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Archiver > APG > 2001-02 > 0982343175


From: "John V. Wylie" <>
Subject: RE: [APG] Laptops during research phase
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 11:06:15 -0600
In-Reply-To: <NBBBKINLDOJIGGBDGGKJCEOODAAA.Elissa@PowellGenealogy.com>


Hi all, 16 Feb 01

My experience is more like Natalie's and different from Elissa's.

I take my notebook computer with me on virtually all research trips. Perhaps
this is because I also use a thoughts-organizer app called "Info Select" in
addition to TMG. Using TMG, I've found that recording sources before I read
them in depth (thus recording all unsuccessfully searches) works. It may
seem tedious, but I'm pleased with myself at how often I've found a source
that was previously reviewed. Finding these time wasters on the spot, saves
me time. Also, I often immediately add a new persona or modify events in the
life of an individual in a client database. However, I've found that I use
TMG in the field most frequently for recording personae, the occurrence of
one person in one document. Trying to fit these personae into an individual
is analysis, which I usually do in the office.

Another compelling reason for using my computer in the field, is that I need
fast access to all my research notes. My hard copy files simply don't lend
themselves to portability. I save time by typing sources, hypotheses, tasks,
findings (though rarely in the field) and plans only once.

Having said all of this about using my computers, I also keep an
old-fashioned log-book where I jot down notes in chronological order as I
research. I avoid scratch paper, except to mark pages in a book for copying.
I know people, one of whom I'm married to, who use separate log books for
each client, but I use just one for all research. Whatever works, right
<grin>.

While I'm not yet scanning documents directly into my portable computer, I
know people who are. When I see that the bugs have been worked out, I'll
probably do that. The new portable flattop scanners (ultra-thin and powered
off the USB port, at about $100) make this a technology that I'm beginning
to seriously watch.

Cheers . . .

John Wylie

972-206-2723 Fax 801-761-4084
2662 Carrington Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
http://www.JohnWylie.Com
John Wylie Consulting


-----Original Message-----
From: Elissa Scalise Powell, CGRS [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2001 8:17 AM
To:
Subject: [APG] Laptops during research phase

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [mailto:]
> Subject: Re: [APG] Certification requirements
>
> PS. For what this tidbit is worth, my colleagues and I have found that
> having a laptop with us on-site and then writing the report as we do the
> research, we make more efficient use of our time. Does anyone else find
> this a good solution?
>
> All my best,
> Natalie Cottrill

I couldn't resist the beginning of this new thread, as I would like to hear
what others say also. I have done research with a laptop along, but gave it
up as a lot of the repositories I was working in did not have the space for
it. I also find that when I write the final research report, I need
resources that are in my home office, be it books on my shelf, or files in
the computer, or the internet, so incorporating my research notes is not a
big deal.

That is not to say that I did not find it a valuable asset when doing
something like deed research where you might gather all the index references
to a particular person or family. A spreadsheet really helps organize the
information and can be dropped into the final report later. It is just a bit
cumbersome to have it for a shorter research project.

What experience does everyone else have?

Elissa Scalise Powell, CGRS
Pittsburgh, PA


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