Typing on the iPad

In a recent post, someone asked if I take notes on my iPad at court hearings with the keyboard that pops up on the iPad. Well, sort of. In reality the iPad keyboard can be at bit tricky to use initially, but once comfortable with the logistics and layout of the keyboard, it actually ends up being a very easy feature to use. In fact, it was one of the major selling points for me when I had a chance to pick up the iPad for the first time at the Apple store. It seems like you will struggle with selecting the right keys initially, but after a few keystrokes and some practice, you are typing as if it’s a regular keyboard

Nonetheless, there are certain situations where using the keyboard is kind of  impractical. The biggest drawback to the keyboard is that it is pretty much a one finger type of application. What I mean is that it is almost easier to type using your index finger to select and poke away at the virtual keys. When the iPad sits flats on a table, the typing angle can be a it difficult. However, i’ve been using the Apple case which gives it a nice typing angle. Using the Apple case, typing isn’t  that bad. It’s only when you are forced to cradle it in one arm, and use the other hand to poke away, things can get tricky.

Portrait Mode-Smaller keyboard

Landscape Mode-Larger keyboard

The keyboard also changes sizes depending on how you have the iPad oriented. As the two pictures show, the keyboard size changes as you rotate the iPad to change its orientation back and forth. Sometimes, when I just don’t feel like messing with the iPad keyboard, I break out the Dragon Dictation software which is really handy in many situations.  In fact, I am dictating this blog currently through Dragon Dictation and not using the iPad keyboard. As I will show in a future review, the Dragon Dictation works remarkably well with minimal mistakes. I definitely have to go back and edit the mistakes though. Maybe I will post a sample paragraph of an unedited speech to text conversion for fun at some point

Apple case gives the iPad a nice typing and viewing angle

Lucky for me, I am at a coffee shop sitting outside where it’s relatively easy to do something like this and not look entirely crazy. In situations where I cannot to dictate into Dragon Dictation, and I don’t want to use the iPad keyboard, I’m left with several note taking options. I have purchased several apps that purport to offer a the ability to take notes directly onto the iPad. Most of these applications are simple and rudimentary at best. The biggest problem that I ran into with many of these applications is that using my finger, I struggled to write in small enough letters to provide a reasonable use of space on the sheet. In fact some apps were so bad that you can only fit a few words on the entire page. I have, however, found one app that does a wonderful job of giving me almost perfect writing and notetaking abilities using just my finger. This app is the Note Taker HD app. I will be doing a full review with photos in my next blawg entry.

New iPad iOS 4.2 features

I know a lot of users are anxiously waiting for the latest operating system update for the iPad. It promises several new features that makes the iPad more functional. Below is a report from the tech section of Huffington Post (the free app version, of course).

Ipad ready for next update

“Apple says the next version of the software that runs iPads and other gadgets will be available in November and will include a way for people to print documents from iPads and other gadgets.

Apple Inc.‘s iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch can handle many tasks once performed by personal computers. People can check e-mail, surf the Web, edit photos and compose documents. Although the gadgets can connect with computers to transfer files, they don’t have ports for connecting with printers or USB drives.

The update, iOS 4.2, includes AirPrint for wireless printing. Apple says it will automatically find printers on local networks and send text, photos and graphics for printing over Wi-Fi.
Apple says AirPrint will work with a wide range of printers, from inkjets to laser printers. iOS 4.2 also brings AirPlay (Apple’s new AirTunes) to the iPad, enabling users to stream media, such as video and music, via Wi-Fi.

Engadget says of the new features, “The addition of multitasking, folders, and big improvements in mail (amongst other things) finally make the device feel more like a computer and less like a gigantic iPhone.” Engadget also pointed out a surprising new feature: “the orientation switch no longer controls orientation. It’s a mute / unmute switch now!” iOS 4.2 will also give iPad users access to Game Center and give them new controls over font size, Notes, Spotlight Search, Location settings, spell checking, the brightness of the screen, and more.

Digital and paperless office for lawyers who DON’T live in the courthouse :)

Dropbox-Not just for the courtroom warrior!

While recently shilling my blawg to be nominated as a top 25 Minnesota Blawg at http://practiceblawg.com/top25/, a dear friend and colleague of mine noted a comment I made in a recent entry and wrote to me the following:

“In your blawg, you say

“It makes no sense for somebody to make the move towards a digital office with online access if they typically don’t find themselves in court on a routine basis.”

I don’t go to court all that often, but going paperless has nonetheless made my life so much easier – as you know, I also use the Fujitsu and Dropbox combo.  I can find any document from any file in seconds, and I can essentially take my entire office with me wherever I take my laptop.  In the process, I’ve obviated the need for an admin.  Finally, I save tons of space and trees by going paperless.

So, while I’m looking forward to reading more about how going paperless is helpful at trial, the philosophy is also beneficial to the solo litigator who settles most cases.”

Touche! I suppose I forgot for a moment that there are other lawyers out there besides us criminal defense attorneys! I know I’ve made this comment before in the past about the iPad and the paperless office being optimal for the daily litigator, but it appears I have neglected to consider a very obvious benefit for those that spend more time in the office than in the courtroom.

In fact, when I’m *gasp* not in court and actually sitting at my office or some other location, I have full access to my files no matter where I am via Dropbox. More importantly, while my staff is updating documents by scanning them in or editing them, I receive immediate and real time updates through Dropbox. No more trying to figure out if I am working on the most up to date file, or searching through 15 versions of the same document, each labeled “documentnewestnewest.doc”, with each iteration increasing in its neweness severity level.

Additionally, Dropbox kind of forces you to establish some sort of organizational structure for you files. We simply open new files by the name of each client, and open sub-folders for each issue they may have. For example, we would label a file “Doe, John”, and then if Mr. Doe has two open matters, we would simply create additional sub-folders under his name, such as “Domestic Assault, File No: XXXXX”. This allows us to create a very easy and searchable folder structure. The Dropbox folder allows you to search through a folder installed on your computer, or through the Dropbox website directly.

If an attorney routinely travels or visits clients off site, having that access at your fingertips is invaluable. Further, you can work remotely from home on a laptop if the need arises. One need not be in court to take advantage of the paperless and digital office structure. So, my apologies to my non-daily litigator colleagues for my oversight of how a paperless office can benefit them!

Does the iPad replace your computer?

Almost daily, I’m asked if the iPad has replaced my desktop and laptop. The short answer is: NO WAY (yet). In fact, I’m typing this on a MacBook right now. As great and convenient as the iPad is, it is still a long ways away from being used as a stand alone and single computer option, at least for my personal and professional needs.

Does the iPad replace the Macbook?

There are several obvious issues, with probably my biggest gripe now being lack of access to the full suite of products and compatibility that I have with the MacBook or the iMac. Besides the well documented lack of Flash, the iPad does not natively support many audio and video formats. What this means is that if I receive an email with an audio filed linked that is not supported by my iPad, I have no way of converting it to an acceptable format without the use of separate computer. This requires a bit of planning ahead if I know I’ll be receiving an attachment from someone and I won’t have time to convert. I simply ask them to send it in a format I know my iPad will support:

HE-AAC (V1), AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV.

The iPad also natively supports the following video formats:

H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format.

To be fair, I have yet to have an issue with converting an audio or video file for use with a client or at trial. I always immediately check an uploaded file to see if it will play on my iPad before game day.

Another issue that I have run into is the processor speed. The processor in the iPad a 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip (according to Apple website-I like the “system-on-a-chip” label…kind of like State Fair food…system-on-a-stick ). While generally adequate, rendering big PDF files and opening image laden websites takes a little longer than an entry level Macbook would. Not generally a big deal, but it can make web browsing a bit frustrating at times.

One issue that will hopefully be resolved soon is the lack of multitasking. The iPad currently does not support multitasking. This makes switching between my iCal, my email, an open web page, and my contacts a painful experience. I have to close each app down, and reopen it as I navigate between them. By way of comparison, the multitasking feature used in Palm products (Palm Pre-love the cards that you can minimize and swipe between, and then ultimately flick away when done-genius) is far and away the most effective multitasking mechanism I have ever seen.

Palm Pre Multitasking cards

In fact, this feature alone makes the upcoming HP WebOS 2.0 tablet look all the more enticing to users who really need this feature. http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/palm-previews-webos-2-0-tablet-ready/. Apple should be very aware of the need for this true multi-tasking feature as it is likely to be a major issue for people looking to make the tablet pc jump in the near future.

When I need to heavily edit documents, or when I need to be able to switch between multiple apps and programs, I will always use an iMac or Macbook. The iPad right now is a device that simply cannot handle these traditional tasks nearly as effectively as a regular computer. But again, before you assume that this is not a device that has a place in your home or office, I would encourage you to evaluate how you use your computer. If you mostly browse the web, surf YouTube, check your email, upload photos and occasionally edit some documents, then the iPad may very well be what you need. If you have any sort of intensive document editing needs, or intend this to replace a computer for most business uses, it may not quite be what you need just yet!

Uploading Audio to the Ipad from the Olympus DS-30

Olympus DS-30

I just finished three video and audio recorded interviews using a Canon Elura 100 and an Olympus  DS-30. I use the DS-30 extensively for dictation, notes, and interviews. It’s a handy little device that I really like, and will review later. The big benefit for me is that it records in .dss format, which gives me the software to also listen to disclosure from prosecutors, which typically is recorded in .dss format.

After uploading the audio .dss files to my Mac, it allows me to convert it to AIFF files, which is what the iPad supports. Interestingly, when I upload the audio from the DS-30 to my Mac, it automatically converts to WMA, which is fine because it’s a rather universal format (which, of course, does not open on the iPad )

Once converted, I simply export to Dropbox, and just like that, I have the audio on my iPad. Pretty seamless, though I wish the iPad natively supported more video and audio formats. I’ll be importing the video from my Canon (Mini DV) and will let you know how that goes.

Juror comments on use of iPad in trial

I just finished my second iPad only trial yesterday. It was a criminal trial, and it was a Domestic Assault and Interfering with an Emergency Call case. It wasn’t a terribly document intensive case, but it did involve three 911 calls, 16 photos, medical records, and several other documents to be introduced into evidence. As I stated in a previous post, the use was seamless, and the alternate juror thought it was great. At that point, we had not received a verdict yet, and I obviously couldn’t hear from the other jurors.

Well, after a FULL ACQUITTAL (well deserved victory for my client), I had a chance to speak to the jurors who gave us the not guilty verdict. The 6 jurors were comprised of 3 females, and 3 males. Two of the female jurors were older, and one was younger. Two of the males were relatively young, and the third male juror was only a little older than them. The only reason I mention this is that I wasn’t sure if generational gaps would make a difference in how they react to the use of technology in the courtroom.

All the jurors, save for one of the older female jurors, thought the use of the iPad was “awesome” and unobtrusive. They really thought that having 3G access was phenomenal, and commented on how useful it would be to have that power during trial. One juror thought that some of the medical terminology I was discussing in trial was gleaned from Dr. Google!

They really appreciated that I didn’t shuffle through my file like the State. One juror commented that “swiping a finger across a screen” is always better than rifling through a trial notebook. The lone dissenting juror wasn’t aware of what an iPad was, nor what it could do. She was unsure of why I had to constantly reference the iPad during the testimony of witnesses. I wasn’t sure if she was more disturbed by me referencing any notes in general, or the use of a product she wasn’t familiar with. The jurors did note that the lack of a table-full of documents gave us a very organized, prepared, professional appearance.

I’d also note that the judge did not comment on the use of the iPad….maybe she didn’t notice? If that’s the case, that would be considered mission accomplished in my book.

Trial with iPad

I just finished my second trial with an iPad, and like the first, everything went smoothly. I’m really impressed with how easy it was to use the iPad in trial, and how seamless the operation was. My biggest concern was that the iPad would be a distraction to either me, the judge or the jury. Fortunately that was not the case.

I used the Goodreader app to upload all my documents before trial. The really neat thing about Goodreader is that once my files are uploaded, I no longer need Internet access to use or access my documents. This is extremely important especially in a court room setting where many court rooms have no Wi-Fi or have limited 3G coverage.

Perhaps more importantly is that once I scan my files directly into Dropbox, my office immediately tags and labels each document appropriately. What this means is that I’m essentially creating a trial notebook on the go. I no longer need to go back and reassemble documents by reports from different officers, medical records, or any other discovery I may receive. It’s already labeled, and there is no need to repeat this act.

Goodreader also allows me to upload photos and audio to my iPad. So, if I have 10 or 15 photos, I can simply scan them in and create a slideshow for presentation to the jury. What’s even cooler is when I have audio files to play for the jury. Because I do criminal defense work, there are routinely 911 calls and police interviews with witnesses that the jury needs to hear. For example, in the trial I concluded today, there were three short 911 calls that I was able to play directly from my iPad that was connected to a little Phillips pod speaker. Sound quality was amazing, it was loud, and everybody was able to hear the recording loud and clear. There was no fussing with the audio, or any distraction in setting the speaker and iPad up. In fact, I did it directly from the table I was sitting at, and I seamlessly was able to transition into the next item that I wanted to present to the jury. Lawyers are notoriously bad with technology in the court room, and it’s often distracting for the jury to wait while lawyers cue up their laptop or any other tech device. There was absolutely no delay in getting the calls played to the jury.

After we closed our trial today, the judge gave us permission to speak to the alternate jury who would not be deliberating with the rest of the jurors. After receiving his input on the trial, I asked him about the iPad used during trial. He indicated that it was not distracting at all, and in fact he thought it was really neat. He did mention that he wasn’t sure what I was doing on the iPad, but he just assumed that I was reviewing files related to the matter. I’m glad that he did not find it distracting.

For my next trial, I plan on investing in a mini projector so that I can display photos and other documents on a screen for the jury to see. With a VGA cable designed for the iPad this should be a seamless process. And with Keynote, I can even throw up some neat and useful Keynote documents in a presentation to the jury.

Is the paperless office for me?

I have often found myself scrambling back to my office between hearings in different counties just to pick up a file or having to leave home early in the morning to grab a file for court. Using the iPad and Dropbox, this is not an issue anymore. Of course, I had to use the Fujitsu scanner to scan all of my files and documents into my dropbox but this is part of fully utilizing the iPad in the court room.

In my next few postings I will discuss how I use Dropbox and my Fujitsu scanner to fully utilize all of my iPad capabilities. For the users who are thinking about purchasing an iPad were going paperless and their office they really need to sit down and understand how this can help their practice. It makes no sense for somebody to make the move towards a digital office with online access if they typically don’t find themselves in court on a routine basis.

If you don’t want to be disappointed with what you can and cannot do with the iPad this step is the most important. If you can’t see yourself using the iPad to make your life easier as an attorney, then maybe it’s just not right for you now. Nonetheless, there are other products that can help streamline your office that don’t involve using an iPad.

Online document storage

How many times have you been out of your office and needed access to your files or a document on your computer? For most attorneys, this may be an all too common occurrence. In the past, I have used flash drives and emails back and forth to transfer documents. While this is fine for the occasional transfer or two, it’s not an efficient or safe way to do so on any regular basis.

If you are a Mac user, you have the MobileMe option. I don’t use MobileMe, but I do use Dropbox. Dropbox is an online document storage program that offers users the ability to upload documents, PDF’s, audio, and photos. Users create a profile that allows them to access their account from the web wherever they are. In my office, we have downloaded the Dropbox application on all of our Macs, which is then stored on the toolbar allowing easy and quick access to the folder without having to open a browser. You can, however, simply use the Dropbox website on any computer.

Dropbox gives users 2GB of free storage. This isn’t much, but it allows potential users ample opportunity to see if Dropbox is right for them, or more importantly, what amount of space they should purchase. I purchased the 50GB option, and have used about 15% of my space after scanning in about a 33% of my total files. To give you an idea of how much I’ve scanned in, I’ve put in one tightly packed big filing cabinet row of closed files. I’ve also began scanning and storing new incoming docs and files, including audio and photos. I imagine when I get through two more tightly packed drawers, I’ll be close to my limits. For now, the 50 GB option is perfect.

When you open the Dropbox icon, Mac users will see the familiar folder window pop open allowing you to organize your files much like you would in any other folder on the Mac. There is also the option to make folders public or to authorize sharing between other individuals. The really neat thing about other users accessing your files is that it tracks changes, and anytime one person updates a file, it is automatically synced, giving all users access to the same updated file.

To scan my docs in, I use the Fujitsu SnapScan 1500m, and absolutely love it. I will have a full write up and review shortly. I don’t know exactly to what size my Fujitsu SnapScan 1500m scans docs down to, but I have been very impressed with the efficiency of the scans and the quality.

For now, 50 gigs is fine for my needs. Dropbox charges $9.95/mo, but if you prepay for the year, it is $100/year. Dropbox also offers a 100GB option. Unfortunately, Dropbox does not offer an unlimited storage option yet. This could be an issue for power users once they get close to their limits.

In upcoming posts. I’ll review the functionality of the Dropbox interface. I’ll also take a look at the iPad Dropbox app and how well it works on the iPad. There are many other services similar to Dropbox, and I’m hoping to have a chance to review those as well in the near future.

Supreme Court of Minnesota Promulgates Statewide Criminal eCharging/E-Filing Rule

Saw this come through this morning. Not exactly sure how this will impact the practice here in Minnesota. Perhaps other states have had similar experience with this. Does this mean that we will be able to access the electronic version of the file from the web? Will I be able to access these documents from a mobile device?

Take special note of the Supreme Court’s concern over “biometric identification” and electronic notarization. I’m not exactly sure what biometric identification is. I plan on speaking to several individuals involved in this project that may shed some light on the effect this will have. It’s interesting to note the additional concern of having electronic signature mixed in with the physical signing of a document. Rule 106, subd.3 states in part, “Once any individual prints the charging document and affixes a manual signature, all subsequent signatures must be affixed manually, and the printed copy is the original and must be filed with the court.”

I’m not sure of the reasoning behind this rule. Nonetheless, It’s nice to see the courts here in Minnesota adopting the electronic submission of documents. You can see the original order below:

http://www.mncourts.gov/Documents/0/Public/Clerks_Office/2010-06-30%20Order%20Crim%20Proc%20Rls%20Amendments.pdf

How iUse my iPad

Ok, so now you have the iPad. What exactly can you do with it? Turns out, not a whole bunch initially. Sure, it comes with the Safari explorer, iTunes, iPhoto, iBook, and almost the entire suite of Mac software you normally get with any Mac. Isn’t this sufficient? It might be, if all you intend to do with the iPad is use it as a media consumption device. In fact, prior to deciding to buy the iPad, I though of how I would use my iPad. This allowed me to compare what I needed to do with what the iPad could actually do.

This is likely to be a discussion most potential users will have with themselves if they are thinking about getting an iPad. Do I really need yet another device to distract me? What can I do with an iPad that I can’t do with a laptop or a smartphone? For attorneys, this is an even more important question. There are many issues to think about: does my practice lend itself to using an iPad? Can I use the iPad in a courtroom? Are there security concerns? Ethics issues?

For my practice, which is primarily a criminal defense based practice, I am in court a lot. Therefore, it becomes even more important for me to have a tool that allows me to stand in front of the judge with a client. Can you imagine how awkward it would be if I stood there with the laptop screen between me and the judge? The iPad allows me to stand unobstructed in front of judge.

With the volume of my practice and the numerous court appearances, simply picking up a file can be a cumbersome task. I have often found myself scrambling back to my office between hearings in different counties just to pick up a file or having to leave home early in the morning to grab a file for court. Using the iPad and Dropbox, this is not an issue anymore. Of course, I had to use the Fujitsu scanner to scan all of my files and documents into Dropbox, but this is part of fully utilizing the iPad in the court room.

In my next few postings I will discuss how I use Dropbox and my Fujitsu scanner to fully utilize all of my iPad capabilities. For users who are thinking about purchasing an iPad or going paperless, they really need to sit down and understand how this can help their practice. It makes no sense for somebody to make the move towards a digital office with online access if they typically don’t find themselves in court on a routine basis.

If you don’t want to be disappointed with what you can and cannot do with the iPad this step is the most important. If you can’t see yourself using the iPad to make your life easier as an attorney, then maybe it’s just not right for you now. Nonetheless, there are other products that can help streamline your office that don’t involve using an iPad.

From online storage servers, to scanners, to other applications and case management software that attorneys can use, there are many ways to utilize some really neat products that are now available.

The look, the feel, the touch

For most people unfamiliar with the iPad, it’s probably difficult to understand how the iPad fits in to their lives. Part of the problem is that most people have never held a tablet style computer, much less an iPad. This may not seem like a big deal until you actually go to an Apple store and pick one up. The physical feel is unlike what one would expect. Because the iPad and other tablets have such a unique and novel tactile structure that we aren’t familiar with, any potential user should explore the iPad by holding and touching the iPad in away that they would be using it.

I envisioned using the iPad in the courtroom, so naturally I wanted to make sure the iPad was comfortable to hold and easy to use while standing in front of a judge. The iPad is thinner than I expected, and has a slightly curved aluminum backing. This curvature makes it difficult to place the iPad on a table while typing, partly because of the convex back, but also because it is very smooth and slippery. If you intend to type on the iPad while it’s on a table, get a case or the Bluetooth keyboard (reviews to come).

Holding the iPad is less cumbersome. It is easy to hold in either landscape or portrait orientation. It is however very slippery. I have come close to dropping it a few times already when I don’t have a case on it. The touch screen repels most smudges, and any that do accumulate are relatively unobtrusive when using the iPad. I do find myself clearing off smudges a couple times a day, though they are only really visible with the screen off.

The screen is surrounded by a half inch black frame that feels just like the touch screen. There is only one button on the bottom, much like the iPod Touch. There are no additional buttons on the screen. It has a very clean, modern look without visual clutter. On the bottom edge of the iPad is a charging port and speaker. On the top edge there is a standard audio jack and a discreet on/off button. On the the right edge is a switch that locks the rotation of the screen, as well as volume control.

I was a bit surprised at the size of the iPad. For some reason I thought it would be bigger, maybe at least the size of a standard sheet of paper. The fact that it was smaller was not a huge disappointment, though I have come to appreciate the size it actually is. It’s big enough to do what I need it to do, without being cumbersome. In fact, with a portfolio leather case, it’s easily transported to and from court without looking like anything other than a small and thin leather portfolio. The iPad is thinner than I expected, which is really nice when you do have to throw it in a briefcase. Despite it’s thinness, it doesn’t feel fragile or cheap. It actually feels much more expensive, due in part to the sleek fusion of aluminum and glass.

While I’m in the courtroom, other attorneys always want to check out the gizmo I’m working on while waiting for my case to get called. Clients are equally curious and impressed. Surprisingly, even judges have asked me to bring it up to the bench to play with. I’m surprised that more people haven’t seen an iPad as most individuals that I have run into have told me that it was their first time seeing an iPad.

In summary, the iPad feels and looks the part. It looks like a professional piece of equipment and not some gimmick. It is unobtrusive, and for the most part goes unnoticed until someone comes a little closer. And isn’t that what attorneys need? To have access to email, the Internet, files (via Dropbox and Goodreader), all the while not being harassed by deputies and clerks for using a smartphone or laptop? I can’t tell you how many times a deputy has asked me to put away my Palm Pre smartphone or laptop even though I’m checking my calendar or opening a file.

First go around with the iPad

For my first post and review, I will be sharing how I intend to use the iPad in my practice. Like many other iPad users, I have quickly found that the iPad does a lot of things really well, but has some limitations. This will be the first of several posts where I explore the use of the iPad, and the many apps that make the iPad a tool that lawyers can use.

Before I purchased the iPad, I must admit that I was an iPad cynic. I had great difficulty conceptualizing how the iPad would fit into my life and practice. I was even more skeptical when Steve Jobs announced that this was the most important product he had ever worked on. Seriously? An oversized iPod Touch? I can understand the sales pitch aspect of the announcement, but I truly felt that anyone who rushed out and bought one was being duped by the enigmatic Jobs.

And for the most part, I was right. At least when it came to purchasing the WIFI only version of the iPad. The functionality of the iPad is increased ten-fold with the use of the AT&T 3G network (more on this later). I purchased the 32GB 3G version 2 weeks ago from the Apple Store in the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. I actually put my name on the waiting list for the 16GB version originally, but quickly came to my senses and ordered the 32GB version. In retrospect, I probably should have ordered the 64GB version, but so far the 32GB is more than sufficient. For a $100 spread between each memory level, it’s enticing to go ahead and spring for the 64 gig version, though for the majority of users the 32 gig iPad will be more than sufficient.

So, I now have an iPad, and I have been using it for about 1 month in my practice. What’s my preliminary verdict? The iPad is a phenomenal tool that has simplified my practice and has given me the ability to do things that would have been unimaginable not too long ago. Nonetheless, it has some issues that I would like to see worked out by the time the next software update rolls out later this year.

Hello and Welcome to MACLAWG, where the practice of law meets technology.

Hello all!

Let me begin by first introducing myself. My name is Murad Mohammad, and I am an attorney in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. I have small law practice with 2 lawyers, a receptionist, and a wonderful legal assistant. My practice area is primarily in criminal defense,and my partner does estate planning and civil litigation.

The reason I started this blog is because I wanted to share, discuss, and learn about how technology can assist in the practice of law. I have absolutely no technical background. I am a tech consumer in the truest sense. I am an end user that knows just enough to be dangerous with technology. But hopefully, this shortcoming is what I hope to be the driving force behind this blog. If you are here to read about the intricate details of how products work, or are interested in the minutiae of the engineering behind the technology, you will be disappointed.

I intend to offer my thoughts, opinions, and reviews on the products I use and learn of. I will offer a thorough analysis of what the technology is, how well it works, and how others can utilize it in their practice.

Although I primarily use Apple products, I am not a “fanboy”. What this means is that I don’t blindly adopt a particular company’s product simply because they make it. Some Apple products are great, others are not. The same is true for other companies. Hopefully, readers like you will appreciate a review that doesn’t simply reiterate the sales brochure of the product.

So, in closing (or perhaps more correctly, in commencement), I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments on the upcoming topics we will discuss. I am by no means an expert in law or technology, but I am someone who is excited about how both can be used together.