Developers are taking advantage of the open-source Android platform that it is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel. For all of you non geeky types there outside, Linux is a system of operating released under the 2 public GNU General License (GPLv2), what it means is free software and open source, developed by contributors worldwide.
According to StockBriefings.com, December 31, 2010, there are more than 200 applications available for Android. Android Market is the app store online through which users can download applications to your phone. Access and navigate in the Android Market are a matter quite easy, fairly intuitive. Some phones already have an icon or shortcut to the Android Market in the "home screen", but can also gain access to the store using the applications on the phone button
There are many free applications and of paid out there specific to the legal profession. Users should warn, however, many free applications for Android, as free applications which are downloadable from the internet, otherwise are simply limited versions of paid applications. Thus the functionality may be limited, and use of the program may be limited to a trial period.
The cost of the most paid applications for Android is pretty nominal; much can be found for under $10.00; Some are slightly higher.
I recently bought a HTC EVO and they have tapped the market Android download applications that will help me in my virtual paralegal practice. Some of the most useful applications I've downloaded are:
Documents To Go is a productivity tool valuable for people moving often and always can not take their laptop with them. Documents To Go is compatible with a number of file formats used, including.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx and.pdf. Word, PowerPoint and Excel, the program components offer a high level of functionality, presenting a wide range of computer and format options. Documents in these formats can be created on your phone or imported from your PC without any conversion of desktop or server. Documents can also load and synchronize with your Google Docs account directly from your phone
At the time of writing this article, Documents To Go is available for $14.99, which is one half of its usual price of $29.99. Yes, it may be a little spendy for an Android application, but I have found the benefits of the program than is worth every penny.
Droidlaw by default includes the federal rules of Civil procedure, the federal rules of criminal procedure, the federal rules of appellate procedure, the rules of procedure federal bankruptcy and federal rules of evidence. The program has an intuitive interface and its content is easy to locate. The search results can be marked, stored offline to SD card or shared through Bluetooth, Facebook, Twitter and email, among others. The basic application is free, and a finite number of federal and State "Accessories" is currently available from $2.99 to $6.99. I am particularly thrilled this application because after the release of their next version, Droidlaw has announced codes for all 50 States will begin roll-out.
CCJR Mobile also offers a variety of download to your phone status codes. These are useful for professionals and law students who need frequent access to a special code, and that they may not have access to internet. Codes are downloaded completely to the phone and are formatted in an easily navigable format and búsquedo. The cost to download the codes is reasonable, ranging from $3.99 to $6.99.
Time Tracker for Android by solutions binary is a great mobile application that helps legal professionals to capture the amount of time a task on the fly. The application allows customizable categories, so that tasks can be assigned to different clients and matters. The program does not offer the ability to upload or even print a report of the amount of time, but is a useful tool for tracking billable hours. The application is free.
As Android applications evolve and grow in greater number, jurists will have the opportunity to take virtual legal offices on their phones, complete with legal sources and office applications.
About Michelle Mee Heigelmann: Michelle is the owner and founder of Houston Virtual Assistants. Michelle has been a paralegal for 20 years, specializing in litigation.
Houston Virtual Assistants
9850 Richmond Avenue
Suite 2202
Houston, Texas 77042
Phone: (800) 429-7439
Fax: (888) 903-7391
Email: information@houstonvirtualparalegals
http://houstonvirtualparalegals.com
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