The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/27607
type as fast and, with auto-correction enabled, as accurately as I could on a BlackBerry. I found that enabling the haptic feature helps satisfy my need to have a tactile response similar to pressing a key on a physical keyboard. Using the innovative Swype keyboard on an Android 2.2 smartphone, I was able to “enter” words even faster. I use the word “enter” because this method of input requires you to keep your finger on the keyboard and trace a path through the letters of a word, rather than “type” on keys. This is particularly useful for people who consistently tap the wrong virtual key next to the intended letter. Another benefit of using a virtual keyboard is that, when not typing, it allows for a much larger screen than a device of comparable size with a physical keyboard. The downside is that a larger screen decreases battery life. Evolving quickly on both the Microsoft and Android devices are voice recognition capabilities. With the Android I can say “call Domino’s Pizza,” which is not in my contact list, and the device will use the GPS to determine my location, search for the number of the closest Domino’s and call it automatically. Battery Life Manufacturers need to focus less on raw horsepower and network speed — 3G should be enough for most people — and more on extending battery life. Gone are the days when a BlackBerry would last weeks on a single AA battery. At a minimum, devices should be able to last a full business and social day without a recharge, or provide an easy way to swap the battery. The iPhone fails on this front as you cannot swap batteries. For now, BlackBerry is the hands-down winner, especially because of the feature that turns off the radio in low-battery situations to preserve PDA functionality. This is incredibly useful when you need access to a phone number or address at the end of the day. Applications The iPhone and related derivative devices claim 300,000 applications; Android Market claims 225,000; the BlackBerry App World has 15,000; and Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 Marketplace recently reached 8,000 applications. These are all impressive numbers, but the reality is if the particular application you need for your workflow isn’t available, it really doesn’t matter how many applications are otherwise available. The key is to find a device with the applications and features you will routinely use. I have never used cut and paste functionality and would rather smartphone developers focus on providing greater e-mail functionality, including the ability to synchronize Outlook notes and tasks. Ironically, the BlackBerry does this better than Microsoft’s own device. For those who play games, iPhone is the current leader, but Windows Phone 7 (with integrated Xbox Live functionality) has potential. Which One Is Even after discussing these choices, I’m often still asked for an overall recommendation. I hesitate to answer if I don’t know the person’s work style, but if pressed — and after I rant about how I miss my Palm Treo — I summarize it as follows: • Best device for corporate e-mail: BlackBerry • Best overall consumer device: iPhone • Best overall techie operating system: Android • Device to keep an eye on: Windows Phone 7 This list also ranks devices in order, from highest to lowest, on native security and integration capabilities into the enterprise environment, as well as available applications for business productivity. The first generation operating system in Windows Phone 7, with its very slick integration with Microsoft Office and cloud-based storage, will be one to keep an eye on for future gains. However, without rudimentary security and encryption, it’s on the sidelines until at least the Q1 2011 update. I recall a tweet I once read that said, “Apple can’t make everyone happy, nor are they remotely interested in doing so.” This truism actually applies to all devices. Each individual needs to consider which features and applications they need and then choose the device that best meets those needs. All other features should be viewed as a bonus. ILTA Dean Leung recently joined Holland and Knight as the IT Infrastructure and Unified Communications Director. Dean has 17 years of IT experience in industries including education, consulting and manufacturing and has written white papers on virtualization, business continuity, as well as voice and data communications. He can be reached at dean.leung@hklaw.com. Peer to Peer the quarterly magazine of ILTA 73 So You? for