Apps Will Continue to Drive Attorney Adoption
by Tony Rushin
So far I’m doing pretty well with my New Year’s resolution of keeping up with Richard by being the first one to post a blog in 2012!
Tablets are over 10 years old – can you believe it? Some would even say that Apple’s Newton, back in 1993, was the start of it all. However, in a practical sense, the Tablet market was launched when Apple announced the iPad in April 2010. Only attorneys that are early technology adopters used the iPad in 2010.
In 2011, with the iPad 2 coming out in March and a slew of Android tablets hitting the market (there are over 20 Android tablet manufacturers now), more attorneys started using tablets.
In 2012, the rumor is that Apple will announce the iPad 3 this spring and the iPad 4 this fall. In addition, Microsoft Windows 8 Beta will start shipping in February with tablets due out later this year. Of course, Google Android won’t be sitting still in 2012. Perhaps, IF – and I think it’s a big IF given their history – Microsoft hits the mark with Windows 8 then they could start making some inroads. However, for attorneys, the iPad 2 (and 3 and 4) will continue to be the tablet of choice: it’s more secure, more stable, easier to use and has more apps.
2012 will be the year that the tablet for attorneys becomes well entrenched. Why? Applications: as always. Apps = functionality; functionality = increased productivity; increased productivity = increased effectiveness and more billable time. Here’s a great list of Apps for attorneys: 60 Apps in 60 Minutes.
Network 1 Consulting is a 13-year-old, IT Support company in Atlanta, GA. We become – or augment – the IT department for professional services companies: law firms, medical practices and financial services firms. Our IT experts can fix computers – but what our clients really value is the industry-specific best practices we bring to their firm. This is especially important with technology, along with regulations and cyber threats, changing so rapidly. We take a proactive approach to helping our clients use technology to gain and keep their competitive advantage.
Hey Tony,
Great stuff on tablets getting there just due with Lawyers. I totally agree that this is the year of the Tablet. I have been on the fence trying to decide on what tablet to finally get. I have tested both the iPad 2 and the Samsung Galaxy 10 in. but have not pulled the trigger on either one. My thought is to wait until the iPad 3 comes out and see if that pushes me off the edge. What are your thoughts? Again great blog post
All the best
JB
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the kind words. I could be wrong about who’s going to win the tablet battle but I’m pretty bullish about Apple. However, I understand all about being on the fence since that’s where I was last spring with the iPhone vs. Android (the deciding factor for me choosing the iPhone was apps and attorney adoption). The latest rumor is that Apple will release something this quarter but that it may be more like a 2S (few changes) than a 3. With that said, you have to be confident in your choice so my suggestion is that you wait until 1 week after the iPad 3 release (so you can read some real feedback) and then make your decision.
Tony