Apple to Update iPad Software: Good for Law Practice?

On Wednesday Apple announced several new product and software updates that have the tech world buzzing. Of course, much of the buzz is the usual back and forth, "I love everything Apple!" vs. "Apple is overrated and overpriced and you guys are a bunch of fanboys." We'll leave that debate to someone else and instead fill you in on a few new features for the iPad software that could increase efficiency at your law office.
Many attorneys are using iPads as part of their practice. It can be used as an e-reader, e-mail device, music player, photo viewer, web client and nearly anything else that a computer can do. Some attorneys are even bringing them into the courtroom and using them to display evidence. That may not fly in every jurisdiction, but even if the iPad never leaves your office, it has quite a lot to offer.
When the new iOS 4.2 iPad software comes out in November, the iPad is going to have a new set of features beyond what it can already do. A few of the features that we are most excited about are highlighted below:
Multitasking: For better of for worse, it is becoming increasingly common place to run multiple applications at the same time. With iOS 4.2, you can type a brief, search a code section, listen to music on Pandora, and view photos of evidence all at the same time. You can easily switch between the apps instantly, and it won't slow down the performance of the iPad or drain your battery.
Folders: Has your iPad software already become a mess of pages and pages of apps? Now you can quickly organize apps into folders, one for documents, one for music, one for reading tools and so forth.
Printing: One knock against the iPad for business practices was that you can't print with it. Well, now you can. With iOS 4.2, you can print documents, web pages, mail, photos and more to any printer on your network.
Accessibility enhancements: Now the iPad can be used for a number of accessibility enhancements. For example, you can control the VoiceOver feature using a wireless keyboard. For those who have lost or are losing their sight and/or hearing, you can even output in Braille to refreshable Braille displays in over 25 languages.
Enhanced enterprise support: Another knock on the iPad involved security features for businesses. Now law firms can use the iPad with stronger security features, improved device management capabilities, and enhanced enterprise integration.
So if you considered adding the iPad to your law firm but passed before, it's probably time to take another look. If you were holding out for any of these features, you don't have to wait any longer.
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