You Ask, I Answer More on Android Tablets

In a follow-up to this post, another reader requested information and recommendations on Android tablets for a new solo-practice attorney. Heres the questions posed:

I recently left my firm to strike out on my own and one of the reasons for the shift is to move my practice into the 21st century.  I am a tech geek by nature and am going to have a paperless office, utilize the cloud for practice management and client interaction, etc.  One of the purchases I am making is a tablet.  I am not an Apple fan, which leaves an Android tablet.  Ive scoured the net and cannot find a good guide for the tablet to get for a lawyer.  Your sites guide had good insights, but I had considered the factors, just not sure which model to get.  Most lawyers I know that use tablets use iPads, but I think that is because those tablets are the most ubiquitous and easy to use.  Id love your input if you have the time to shoot me a reply.

I see two current contenders:

The former has a more robust processor and the docking bay is nicer.  The latter has the stylus pen and the attache case with the keyboard is not bad either.  Being a techno-phile I realize there is never the perfect device and always something better around the corner, but my ultimate question for one in the know is Which of these you recommend, or should I wait 2-3 months to see what 2012 brings (Ive read the Google is gunning for the tablet market itself).

Unfortunately, my response was rather ubiquitous and evasive, mostly because this reader had somewhat determined what two tablets would best suit the readers needs. As Ive stated before (here and here), choosing a tablet is as much about the tablet about your needs. If its not a good fit to start (be it Android or iOS), its never going to be a good fit.

Ultimately, I got to a final conclusion: if you put a gun to my head and told me to chose one tomorrow based on the current models, Id probably choose the Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Tab, but the Lenovo would be a close 2nd. Price would be the sole factor accessories cost money: $848 for the Lenovo & accessories versus $649 for the Samsung and accessories.

The general question and response on what is the Android tablet for lawyers will always depend on what needs the attorney has for the tablet. If your only desire is to read e-books, then the Amazon Kindle Fire will certainly suit your needs. However, as Ive stated, for any productive amount of legal work, the Kindle Fire wont cut it.

If you want a robust tool, as my reader seeks, then youll need to go with one of the bigger-screened tablets. Im interested in purchasing the Transformer Prime, but some of the delays in shipping have me concerned about its overall performance. Have no fear though, the release is set for sometime in early 2012.

The ubiquitous and easy-to-use features are the reason many attorneys opt for iPads over Android tablets. However, there are a significant amount of lawyer-specific apps that benefit attorneys. If Android had some of these apps, I think wed have a significant flock of lawyers coming to Android.

Googles rumored tablet is expected to release within 6 months, although I would expect a sooner release if the iPad 3 comes on board. This collaboration between Google and Motorola could present a game changer.

Ultimately, when youre looking to select an Android tablet for your law practice, you need to examine the following:

1. Storage Space
2. RAM
3. Operating System (current system is Android 4.0, though most new tablets have Android 3.0)
4. External Accessories keyboard, case, stylus
5. Primary Use
6. Cost
7. Important Apps to Run
8. Are you willing to create tweaks for non-performing functions or applications
9. How much do you want to be like this: