What in the world do I mean by “technical tools” for writers?

There are many possible tools a writer might use, including a dictionary, a thesaurus and a desk (either standing or sitting) and chair or large ball, but that’s not what I’m talking about here.

Technical tools include: a typewriter or one or many computers with text editing or word processing software installed, a digital tape recorder, a mobile or land-line telephone, a camera, an e-reader, digital pens and transcription software.

Typewriter or one or many computers

typewriterI suppose you could write with a pencil or pen and a piece of paper, but you wouldn’t be able to distribute your work very easily.

Some writers still use only typewriters and then secretaries scan or retype their work into a typewriter. That’s particularly old school, but it works.

Most of us have one or more computers with text editing or word processing software installed. I have a desktop computer, because I prefer typing on a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic keyboard.

Check out the one I have here:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/natural-ergonomic-keyboard-4000

It hurts my wrists and elbows less than other keyboards.

I also still use my first laptop computer, which at this point is more of a luggable. It still works well, so I even replaced the battery on it recently, even though my husband said it was a waste of time and I should have invested in something new instead. I hate change, so I’m resisting a bit longer.

Just for interest sake, it’s a Toshiba Satellite A40 in a “cool blue design.”

Check it out at: http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.grp?lg=en&section=1&group=223&product=2590&part=2190

Wordprocessing Software

I use Word, Open Office Writer and Wordpad frequently.

Printer/Scanner

I used to have a separate scanner and printer, but now I have a Lexmark all-in-one that includes a fax and copy machine too. I didn’t think I’d use those features, but they both came in handy once when a client didn’t have email. (Who doesn’t have email these days?)

Digital tape recorder

I used to use a Sony digital recorder, but it was a pain to transfer interviews so I switched to a Roland Edirol R-09, which I absolutely adore. If you need a tape-recorder, this one works great. Note: some people have broken the door for the battery and SIM card compartment, but I’ve had mine for years now and that hasn’t happened yet. (Crossing my fingers as I type this, which is quite a trick.)

Here’s a link to the product:

http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/757

(I have the red one.)

SIM Cards

I forgot to mention SIM Cards. I need them for my tape recorder and my camera. It’s good to stock up.

Mobile or land-line telephone

My mobile phone is a Samsung Galaxy that runs on Android. Love it—although I had to invest in software to transfer tasks and meetings from Outlook. It was worth it.

My home phone is an Uniden. It’s fine.

Headset for computer and telephone

Again, I have three. Haven’t found one I like yet.

Camera

I have a Sony digital handheld camera model DSC-H5 and a video camera too, but these days I tend to just use the camera and video functions on my phone. (My photography and video skills suck though, so don’t copy me.)

E-reader

I adore my Kobo. It became even more useful after I downloaded Adobe Digital Editions onto my desktop so that I could read PDFs on the little thing.

Digital pen

People rave about these, but I haven’t tried them yet.

Transcription software

Ditto.

What tools do you rely on?

About

Tracey Arial

Unapologetically Canadian Tracey Arial promotes creative entrepreneurship as an author, cooperative business leader, gardener, family historian and podcaster.

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