I've been making efforts to learn how to use my iPad as a tool and resource at work instead of simply using it for personal things. I’ve discovered some great stuff, some bad stuff, and some stuff in between. I thought I would take this opportunity to share this knowledge with you in case you were interested. Here is this week's iPad App of the Week for Lawyers: Keyboards (Prices range)
Category: Typing accessory
Grade: A+
Okay, so this is not technically an "App" but more of an accessory for the iPad. It does, however, solve one of the biggest problems that all iPad owners complain of: the inconvenience of typing on the iPad. For those that plan on using their iPad extensively for business endeavors that require a lot of typing, purchasing a keyboard for your iPad is a must.
Anyone who owns an iPad, iPhone or other touchpad device has been there: you're on the plane drafting up a lengthy Motion for Summary Judgment, but because of a combination of the iPad's small touchscreen , lack of a mouse and your pudgy fingers, it is taking forever. You're four hour plane flight touches down and a frustrating groan exits your mouth as you realize that all you've been able to complete is the introduction paragraph. Good luck explaining that one to billing.
With a keyboard, that frustration quickly goes away and the iPad becomes as easy to type--if not easier due to its touchscreen capabilities--as using a laptop. It is still smaller than a laptop and therefore easier to travel with.
One problem that iPad-with-a-keyboard users complain of is the fact that the keyboard just becomes another bulky accessory that they must carry around with them: "If I'm going to have to carry around a keyboard AND an iPad, I might as well just bring my laptop instead," they argue. This is why I highly recommend purchasing an iPad case that comes with an integrated bluetooth keyboard, like this one. With this phenominal accessory you get 1) a professional looking case that protects the iPad, 2) a case that also acts as an iPad stand so that you can watch video or type up documents without the inconvenience of holding it or viewing it on a flat surface, and 3) a keyboard to type on. Best of all, the keyboard integrated into the case makes the whole package one small piece instead of two; it is as small as an iPad with a case that lacks a keyboard.
The price for this is pretty steep (the one I have linked to is $47, and they can go higher than that), but I advise that you make the investment. It will save you the groans.
