The holidays are upon us and Santa Claus is coming to town!
These awesome must-have gadgets may be just what you’re looking for this year for your favorite court reporter or legal professional. 2020 has seen some unprecedented times, for sure. This year I’ve curated a list of gadgets that are perfect for our “new normal” for Zoom and remote depositions and proceedings and you won’t be crying or pouting at all!
These are my latest and greatest picks this year and just a click away for that favorite person on your list. Whether you’re on the naughty list or the nice list, remember to pick up a little something for yourself while you’re at it.
Lume Cube
My home office setup includes a 3’x4’ soft box. It’s just something I have hanging around the house. Ha! I know not everyone is lucky enough to have a photographer spouse like me. I have the soft box setting directly in front of my computer for the best light and image during my web conferences.
Even if you don’t have a soft box laying around the house like I do, you can still have great lighting for your remote deposition and use what you have right at home. If there is a window in your room, situate the laptop facing the window, if possible, for a very pleasing effect. Lighting is definitely my friend, and I want it to be yours too! Natural light is often the best and provides a soft glow to your skin. If the light source is to your back, your image will be dark and the other participants will not be able to see you much at all, as you will appear in silhouette.
Another affordable option is the Lume Cube. I have this for what I like to call my hybrid depositions, where it’s myself and the witness and all attorneys appearing via Zoom. I want to make sure the witness looks great too!
PolsenMO-IDL2 Dual Lavalier Condenser Microphones with DSLR/Smartphone Switch
When your laptop microphone does not fill the need so you can be heard with crystal precision, use this Polsen microphone. This is a great external microphone to recommend for your clients and their witnesses. After all, if the court reporter is unable to hear with clear audio, the proceeding won’t be able to move forward. Just a few weeks ago, we had to suspend a deposition because one of the opposing counsel could not be heard clearly by me or the witness.
Razer BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Years ago I was in the market for a new keyboard and went shopping with my millennial son. He told me, “Mom, you need this keyboard. It’s really cool.” Now, you can imagine I was a little hesitant to make this purchase, as it’s a gaming keyboard. My first thought was that he wanted to take it over from me. I kept an open mind about its features and touch. Wow! So glad I did.
I’ve recently upgraded to the Razer keyboard, as one of my Function keys on the old one was loose. My upgraded one has a lighted keyboard, which means it’s great for those low-light conditions. The touch is absolutely amazing. Gone are the days of sticky keys and having to redo key strokes. This particular model has the capability to work with Alexa too! Another bonus about this keyboard is that it comes with an ergonomic, magnetic wrist rest made of plush leatherette — really nice for those long edit days.
iKKEGOL USB Single Foot Switch Control One Key Customized Computer Keyboard Action Pedal HID
I’ve seen several court reporters on Facebook that are giving this foot pedal a go for Zoom proceedings. This pedal may be programmed to get yourself easily on and off mute. I know this would be particularly useful if you’re a pet owner and your dog decides to bark at the mailman! Court reporters are also programming it to take screenshots of exhibits— for those times exhibits aren’t provided before or after the deposition. Some features of the pedal include the following:
- Foot control switch,simulate keyboard shortcuts. It is one key or a few key custom function keyboards, which can customize and key, combination of keys, hotkeys or shortcut keys.
- It is a new multi-function Foot switch combines a keyboard function, mouse function, string function, multimedia function, game controller functions.
- Easy and Convenient: just install the software to customize key based on instructions and the multi – function control button could reduce plenty of repeated workload.Software can be free download from website.
Bose Headphones Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Love not being tethered to the laptop when I want to get up for a stretch or a snack. Features of these headphones: Connectivity Technology: Wireless. World-class noise cancellation makes quiet sound quieter and music sound better. Plush ear cushions are manufactured from a synthetic protein leather. Volume-optimized EQ for balanced audio performance at any volume. Wireless convenience, with easy Bluetooth and NFC pairing aided by voice prompts. 20-hour battery life per charge; up to 40 hours in wired mode. Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear calls even in windy environments.
MXL AC404 USB Conference Microphone
I discovered this microphone several years ago when searching for an upgraded option for my audio backup. Not only was I looking for high-quality sound, but I wanted something that would sit flat on a table. I continue to use it to this day and it’s great for Zoom depositions as well. I love my laptop audio to listen to the speakers during the proceedings. So I use the same setup as I do for in-person depositions, and the MXL is the microphone used to record my backup for audiosync.
Large Monitor Dell S Series S2719DM 27″ Ultrathin Monitor
A larger monitor is a great option for Zoom proceedings. You can use the Dual Monitor setting so you can have the participants on the laptop screen and the exhibits on the large screen for easier viewing. The dual-monitor display feature allows the video layout and screen share content to be placed on two separate monitors/screens. Gallery or speaker view can be displayed on one monitor while the other monitor displays a content share. Click this link for specific instructions on dual-monitor setup for a Mac and a PC. Bonus Tip: Select Windows + P, make sure you select Extend.
Tips from PC Magazine to improve your dual-monitor setup:
- Make the displays match
- Tweak your taskbar
- Seek out super-wide wallpapers
- Study your shortcuts
- The wandering cursor
- Do even more with Display Fusion
Logitech MX Anywhere 3 Compact Performance Mouse
This is on my Wish List! I have a Mac for my Zoom software. Currently I have color-coded mice so I know which one goes to which computer. It would be awesome to have one mouse to control both devices. Some court reporters are programming it to take screenshots of exhibits during remote depositions.
Features:
- Track anywhere, even on glass: Track on virtually any surface, including glass – meaning you can work seamlessly at the desk, at a cafe, even on the couch.
- Work faster with button customizations and predefined profiles
- Multi-device, multi-OS: Connect up to three devices and switch between them at the tap of a button.
- Control multiple computers across Windows and macOS operating systems. Effortlessly transfer text, images, and files between computers.
Kate 5×6.5ft Collapsible Backdrop Collapsible Grey Backdrop Collapsible Backdrops
When working from a home office, it can be a bit tricky to always have a neat and tidy workspace for remote depositions. If there is a blank wall in your home office, that is the best option. Like in a videotaped deposition, a backdrop is an effective means to clean up your space quickly. This Kate backdrop comes in multiple colors too.
Try to refrain, if possible, from using the virtual background in Zoom, as it does not create a great image of the participants. To really make the virtual background work, be sure to limit any movement. If you move quite a bit, your image will pixelate and/or disappear briefly. If there is no other alternative, find a professional backdrop image to upload and use when you’re on the record and be sure that your space is well-lit.
Linksys WHW0102 Velop Mesh Router (Home Mesh Wi-Fi System for Whole-Home Wi-Fi Mesh Network)
So even though I utilize WiFi calling on my iPhone, I still wasn’t getting the best connection with phone calls. Of course I had to look for a better solution! There were dead zones within my home. If I were to head upstairs, my WiFi signal was much improved. The problem with that is that my home office is downstairs. My husband and I tried the WiFi range extender without success. The answer to my dilemma? A mesh router.
The Linksys Velop is the mesh router that I utilize today — and it’s awesome! Basically, by using the best mesh WiFi routers, you’re able to cover a large space without compromising the connection or requiring multiple networks. In addition, setting up a mesh WiFi router is usually easy enough that you can do it without expert IT help. My husband set up ours in short order!
APC UPS, 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector
Know with confidence that your Zoom proceeding can continue even when the power goes out! This battery backup will give you peace of mind knowing your laptop and connections won’t go down during important testimony.
So there you have it — my top gadgets for 2020. Happy Holidays!
* I receive no compensation for my recommendations and the above links are not affiliate links.
