The Mac Lawyer Using Macs in Law Firms | Attorney Ben Stevens

iPad = iWow

By J. Benjamin Stevens on Posted in iPad

I missed Steve Jobs‘ keynote address yesterday announcing the iPad, but I have watched Apple’s video about the it (admittedly several times) in the last 24 hours.  Wow.  I was anxiously waiting to see what Steve had up the sleeve of his black turtleneck with regard to a table computer, but the iPad far surpasses my expectations.  I mean, I was expecting to pay $1,500 or more, but the prices start at $499?  How could you not get one?

I am prone to justifying seemingly needless expenditures on new Apple hardware, but with that being said, I can think of so many legitimate situations in which attorneys can use the iPad, and I expect it to be a huge sucess, perhaps even more so than the iPhone.  I don’t have time to go into all its many features, but you can read them for yourself here, or take six minutes and watch the video.  I showed it to my nine year old son last night, and his mouth was open in awe the whole time.  Like father, like son.

  • http://www.howardlenow.com Howard lenow

    I agree. I can see a host of reasons why we Maclawyers will stand in line, but only when the 3G version comes out. How many times did you not use your MacBook becasue it would have been too obtrusive in a hearing, in a meeting with clients, in negotiations, in court? I have an iphone, a Kindle and a MacBook. But, I will get the iPad with 3g. Billing online, to do lists, legal research, drafting letters, checking info about opposing parties, using apps like the Rules of Evidence, Procedure, all web-based apps, and more. I am sure this will be verion one and version two will have a camera and video conferencing, flash and multi tasing to complete its functionality. But I have also bought each iphone as it came out and I will likely do the same. Hurray for Apple once again.

  • MSL90

    I am now questioning the existence of my Macbook Air and the future of laptops in general. You can type on the iPad, take notes, do research, utilize e-mail, go online, check contacts, check a robust calendar. 10 hr minimal batter life.
    The greater potential here is that the Apps that will come to this device.
    So, do I really need a laptop?
    Very interested future iPad consumer.

  • http://www.warecornell.com Ware Cornell

    I used to use a Toshiba tablet in trial because it was not imposing like a laptop and I could stay from the lectern when cross-examining a witness, holding it like a legal pad.It died sometime ago and I have missed it terribly but have refused to ever own another Windows machine.
    I too own a Kindle, a MacBook Pro, and an iPhone. Soon I will have an iPad, although I will likely wait tell I can get the most bells and whistles.
    I was stunned by the pricing of the iPad.

  • http://www.bellamylaw.com/ Jodi

    Ha is that why the iphone price plummeted?

  • http://www.boothfamilylaw.com Joe Booth

    With programs like iwork, idisk, dragon, and services like speakWrite, I could see writing a pretty complicated pleading, researching, and actually moving down the road on this toy. My only issue is do I duct tape my mifi to the back, or do I spring for 3G coverage? Remembering idisk and wondering if it will grab iwork docs off storage makes me want to go for the leaner less expensive model, considering I will get the Ipad#2 when it comes out.

  • the_0ne

    I live in a small city, Reading in Pennsylvania. I work for a very small law firm as a programmer. We switched to Mac’s sometime around 2004. The one attorney in the satellite office I work was drooling before it even came out. Granted he carries his MBP around with him all over the office. He’s going to love this thing. And I’m thinking that Apple may just see some sales they wouldn’t have seen once he brings this thing up to the courthouse.

  • Dale Strauss

    Ben – your picture of the iPad as a lawyer’s yellow pad is perfect. This thing will release us from the desk (seriously, how often is it just too much of a pain to even undock your notebook to go to a meeting), BUT – cover your ears Steve J – it needs to have digital ink or handwriting recognition! Frankly, I’m back to the darkside with a HP 2730p tablet which does a good job with both digital ink and handwriting recognition, but the screen alone is as thick as the iPad and tips the scales at 4.5lbs. An iPad on the desk next to my phone would be so handy (pun intended!)

  • http://www.immigrationcanadalawoffice.com Alexander

    I was a little disappointed by the Ipad announcement and was hoping for something more like a Netbook with a keyboard, but on a spectacular level with the nice Apple design. Here in Canada the leading accounting software is PClaw which means having to run some Microsoft software. I can see the benefits of the Ipad for meeting clients and conducting demonstrations. I suspect that the new Iphone release will be amazing as Apple fends off the rival Nexus1. Could we see a Iphone with a solar charger built in?

  • http://yesexhibit.com S.D. Anderson

    I loved the mental concept I had of Apple’s iPad just prior to it actually being introduced by Steve Jobs. I kept thinking, “wait, where’s Flash?” “Wait, you mean I can’t customize the software on the iPad like I can on my MacBook Pro or my mini?” “Wait, where the USB port?” “Wait, it really JUST is an enlarged iPhone?” … C’Mon Man?!?!
    I had to halt my thinking in regards to this device too many times for me to blindly purchase one. And I’m definitely a Mac Goon if ever there was one.
    I didn’t buy the first iPhone, so I won’t be buying the 1st iPad … unless a software update renders it customizable (let’s it run Snow Leopard … then they’ll get my money).

  • http://www.fastmail.fm/jm Jack Miller

    I laugh at the Press (and tech geek) reaction to the iPad. They don’t like it because it “can’t do flash” or “multitask”. Who cares? It reminds of the 16-bit vs 32-bit debate. If 16-bits lets you get your job done, people won’t care. Multitasking only matters when it affects your ability to accomplish a task.
    The iPad has the potential to be an amazing Business and Education tool.
    I could honestly see the day where more desktop computers remain in offices (fewer laptops). And more people carry around their iPad for day to day use.
    My job, I need email access (built-in), the ability to write a short memo (Pages, $10), surf the web, give presentations (Keynote $10) and take notes and scribble ideas (the next big iPad App, I’m sure).
    Why do I need a laptop? Yes, the desktop is still a great tool for large content creation.
    Longer term, I can picture the family home with a large iMac that stores all the family media (photos, music, movies, tv shows, document libraries). Every family member has an iPad. I’d much rather read my favorite blog articles from the comfort of a living room chair. My wife would much rather organize photos and read articles on-line sitting on a comfortable sofa. This becomes even more powerful when all our magazine and newspaper subscriptions effortlessly arrive on my iPad.
    Apple has a hit here, the general media doesn’t realize it yet.

  • http://www.cosmapapouis.com Cosma

    I can Inderstand your Nine year old being impressed with the iPad as It looks like a cool toy, and he does not have much experience.
    Speaking as an adult, with a lot of experience, I see it as just that (a cool toy).
    I really am having difficulty seeing the point. The tablet had been tried several times and has never really gained any traction. It is of use in a few specialist situations, but no multitasking?
    I am sure Apple will sell loads as the fanboys will buy what ever the firm turns out, but it is not a serious tool. In a time when firms are scratching arround for business and are trying to optimise every penny spent, I do not see how you can form a decent business case for one. “I want one” does not count!