Stenoram vs. disk writer

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I am using a Stenoram II  - has RAM but no disk to save to.  Since I write to a small laptop I don't see the need for a disk writer.  I like the Stenoram II.  It's simple, sleek looking (easy to spray paint to keep it looking new), and fits my needs.

 

I don't want to go create a yearlong discussion on this, but are there any of you out there who no longer find the need to use a disk writer?

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

When you say "disk writer," do you mean like a floppy disk or just that the writer backs everything up to a SD card of some sort?

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Yes.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I think it's a good idea to have the disk backup.  I've never had to use it but it's there for peace of mind and that's worth a whole lot in my book.  You can just never be too careful. 

[Janiece Young]

If you are going to do that, I would have some type of audio recording as an emergency backup.  

 

We had a reporter at my firm who went on a deposition.  She was using a loaner machine and it didn't make paper notes.  She was not writing to her computer so the only record would have been on the floppy.  When she put the floppy into the computer to read it on, the floppy had no data on it.  The attorneys had to do the depo over.  It was the deposition of a doctor.

 

You are writing to your computer.  If your hard drive goes out on you, you will have a problem.  I would be backing up that job on flash drives on breaks.  You didn't mention if you were making paper notes.  That would be one backup.  

 

Remember it's not IF your hard drive will go out on you, it's WHEN your hard drive will go out on you.