Technology For Agents

I’m pretty much stunned at this new technology emerging in the printing industry. Released at Silverbrook Research yesterday, these new inkjet printers will make HP, Epson, and Lexmark really start to tremble. We’re talking color printing on standard A4 paper at sixty (60), not a typo, pages per minute. They even speculate that these printers will eventually cost $200 or less! I love this:

HP’s competing printer costs $16,000. While Edgeline could be the closest competitor to Memjet in terms of speed, it appears to be far more expensive. The only HP Edgeline printer announced for sale on the open market, the multifunction CM8050, costs $16,000 according to HP, and $21,000 according to a retail outlet which advertises the printer as ‘available in the near future’.

I just bought a desktop monochrome (black and white) printer for my office for quick printing, but the capabilities of this new technology are making me itch to buy another one. There are even videos of the printers in action; go check it out.

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Walter Mossberg has a great writeup for anyone looking to brush up on the technology lingo. He visits terminology such as “Core 2 Duo” and “EVDO”. If you feel a little overwhelmed at times by the terminology thrown around technology for the real estate industry, read up!

Since the digital revolution began 30 years ago, computers and other devices have been steeped in technobabble, an argot designed to make insiders feel smart, average users feel dumb and salespeople feel superior. (continues)

I like how he touches on the wireless technologies for networking - Wireless g,b,n. Trust me, I get confused sometimes too.

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We are now at a time where, according to NAR, 80% of consumers are finding their home online, and the newly added lead generation source for real estate agents is taking shape. One of the ways to generate referral business is through online social networking. I define online social networking as any online site that allows for real estate agents to gather online and network amongst each other.

I have personally been a member of various online networking sites for real estate agents in the past, and really like the concept because not everyone is inclined to walk up to someone and say, “Hello.”

Through a innate, uncontrollable shyness, or simply a lack of motivation, most real estate agents that I meet rarely take on the task of networking with other real estate agents.

Online Social Networking alleviates this tendency to by shy, as the meeting between agents is not face to face. Rather, many times agents engage in conversation through a message posted by one agent, or through emailing an agent directly. Both attempts to make contact are not direct and in person, which allows many “non-networkers” to get out there and meet some new people.

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The National Association of Realtors has announced that they are offering discounts to Zipform users when signing up for Relay. Relay is an online transaction management system which a wide range of features. This excerpt from Realtor.org reads:

• Secure 24/7 access and client interaction
• One-click connection to ZipFormOnline® and WINFormsOnline®
• REALTOR®-controlled access
• REALTOR® Secure certified and Cybertrust audited
• Custom branding for the broker and the agent
• Complete document and activity management
• Easy internet access with no software to download
• Create transaction CDs for you or your client

For those real estate agents out there that are using Zipform Online, you are being offered a 25% discount on a Relay annual membership (promo code e141). You can purchase Relay here. I’m told this offer expires on 04/15/2007; all orders must be placed prior to then to receive your discount.

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I’ve just heard word that Verizon Wireless is releasing a replacement for their V640, the V740. These are the wireless PC Cards that go into your laptop to allow you to have wireless service all over town.

Set to hit the shelves on March 30, 2007, this model will feature 25% faster downloading and uploading at 500-800% faster according to EVDOinfo.com:

• EVDO Rev A ExpressCard/34
• VZAccess Manager Support (and also V740 support via Apple WWAN update)
• Built-in Antenna
• Antenna Port for antennas and amplifiers
• MacBook Pro Support
• Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista Support
• ExpressCard/34 (compatible with ExpressCard/54 too)
• ExpressCard Adapter Option (converts ExpressCard to PCMCIA to be used in older laptops or EVDO Routers).

EVDOinfo.com also reports that you can purchase this unit direct from Verizon Direct for $179.99 with a 2 year service agreement. You could also head over to 3GStore.com and get a price of $109.99 with a 2 year service contract.

Thanks to Engadget for giving the heads up on this!

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