Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/53322
smart gadget (iPhone, iPad or Android), a simple add-on card reader and the free Square app. T e reader securely scans the card, without storing account numbers, and pro- cesses the charges according to information entered into the app. Users can instantly send customers a receipt by email or text, and additional reporting and customer management tools are also built-in, as well as functions for customer loyalty pro- grams, discounts and deals. Potential Benefi ts: Square makes it easy to accept credit and debit cards, and provides reporting into formats that can be imported into common small business accounting systems. T e card reader and app are free and there are no contracts, with pricing for the service based on a fl at add-on fee of 2.75 percent of each transaction where the card is scanned. If a card number must be manually entered, the fee is 3.5 percent plus 15 cents. Fujitsu ScanSnap S1100 (scanners.fcpa.fujitsu.com/ scansnap11/s1100.html) Target Small Business Type: Mobile business professionals who need a scanner during their travels, including full-sized documents, business cards, receipts and invoices. Overview: We've oſt en cited var- ious ScanSnap models as being ben- eficial to tax and accounting firms, helping them make the move to a paperless environment and client engagements. However, these benefi ts aren't limited to just this profession, and many small businesses are joining the less-paper movement. I've seen ScanSnaps in doctor's offi ces, retail stores and even gas stations, which shows that virtually all types of busi- ness are realizing that digitizing docu- ments makes them more accessible and organized. T e same is true for the ScanSnap S1100, the smallest fully-functional scanner on the market that includes one-but on PDF creation. At less than 10 inches long and two inches wide, and weighing in at less than one pound, the device is a great fi t for any mobile business professional, whether a frequent fl ier or a road warrior. It can scan in full-color and has the ability to reproduce full-sized documents or smaller items in under 7.5 seconds, plus it can even scan plastic cards such as IDs. The device is Mac and PC friendly, and draws its power from via connection to a laptop or computer via a USB cable. Potential Benefi ts: For frequent business travelers, keeping up with documents can be a hassle, and if receipts or invoices are lost, then it can have a bad eff ect on accounting and expensing activities. The ScanSnap S1100 is a solution to this dilemma, providing full scanning capabilities in an easily portable size. T e S1100 costs $199. Toshiba Mobile Monitors (us.toshiba.com/computers/ accessories/mobile- monitor) Target Small Business Type: Another great tool for mobile business professionals who don't like sacrifi cing their multi-monitor productivity when on the road. Overview: More and more busi- ness professionals in many industries are accustomed to using multiple monitors at their workstations. T e pro- ductivity boost has been proven, and can be a defi nite drawback when a user is relegated back down to a single laptop monitor. But being mobile doesn't have to mean giving up multiple screens. T e new USB Mobile THERE ARE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF LCD monitor from Toshiba is designed specifi cally to act as a second (or more) monitor for mobile profes- sionals. About the size of a tablet device and weighing under three pounds, the monitors are easy to pack and off er a 14-inch diagonal screen with up to 1366 x 768 resolution. By pulling power from the laptop or desktop computer via a USB cable, it doesn't need a power cord or bat eries. Plus, the monitors come with an included, custom-fi t ed carrying case that doubles as a fold-out stand. Potential Benefits: Whether making presentations or grinding away at day-to-day tasks while on the road, working on a single laptop screen can feel like going back to the stone age for productivity-focused professionals who are used to having two, three or even more monitors at their worksta- tion. T e Toshiba Mobile Monitors not only off er a compact and simple USB plug-and-play option for adding monitors, but the included case/stand is also a great addition. Retail pricing is about $199 at major technology retailers and online. TECHNOLOGIES GEARED TOWARD THE SMALL BUSINESS MARKET, WHICH CAN MAKE FINDING THE RIGHT FITS CHALLENGING. weight and sleek mobile projector, whether for business proposals, demonstrations or other functions. Overview: For those businesses with mobile sales representatives or leaders who give presentations to dozens or even hundreds of people at the same time, an easily portable professional projector is a must-have. The New PowerLite 1750 packs high-quality performance into an airport-friendly design, featuring XGA and optional WXGA resolution, 2600-3000 lumens of color and white light output, with 1024 x 768 native output. The long-life UHE lamp is rated to last up to 4,000 hours. T e projector connects to laptops, Epson PowerLite 1750 Multimedia Projector (www.epson.com/projec- tors) Target Small Business Type: Road- warriors with the need for a light- desktops or tablets via a simple USB connection or via optional HDMI and wireless input, or can be used with USB memory devices such as fl ash drives, for PC-free presentations. It also includes closed captioning func- tions, a built-in speaker for audio, has horizontal and vertical keystoning, and comes with a carrying case for easy portability and protection. Potential Benefi ts: T e 3.7 pound PowerLite is great for business profes- sionals giving demonstrations and presentations while on the go, and its multiple connectivity options can be a fi t for virtually any user. T e Power- Lite 1750 starts at $549.