The Tech Savvy Firm

CPA Xpress 2.0 - back in black

OK...OK...  I realize my blog has now officially become self-centered.  My last post was over a year ago and was about my new iPhone app.  Almost a year later and my next post is about my "updated" iPhone app.  I understand that is pretty lame; however, I've honestly been too busy to blog this year.   Fortunately, I believe that is about to change with a new addition to our team and I will be able get back to my passion of helping others become tech-savvy firms.  

I have worked diligently updating my app and I believe you will find it to your liking. The updates include a new redesign as well as updated 2011 rates.  The main new feature is a tax calculator for simple federal tax calculations.  The calculator is based on current IRS tax tables and rates.  Simply enter your taxable income select your table and year to calculate the Federal tax, marginal rate and effective rate.  You can easily switch between the various tables and years to compare the different tax and rates.  Hope you enjoy!  If you like the app please rate it.  You can visit the app at CPA Xpress.

 

 

CPA Xpress - Now There Is An App For That!

    You may have been wondering why I haven't posted in a number months.  As you may have guessed, I have developed an iPhone app.  It is something I have wanted to do since the iPhone app store was introduced; however, the lack of a programming background made the project a challenge.  It took me a couple of months to gather enough general programming knowledge and skills to even begin the process. I'm pleased to say the first phase of the project is completed and the app is available in the app store.  

The design for the app was simple.  I wanted an iPhone app for quick accessibility to frequent tax questions.  One of the most frustrating aspects of my practice is not having quick access to simple tax facts, ie. mileage rates, tax rates, retirement plan limits, etc.  Basically, stuff my clients expect me to know off the top of my head, but I never do.  It has always frustrated me that the research services make it difficult to find these simple facts.  I usually end up googling for the answer instead of researching it in my research service.  This is the reason for my app, to give quick access to these facts.

In addition to tax facts I included common business ratios and phone numbers for the IRS.  I also designed "My Info Briefcase" to store various account numbers such as, EIN's, withholding numbers, licenses,  CAF, PTIN, etc.   I have some other ideas for the app that will be available later in the year and I'm sure I will receive many suggestions for other features.

The app is currently available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and soon to be available iPad.  You can find out more about the features of the app at www.cpaxpress.net.   I hope you enjoy the app and find it as useful as I have.   Feel free to leave me some positive feedback on iTunes.  If you have any suggestions or requests for additional features visit the app site.

 

Amazon's Kindle - Beyond the Books

I recently received the Kindle: Amazon's 6" Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation) for my birthday.  The device has quickly become one of my favorite tech devices.  I had been using the Kindle app on the iPhone for a number of months and really liked the convenience of having quick access to books. However, the iPhone screen is small which makes it difficult to read for very long periods.   I had looked at the first generation of Kindle and was unimpressed.  The device was not very appealing to the eye, which is a nice way of saying it was flat out "ugly".   Unlike the previous Kindle the Kindle 2 is very sleek.  Just over 1/3 inch thick and weighing only 10.2 ounces,  it easily slides into the side pocket of my laptop case.  The ergonomics of the device are very comfortable allowing you to hold the device and change pages with either hand.   

The Kindle uses the latest technology in electronic- ink.  I know you probably believe, as I did, the term "electronic-ink" is just a marketing term and not really "ink".   Check out the article from How Stuff Works, it really is "ink".  The resolution and readability of the kindle is exquisite.  You really do feel you are reading from paper.

The true success story of the Kindle is the Kindle store.  Amazon has followed the lead of Apple and iTunes providing a convenient way for users to easily review and purchase reading material.  The crown jewel of this being the ability to download book samples for free.  The device does not have wifi which I was bummed about; however, it does use Sprint's 3g network to stay connected.  The service is included with the purchase of the device and there are no monthly fees.

Beyond books, the Kindle is a great way to receive and read newspapers.  The newspapers you subscribe to will be pushed during the night to your Kindle, just as if you received the paper at your front door step.  Some notable newspapers on the Kindle are the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the New York Times. 

A very notable feature of the device, which I believe you will find interesting, is the ability to read PDF files from the Kindle.  Think about all of the information you currently receive in PDF.  From continuing education material, IRS publications, to your hardware and software documentation,  the Kindle can be used to easily store and reference this material.  The larger Kindle DX can display PDF files natively.  The smaller Kindle 2 does not display PDF files natively; however, you can email the files to Amazon and they will convert them for you.  The Kindle can also read Microsoft Word, HTML, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, PRC and MOBI files. 

An added bonus to owning the Kindle and the iPhone app is they will stay synced.  For example,  if you are reading from your Kindle and later in the day get stuck at the Doctor's office you can open up the Kindle app on your iPhone and it will sync to the last page you were reading from the Kindle.  Really cool stuff!

The Swiss Army Knife of Technology

I know I'm going to sound like a fanboy, but I'm going out on a limb.   The iPhone is the greatest technology device since the personal computer.  Over the past year, the iPhone has replaced many items I use on a daily basis.   Here is a list of the items I replaced and their respective iPhone app: 

• Alarm Clock - "Night Stand" app
• Morning newspaper - "USA Today" and "Fox News" app
• Books - "iKindle" app
• Home Theater Remote - "My House - Control4" app
• Internet Radio - "Pandora" app
• GPS - "Tom Tom" app
• Windows Home Server file management - "HP Mediasmart" app
• Social Networking - "Facebook" app
• Weather Report - "The Weather Channel" app
• Sports News - "Sportacular" app
• File syncing - "Sugarsync" app
• Netflix management - "Phone Flicks" app
• Ebaying - "Ebay" app
• Shopping - "Amazon" app
• Account aggregator - "Mint.com" app
• Camera - "Camera" app 

Oh yeah, I also use it as a phone as well as listen to music, audiobooks and podcasts.  If I could only find an app to make me breakfast.