 

• Compose clear and polite responses based on the context and tone of the email. 

• Suggest relevant information, attachments, or actions to include in your email. 

• Check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation before you send your email. 

With Microsoft Copilot, you can save time, improve your communication skills, and impress your recipients with professional and effective emails. Microsoft Copilot is available as an add-in for Microsoft 365 users who use Outlook as their email client. You can download it from the Microsoft Store and start using it right away, and it’s only $30 per month. 

Oh, By the Way 

Microsoft Copilot drafted the last five paragraphs of the section on the mobile jetpack and the entire section on Copilot. I wrote everything else but wanted to demonstrate the versatility of the product. You can sit by the wayside, or you can see how artificial intelligence can make your life easier. 

Daniel J. Siegel (dan@danieljsiegel.com), a member of the Editorial Board of The Philadelphia Lawyer, is a practicing attorney and the president of Integrated Technology Services LLC, a consulting firm that helps law offices improve their workflow using technology.