Productivity with an Android Tablet

Tablets are changing the face of the legal industry by 10 fold. The fact is, the iPad paved the way for everyone to compartmentalize their work, play, and personal life on a screen 10 inches big. Tablets now offer the powerful computing capabilities that once only PCs possessed. Even for the most curmudgeon of lawyers, tables are blazing trails of opportunity to bill more hours, and yes, play more Angry Birds.

With the increased computing ability also comes an increased ability for productivity, if used correctly. Since I've abandoned (or nearly abandoned) paper files, my Viewsonic gTablet (yes please, I'd love an upgrade) has become my "right hand man" (I couldn't affix to my other one, because I'm left handed). As I've discussed, the gTablet enables me to keep connected to my office through my VNC/RDP connection, or bring my files on the road. I'm able to keep connected and productive.

If you want to be more productive with your tablet, you need to find and use the right applications. So, here's my list of 10 "essential productivity applications which will probably change as time goes on":

1. Gmail I connect to my Google Apps for Business account, so having an app that works natively is essential. I've tried other e-mail apps, but always seem to default to the "stock" Gmail app. FYI, if you want to check out K9 Mail, I like it too.
2. Dropbox I know, Dropbox is taking a lot of flak for it's privacy (or lack there of) policies, free web sharing, etc. I protect many of the files, especially client documents, with a simple encryption program, and I make it a habit not to post sensitive client information in my Dropbox folders.
3. Documents to Go (full version) I love being able to create, edit, and save Microsoft Office documents on my tablet. Although there are some small quirks that accompany the transfer, I can deal with them so I have access to my documents. Moreover, unlike Dropbox, which transfers files to the cloud, DTG saves them on my SD card (32 gb, thank you very much) for use on demand.
4. RepliGo Reader - Hands down I believe the best (and only) PDF reader/editor available for Android OS. This app functions much like Acrobat, allowing you to highlight and copy text in PDF files. This is most useful when I'm reading and noting pages of cases for responses to motions and briefs. I love that I can save the file (usually in Dropbox) with my edits for transfer or use later.
5. Dictation Although it isn't technically a downloadable app, the speech recognition software built into Android is fantastic (or as close as you get without training). I covet Dragon Dictation app for iPad, but Android has developed something similarly close. Whether I'm dictating an email or searching for subjects online, speech recognition is nothing short of cool.
6. Barnacle WiFi Tether Tethering is essential for the "out-of-office" connection. Yes, you can purchase a tablet with 3g/4g capabilities, but why when I'm paying out of my nose for my cell phone's data connection? Barnacle provides a secure WiFi connection for devices. This means that as your sitting in the airport at Dubuque, you can also connect seemlessly to the "home office."
7. Wyse Pocketcloud Pro or Logmein Ignition Connectivity means connectivity. With Logmein or Pocketcloud, I'm never away from the office. A quick press of the icon, and I'm taken to my office desktop. From here, I can copy and paste necessary files into my Dropbox folder, manage my billing/accounting/practice management software, or draft and print a letter for my staff to send.
8. Handrite full-Handwriting note This is the best handwriting app, period. I'm plagued by genetics, one of which is my annoyingly fat and stubby "carny hands." While they're fantastic for throwing punches, carrying heavy loads, and gripping small surfaces, typing on Android's native keyboard is cumbersome. However, being able to write (or draw) with my finger, much like note-taking on a paper tablet, is much easier.
9. Thinking Space Pro After my "Supercharge Your Law Practice" CLE, I'm addicted to mind-mapping. The process allows you to easily create maps of your work, duties, and events. Couple that with an effective planning session, and you fulfill (almost) every productivity need.
10. Angry Birds or Netflix Being productive also means breaking away once in a while. Angry Birds or Netflix helps me relax and recharge.