Consumer book scanner

This is a relatively cheap but very useful flatbed scanner that has been specifically designed to scan books. The edge of this scanner allows for scanning close to the book page edge and without bending the book spine too much. It can do b&w, grey and color, and the scanner software in combination with document management software makes the conversion of a 300 pages book (at 9 seconds per page it will take about 1 hour) into a PDF file quite simple, but boring process. However, once you have scanned your library into electronic format, you'll be able to take and access it anywhere. I used Craig's list to find paid help with book scanning, and have by now scanned my entire library.

Electronic ink eBook reader

This is one of the most useful gadgets (or ICT devices) have bought in the past year; an electronic ink eBook reader. The main advantages of this device are: its low weight, small size and very low energy consumption. It is based on so called electronic ink technology which gives the screen and text a paper-like look. Electricity from the battery is only consumed when the page is turned, and this feature will allow for weeks of reading without a re-charge. The device can also play MP3 files so you can listen to music while reading. With a 4HB memory stick you can have hundreds (maybe thousands) of books with you for reading on the go, or in bed. The eBook reader can be used to read books or documents in the manufacturer's eBook format, and also PDF and the regular word format. The technology is expected to evolve rapidly and we will soon see similar devices with color screens and maybe even highlighting and note taken capabilities.

Scan selected text on the go

This is one of my favorite devices: a handheld portable scanner that can scan in typed text from books, magazines or newspapers into its memory or directly into a word processor. This is the perfect tool – or electronic highlighter - if you need to need to copy selected text sections from printed material. It is lightweight, battery driven and can also be used as a translators when any of the 11 different languages have been loaded into its memory.

Radically changing my office environment

Here I have taken my work office to Tulum on Yucatan, and could enjoy complete computing, reading and communications capabilities. My tablet laptop pc (to the right) provides note taking and computing abilities, and contains all my professional documents and files. It can wirelessly connect to Internet and thereby allow access to information and communication. My Smartphone (in the middle) synchronizes with the exchange server every five minutes which will allow for continuous access to email, messenger, Internet and phone. It can also be used for document reading and editing, and listening to audiobooks and music. When WiFi networks are unavailable it can also serve as a download center for email attachments and documents retrieved from the Internet. Such files can then be transferred to the laptop through a SD memory card. My electronic ink eBook (to the left) gives me access to my entire library of fiction an non-fiction books on the go, without the need for electricity grid access. I can always connect to the eBook store on Internet and download any of the thousands different titles through my laptop if needed. A webcam (not shown) enables live face-to-face communication - teleconferencing or chat - through the laptop. I can largely "clone" my regular work or home office to more inspiring environments with these three lightweight ICT (Information & Communication Technology) devices. I edited two manuscripts and wrote parts of my book on paperless work/lifestyles during my three day stay in Tulum - and I of course also enjoyed the beach, reserves and archeological sites.

Paperless work office decoration

The minimalistic features of a paperles office often leaves wall and desk surfaces empty and grey. Add plants, color and texture to create a more stimulating work environment.

My paperless work office

This is my paperless work office. Note the complete 100% lack of paper! The essential devices here are:

1. A powerfull PC.

2. Three monitors to enable work involving several documents.

3. A 1 TB external hard drive for back-up and storage.

4. A scanner with aoutoloader to rapidly and easily convert paper documents into electronic format.

5. A headset for voice recognition -based operation of software and text editing, and communications through messengers.

6. A webcam for video conferencing, remote-lecturing and chat.

7. A gyroscopic mouse for desk-free operation.

8. A USB flash drive for easy transfer of documents.

9. A printer (yes a printer) to print documents on paper when that is required by regulations.

10. A telephone for communications.

11. A tablet-PC / laptop to work when on the go, and take notes at seminars and meetings.

My office was recently highlighted by Johns Hopkins University as an eco-friendly work office, because of its paperless nature. URL http://www.jhsph.edu/green/paperless_prof.html

My Paperless home office

This is my mobile paperless home office, consisting of:
1. A high performance desktop replacement portable computer, that provides the necessary computing power and screen size, while also being portable for easy relocation of the office.
2. Second monitor to provide more screen area that facilitates work when several applications or documents are needed.
3. An external keyboard with mouse for more comfortable and efficient typing and drawing.
4. Two 250GB external hard drives for back-up and storage.
5. An Internet modem for connectivity to the world wide web.
6. A wireless router for location flexible work and access to the internet with other devices such as laptop, SPS3, Smartphone and PDA.
7. A book scanner for scanning of paper books into eBook format.
8. A headset for voice recognition based operation of software and text editing, and communications through messengers.

FIRST POST

The Paperless Joy concept was created by Digital Life Artist.