We recently added three new digital voice recorders to our Web site. These recorders are used to capture sound, speeches, conversations and even phone calls. These new voice recorders are the equivalent for recording sound as the digital camera is for capturing images. These recorders store the audio, some up to 65 hours that can later be transferred to a computer for editing or later note taking.

Digital voice recorders are commonly used by students, doctors and lawyers for recording interviews, speeches and more. Rather than having to worry about a tape, all the data is stored digitally in the recorder that can later be stored to a computer and burned to a CD. Tapes tend to lose their integrity over time. Digital data will retain its integrity for years. Tapes limited to a small amount of space, usually ranging 20 to 90 minutes. The sound quality with digital recorders is far better than traditional analog tapes.

A wide variety of businesses and professions prefer to use voice recorders. Doctors will record medical findings, students will record class lectures and private investigators/reporters will use them for gathering data. These are just a few examples. A built-in speaker, or included headset, lets you listen to previous recordings on the spot.

Digital voice recorders are very compact, and do not need to make space for a cassette tape. They can easily in a purse or pocket. A phone attachment makes it possible to record conversations for investigational work or for preserving memories. You can see ABC Office’s entire line of digital voice recorders by going here.

We have always had one of the largest selections of paper shredders available on the Web. We carry shredders from major manufacturers such as Fellowes, Destroyit, Intimus, Rexel, GBC, Kobra and more.
Shredders vary from home office to large industrial shredders. Offis Life paper shredders are our newest addition. A total of 27 new shredders will be added to our already large lineup. Offis Life shredders are 100 percent comparable to the familiar HSM brand of paper shredders. All our shredders can be found here.

Because we have hundreds of shredders to choose from, we have created an interactive shopper assistant.
It is designed to help narrow down your search by asking a series of common questions. It is really effective. I would recommend giving it a try.

The Offis Life high-security paper shredders have been especially popular. The 2777HS is a customer favorite. We have also found the Offis Life 1577HS to be a top pick. Feel free to browse our shredders and look at the new Offis Life shredders.

We are very excited about the addition of eight new Formax paper shredders to our lineup. We have sold Formax products for years. You may have heard of their popular folder inserters and paper folders. Due to our success in the paper shredder industry, we have been given almost exclusive distribution privileges.

We have had several Formax products set up on our display floor and I have had the chance to play around with the Formax FD8600CC. The first thing I noticed is how quiet the shredder is. The sound of the actual paper being shred is louder than the motor on this shredder. I have never heard a shredder so quiet. Because the Formax shredders are so quiet, they are perfect for use in areas where people are working. Compared to these shredders, comparable shredders sound like lawn mowers.

The shredders are made from durable solid metal. The menu on these shredders are very well laid out and easy to read. The mid to high-level shredders include a load indicator that let you know how much stress is being put on the motor. This helps you know whether or not you are putting too much paper into it. Putting the appropriate amounts of paper into a shredder will help prolong the shredder’s life.

I would highly recommend taking a look at the new shredders. If you are in need of a new shredder, you should try one of these out. I’m confident you’ll love it!

This month the United States is circulating a new ten-dollar bill through commercial banks to try and combat of the United States, while keeping you from falling victim. The majority of the new ten-dollar bill’s features will remain the same as before.

The new ten-dollar bill has added the words “We the People” in red text. The font is that found on the U.S. constitution. The new bill will also feature two red Statue of Liberty torches. The new bill is designed to prevent counterfeiters and help protect the currency. The new currency began circulating March 2, 2006.

Distinguishing real bills from fake can be difficult. Printers and scanners are now able to product high-quality prints that can make counterfeit money appear to be real. Because counterfeiters are using high-tech means to copy money, businesses need to use high-tech means to combat this problem.

The new ten-dollar bill incorporates several “visual” methods of detecting counterfeit money. These are three methods easily seen with the naked eye:

• First is a security thread. The thread goes the entire width of the bill and states USA TEN along with
  small flags.
• Second is a watermark of Alexander Hamilton’s head that can be seen when held to light.
• Third is color-shifting ink. This can be found in the lower-right corner of the ten-dollar bill. The color  will shift from copper to green, depending on the angle it is held.

These are the most important counterfeit detection methods used today:

• The first is UV (ultraviolet) detection. UV counterfeit detectors have a dark light that makes built-in features in tangible currency light up and appear yellowish green.
• The second is MG (magnetic). MG detectors detect magnetic ink that is in U.S. currency. When a bill is slid over the MG detector, a light or other indicator will let the user know if it is authentic or fake.

ABC Office continues its efforts to try and help educate businesses and individuals regarding counterfeit money problems. ABC Office has an online fraud prevention guide that can be accessed here. To see the different types of counterfeit detectors that are currently used by banks and businesses, please go here.

Since working for ABC Office, I have seen the demand for paper shredders grow significantly over the past several years. To help keep up with demand, we have increased our shredder line by adding the popular Fellowes brand paper shredders to our site. A total of 21 new shredders have been added. While all the shredders can handle paper, many of the new models can shred CDs, DVDs, credit cards and more. Come take a look at our new selection of Fellowes shredders by going here.

Document shredding is one of the most important ways you can protect your identity. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states, “To thwart a thief who may pick through your trash or recycling bins to capture your personal information, tear or shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired credit or charge cards that you’re discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail.

Take a look at our useful fraud prevention ideas and paper shredder recommendations by going here:

Shredder Guide

Fraud Prevention Guide

HIPAA

FACTA

For information about a paper shredder that may work for you, call toll-free (1-800-658-8788) Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. MST. A knowledgeable customer service representative can then assist with answering questions regarding shredders.

I have worked with binding machines and office equipment for the last five years. I have worked with a variety of entry-level office equipment. As with just about anything, some models of binding machines are more durable and last longer than others. This is to be expected with entry-level office equipment vs. high-end office equipment.

A few months ago we brought in some of the newer Akiles binding machines from our warehouse to our showroom floor. We brought in about three different wire binding machines, two coil and one comb. I decided to shoot a few video demos to help give customers a better idea as to how they work. After a few
weeks of shooting videos and training people I discovered that these binding machines aren’t your usual run of the mill products.

The first thing I noticed is how heavy they are. They aren’t so heavy you can’t more them, but they are heavy
enough to let you know they are built well. Because they are made out of metal, they are very durable. For the cost, I would definitely go with an Akiles WireMac, CoilMac or MegaBind over any plastic comparable models. The punching was very clean and setting the machines up was even easier. The booklets I bound on all the machines looked very professional.

I would highly recommend viewing these products and checking out the broadband video demos available on several of the models. I am in the process of getting broadband demos available for the MegaBind comb binding machines. All these machines are made by Akiles. You can request a live video demo on all these models and receive one-on-one training from one of our sales associates. You can find these new binding machines by going here:

MegaBind (Comb Binding)

MegaBind 1E (Comb Binding)

WireMac (Wire Binding)

WireMac Duo (Wire Binding)

WireMac E (Wire Binding)

CoilMac ECI (Coil Binding)

CoilMac EPI (Coil Binding)

Biometric devices have been integrated into many devices such as door locks, computers, car ignitions and
more. Because biometric devices use physical features of people, they cannot be duplicated and provide maximum security. They are growing quickly in popularity due to their reliability and proven technology. One of the most recent applications of biometric technology are time clocks.

ABC Office now offers the new biometric Acroprint HandPunch time recorder. This new device uses an employee’s hand to clock in and out of work. Because the employee’s hand is used to check in and out, time cards and magnetic stripes are not needed. Employees no longer have to worry about losing a card or swiping an ID. All you need is your hand.  You can see an example of this device by going here.

Using biometric time clocks eliminates fraud and address several problems prevalent in older punch-style
time clocks. In the past, businesses experienced problems by having employees’ friends clock in on behalf of others, even though they were not actually present. These meant employers were paying workers for time not worked. With the introduction of biometrics, and the HandPunch time clock, employees must be physically present to punch into work. Friends and coworkers are now unable sign in for other people. This guarantees that time reported is accurate. This helps businesses run more efficiently and saves money.

The HandPunch uses geometry biometrics. It determines who the employee is based on the size and shape of their hand. The system does not capture fingerprints or palm prints. Hand geometry is highly accurate, and is generally not affected by rings, small adhesive bandages and false fingernails. Employees simply place
their hand on the HandPunch unit and punch in an ID number to clock in and out. Green and red lights let the employee know the status of each punch.

We are proud to announce a new partnership with Wooden Mallet Inc. located in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Wooden Mallet Inc. has been in business for 30 years and produces fine wood office products. Wooden mallet produces everything in-house with their own routing machines, laser engraving machines and state-of-the-art finishing system. This new partnership will increase our line of display racks by 62.

For the past 10 years, Wooden Mallet has ranked consistently in the top 100 of the Wood & Wood Products, Wood 100 Annual Report for Solid Wood and Panel Technology. The ranking is figured on the company’s percentage growth from the previous year. The annual sales volume of Wooden Mallet grew a massive 1300 percent from 1993 to 2002.

Wooden Mallet display racks are made from high-quality solid oak sides and components. This construction
provides a durable and solid product.  All components are pre-finished before assembly to ensure an even finish in all nooks and crannies, and a better protected product. The finished product does an excellent job of displaying magazines and brochures and looks professional in any environment.

The finishing system used by Wooden Mallet is one of the first of its kind in the Midwest. The system
uses ultra violet light to cure the finish; not only is the finish more durable, but the process meets the emission standards set by the Environment Protection Agency for many years to come. This means your display rack will be durable and will last through years of future wear and tear. Wooden Mallet display racks are a great investment.

We have hundreds of styles of display racks to choose from. Apart from Wooden Mallet display racks, we also have a wide selection of other wooden, plastic and metal display racks.

Display racks can be purchased as floor units, wall-mounted units, rotating units, corner units or as countertop units. You can see our entire selection of display racks by going here.

We are proud to announce the addition of chamber vacuum sealers to our line of packaging products. These new chamber vacuum sealers quickly and efficiently package food products in seconds. Vacuum sealers can be used to package a variety of food such as deli meat slices, salmon, green beans, pretzels, potato chips and more. Some people even use vacuum sealers to protect items such as baseball cards and photographs, by preventing water and contaminants from damaging the product.

It is not uncommon to find an inexpensive vacuum sealer at a department store for under $100. Although good for home use, commercial food packagers and grocers do not use these sealers because the take a long time to remove air from a bag and are not designed for high-volume use. High-volume vacuum sealers not only remove air from FDA-approved plastic vacuum bags, but they can also be connected to an optional nitrogen gas line for extended shelf life for potato chips and pretzels.

Vacuum sealers can be set to tightly wrap plastic around a product, or provide a secure and oxygen-free bag for long-term packaging. You can adjust the removed air to be anywhere from one to 99.9 percent. Potato chip manufacturers use a similar process. They will have about 50 to 60 percent of the air removed, and replace the oxygen with nitrogen for extended shelf life. Most of our vacuum sealers are available with a gas-line hookup. Replacing existing air with nitrogen that prevents bacteria, and other contaminants, from growing and keeps the food from spoiling. If you are removing 99.9 percent of the air, nitrogen is not needed. With 99.9 percent of the air removed, bacteria cannot easily grow.

The first step in using a vacuum sealer is to place your product in a bag. The bag is then placed inside the chamber. The top cover of the chamber is then pulled down. Once the air begins to be removed from the chamber, manual pressure on the lid can be removed, as it will stay in place by itself. The chamber then removes the designated amount of air (up to 99.9 percent) from the chamber. The machine then seals the bag shut and returns the chamber air pressure back to normal. The air in the bag is not returned to normal, because it has been sealed. The end result is a properly vacuum-sealed product.

We are continually trying to find products to help make our customers’ daily jobs easier. Our addition of chamber vacuum sealers will help do this. We have created a video demo on our new vacuum sealers. The demo is about 18 minutes long and can be easily viewed by going to this page . High-speed Internet will be required to properly view this video demo.