The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/4983
the quarterly magazine of ILTA 49 Peer to Peer iPhones, blackberries and Pres — Oh, My! Comparing Smartphones in the Legal Environment T here is an abundance of wireless devices out there. if you are looking at a device, which one do you need? Which one will blend with your business the easiest? how do you evaluate one from the other when they are so different? Sure, the iPhone is cool, Microsoft Mobile is familiar, BlackBerry is the legal industry leader and those Pre commercials are compelling in a kind of creepy way. Each device has its good and bad points when looked at from a law-specific model. The business viability of each device is different when considered away from the hype, glitz and dazzle of marketing and public opinion. Of course, this is a very subjective topic, and there will be those that will jump up and down about the value of their device of choice. That being said, my loyalty lies with the BlackBerry. There, I said it. Now if someone reads into my comments that I am BlackBerry-biased, that is right. However, I will do my best to keep this as objective as my Brooklyn, New York upbringing will allow. Wanting to find the best device for my firm, my teammates and I kicked the tires on several models. The devices we tested were: iPhone, BlackBerry Storm and Bold, Palm Pre, Google Ion using Android and HTC Pure (Windows Mobile 6.5). These are current and popular, as well as thorns in many IT administrators' sides. The devices were tested under a checklist of items that consisted of design, display, e-mail, contacts, calendaring, wireless and phone functionality. The intent was to be sure that my affection for the BlackBerry was not a factor. To ensure there was no bias, it was necessary to follow a specific scope of testing each device under the same criteria. It was like trying to coax a cat to swim; but the results were interesting. by Andrew Collier