A couple days ago we talked about how how the features of Apple’s iPad might appeal to lawyers. In this take, we consider what a lawyer might find missing from the iPad
What's Missing?
- User Facing Camera. I think a camera facing the user is a significant omission. A front facing camera is the tool for video conferencing, video chat and Skype. That said, news came today that the prototype that Steve Jobs demoed last week may have included an unannounced user facing camera. Further, examination of iPad parts reveal a notch in the bezel that perfectly fits an iSight camera. So, it is possible that this omission may be resolved in the production units. If not, lawyers needing video conferencing ability must continue to tote their laptops.
- Outward Facing Camera. While some have made much about the absence of an outward facing camera (away from the user), I’m not persuaded. Holding the iPad up to use it as a camera would be awkward at best. Moreover, I suspect most users will still have their camera phone (likely an iPhone) with which they can capture photos or video and move it to the iPad for viewing or editing.
- GPS. It appears that only the 3G models will have “true” GPS. This is a bit personally disappointing as I was considering purchasing a WiFi only model. I think many people will use the iPad to get directions the same way the iPhone is used. Better yet, with its bigger screen, it would be much easier to follow a map while the iPad rests on the passenger seat of your car (compared to a map on the iPhone screen) on the way to court, a client or opposing counsel’s office. But, as a work device for a lawyer, this is a big drawback of the WiFi only models.
- Flash. This seems to be the big issue for folks. I’ve gone back and forth. As a multimedia reading device (e.g., The New York Times), Flash functionality is a must have. Countless news, client and product websites have Flash functionality. This doesn’t really bother me on my iPhone, when I’m typically just browsing the net or searching for something specific. In contrast, I think one reasonably expects to be able to view Flash on the larger screen especially as a work device. Steve Jobs says that Flash is buggy and is betting that HTML5 will replace Flash for that type of content. For my practice, I’d call the absence of Flash an annoyance, but I can see how it could affect other people’s practices more significantly. Note that by omitting Flash, Apple is doing us a favor in terms of battery life.
- Multitasking. For me, this is huge. The ability to run multiple processes is critical as a work device. I typically have 6-10 programs or windows open on my desktop. It isn’t unreasonable to conceive of needing a few different applications running to use the iPad as a true working device. That said, my understanding is that this is a software issue that can be addressed in an upgrade. I’m hoping this is the case. What I absolutely don’t want to see is application developers building Frankenstein applications to try to do multiple things within one app. My guess is that this will be addressed in the next major OS upgrade.
- USB. There is no standard USB in, which would be helpful for moving documents, photos and other information to the iPad. Of course, while docked the 30 pin connector is your conduit. Apple has already announced a camera connector (30 pin to camera) to allow downloading of photos directly to the iPad. I suspect a third party manufacturer will make a USB adapter. In the end, with products like DropBox, I don’t see the need for USB connection to move basic data and documents.
For many lawyers, the practice involves email, the web, document preparation and document review. While I’m not convinced yet of the iPad as a substitute for the work one can do on a computer (especially for document preparation), the above limitations don’t seem to be major impediments to these basic functions. If the goal was to replace a laptop or work computer, the iPad will likely fall very short. If the goal is to supplement the tools one has to give more working flexibility, then the device has potential.
Josh – thanks for your comments on my blog.
I wanted to challenge you on your point about multi-tasking. When I discuss this issue with others who see it as a short fall, we usually end up agreeing that “persistence” is more important than multi-tasking. Other than running Pandora in the background (to which I say, run the iPod and suck it up), there are few applications that absolutely need to be running the background at the same time. With the advent of push-technology, we now get alerts when something posts on Facebook, the same can probably happen for “@” and “DM”s for Twitter – so the real issue is, can you come back to your place exactly as you switch between applications. My point is, with a fast-enough processor, the effect of multi-tasking is achieved without the potential downside of the errant-running applications. Hmm…maybe this is a blog post of its own…
Anyways, what do you think about persistence as an alternative to multi-tasking?
Victor
I think I’ve mellowed on this a bit (as you may have gathered from the sentiment of my most recent post). I know from my iPhone that I tire of backing out via the “Home” button, flipping to a new screen of icons, finding the one I want, launching, waiting, tasking, and then lather, rinse, repeat to go back to what I was doing.
A blazingly fast processor may eliminate much of this (quick in and out) as may having lots more application icons on one screen (no flipping about). I’m intrigued by theories that perhaps widgets may be part of the solution.
You are right though in suspecting that I wouldn’t sacrifice stability for multitasking (not very much anyway). I would give up on some battery life though as the iPhone has trained me to have plugs everywhere.
Thanks for the comment!
hi there wait a minute multi-tasking means 2 or more items runing at the same time not 6 or 10 items basicaly if you have your song playing while playing a video game that is multi-tasking somtimes i have 3 or more items runing on my iphone ipod touch or ruing multipule web pages at the same time i have had 16 web site pages runing at the same time all you need is click new page icon showing 2 page icons and you can multi-task on multi-pages at the same time wow wounder if i can multi-blog