Record Teleconferences To iPod 5G

XtremeMac has announced what looks to be a very useful accessory for the 5th generation video-capable iPod. The MicroMemo is a small device that plugs into the base of a 5G iPod and allows attachment of any 3.5 mm microphone or line for capturing 44 KHz/16 Bit - high quality recordings of teleconferences, meetings or just about anything. A removable mic with flexible neck is included. Built-in speakers allow playback to a group.

This is one of the first mic recording accessories to be announced that exploits the high-fidelity capabilities if the new iPod. Previous iPods were capable of only 8 Bit recording.

Now teleconferences, meetings and continuing education, once recorded digitally, can be stored and distributed (podcasted) in a high quality format. No more cassette recorders in the conference room, please!

MicroMemo is expected to be available in the spring at a suggested retail price of $79.95.

SnagIt 8 Released

SnagIt is a wonderful screen capture utility that is inexpensive, powerful and easy to use. Techsmith recently released a new version of the application that enhances the user interface and adds several great new features.

SnagIt, in my view, is an indispensible for creating instructional content. One can capture entire Web pages with active hyperlinks, application buttons, dialog boxes, user-defined regions, edit the objects, add interactivity and even publish the project to PDF.

Although designed primarily as a "still" capture and editing utility, SnagIt has a rudimentary ability to perform "video" captures of screen activity. I prefer using Camtasia Studio for video captures, but those on a tight budget might find SnagIt's ability in this area to be adequate for their needs.

Laboratorians will find SnagIt! useful when writing procedure manuals as screen shots can be taken of specimen login, culture workups and test reporting for insertion into bench procedures. HIPAA compliance can be maintained through the use of built-in editing features which allow fast and easy removal or masking of patient information. Research and test validation efforts can be enhanced through capture of vendor and reference Web pages, including active hyperlinks, and saved as PDF for filing or collaberation with colleagues through email attachment.

SnagIt is available in a free trial version HERE.

Techsmith maintains a support blog, The Visual Lounge, that is full of useful information HERE.

Drag the orange icon to your aggregator to subscribe to Techsmith's The Visual Lounge blog.

ASM Launches Video Podcast

The American Society for Microbiology will launch a weekly video podcast formatted specifically for the iPod, but also viewable on most desktop computers. The podcast is essentially excerpts from a PBS series called Intimate Strangers: Unseen Life On Earth.

Drag the orange icon to iTunes or your aggregator to subscribe to Intimate Strangers: Life On Earth.

Canon Digital Rebel and Flash Microscopy

Ken Vernon discusses his photomicroscopy work using a common and inexpensive Canon Digital Rebel SLR. He also describes adapting electronic flash lighting to obtain superior images. A very good read.

Excellent OneNote 2003 Overview Video

Chris Bertelson is a widely experienced OneNote user and trainer. In a 45-minute video presentation, he discusses the basics of using OneNote 2003 as well as several tips for more experienced users.

OneNote has huge potential in laboratory medicine. As a single facility to organize and store all one's notes, information never gets lost or misplaced. Applications include research and test method validations, inventory, library and Web searches for relevant documents, quality control documentation, etc. Notes can be augmented with digital images, video, audio and screen clips.

When combined with a tablet PC, OneNote brings its functionality to a platform that can be carried and written upon like a clipboard with paper.

All educators, particularly those in healthcare, should be seriously looking at deploying tablet PCs with OneNote to both instructors and students.

Vlog It! Release Delayed

While at CES, Serious Magic demonstrated their new vlogging tool Vlog It! and discovered that there might be an issue with the program's functionality and some of the features offered by new digital video cameras also on display at the event. Rather than follow through with a formal release of Vlog It! at CES, Serious Magic made the decision to not begin sales long enough to address these issue.

Once the program is offered for sale, a full review will be posted.