The good news is that such a product actually exists. It is called a Tablet PC. The Tablet PC combines the best of both the notebook computer and the PDA  creating something greater than the sum of the parts. It has the portability and convenience of the PDA, but  a full size screen the size of a sheet of paper, and the full power of a notebook pc. Every bit of your office database, and your software, comes with you wherever you go, with the convenience of a PDA. With its vastly superior processing power, the Tablet PC can translate your longhand or script without having to train it to read your writing, or like the PDA, having to conform your writing to its requirements.

Tablet PCs have become popular in many fields where mobility is required, such as medicine and manufacturing. Its application to the law is no less appropriate.

GNS has integrated the tablet PC as part of a complete law office technology solution for the lawyer that wishes to use every tool at his disposal to maximize his success. All the software and hardware provided by GNS in this system works seamlessly with the tablet pc. The lawyer brings his entire electronic database with him wherever he goes; the same exact database he has at his office.

Combined with his cell phone, the lawyer is able to make and take client calls, record them and time and billing information, provide case information, enter new appointments and tasks into his schedule, work on drafting documents, and basically do ANYTHING that he could do at his office workstation while away from his desk. This makes the most of time often wasted waiting to be called on a long court calendar. When the attorney swings into action, he can read his notes directly from his electronic case file, make new notes in the case file, enter appearances into his office calendar, and even immediately call up documents, cases and statutes relevant to the matter at hand, all from a device the size and shape of a legal pad! When the attorney returns to his office, he snaps the Tablet PC into a docking station, where it becomes his desktop system, with a large external keyboard and display.  This also automatically reconnects him to his office network, and all the information changed or added while away automatically updates the firm-wide database. In the future, the wide availability of Internet access through Wi-Fi hotspots will allow automatic updates even away from the office, if desired. With such a system, your partners, paralegals, and secretaries will instantly become informed of changes or additions to your schedule, even before you return to the office.

Even inside the office, the wireless networking allows moving between offices, and conference rooms while remaining connected to the office network. The device is simply undocked and carried wherever the attorney needs to go.

If all of this sounds too good to be true, rest assured that it is not.

GNS' LOTS division has implemented and extensively tested this system. It functions flawlessly, exactly as described.  You might think that this system is very expensive, but Tablet PCs do not cost significantly more than laptops. For the attorney on the go, the increased capability provided by a Tablet PC is worth much more than the cost. The return on investment is excellent, saving time and preventing mistakes.

There is a good selection of Tablet PCs available from various reputable manufacturers.  GNS can help you select the model best tailored to your unique style and needs.

At this point, it should  be clear that implementing an integrated law practice management system, inside and outside the office, will make your life easier and make you a far more effective practitioner. Just as soldiers require the  best military technology to ensure success on the battlefield, the attorney seeking the maximum competitive advantage must use  the latest and best in legal technology. GNS invites you to enlist our products and services to accomplish that goal.