Jan. 15, 2014 – In this video, Nerino Petro, State Bar practice management advisor, discusses the features of Apple and Android devices. It’s a personal choice. What are you going to use it for? If you want it just to work without making changes and choices, Apple will be fine. If you want a larger screen, the ability to customize, choose a different keyboard, add features and receive regular updates to your operating system, then Android may be a better choice.
Here are Petro’s top five features to consider that can help you choose the device that will work for you:
Apple
The iPhone user interface is friendly and easy to learn how to use it.
Apple vigorously controls what apps are in the Apple Store, offering a large number of high-quality apps.
The iPhone ‘ecosystem’ is also a plus, working seamlessly with the iPad, iPad Touch, and the Mac.
Apple controls the operating system, which eliminates issues that may arise with apps from other providers.
Finally, there a ton of accessories for the iPhone from fitness to security to cosmetics.
Android
The Android open platform offers more choices than Apple. You can pick your hardware, and you can even customize your device by choosing a different keyboard or backgrounds.
You can work with Android much like you work with your computer, creating folders and files and transferring them between your Android phone and your Windows desktop without using any other software. (You can only do that with the iPhone if you use iCloud or a third-party product such as iTools.)
Bigger screens. Android is the only phone that gives you options, from 3 to 5 inches of screen size.
You can choose from many stores for apps, such as Google Play or Amazon, but you run risks because they are not being vetted like the Apple App store.
Add more memory through a micro SD card, much like the cards you use with a camera. The iPhone does not currently offer this capability.
Large Firm vs. Small Practitioners – The Choice is Yours
There is no preferred device, says Petro, “Firms today are generally offering BYOD – bring your own device – as most people prefer to use their personal device rather than having two devices. Security is not an issue, as utilities are available that can wipe the device clean should it be lost or stolen.”
“It really comes down to personal choice,” says Petro who uses as variety of Android and Apple devices. “You are not tied to one ‘ecosystem’ in today’s market. If you are looking to purchase a new Smartphone, go to a store and play with the devices, ask questions, look at the screen resolution and the apps that you want to use, and make your decision based on your particular needs.”
For more information, contact Petro at practicehelp@wisbar.org.