Lexis Advance HD & the Mobile Market
Jinfo Blog

By John DiGilio

Abstract

Following his review of Lexis Advance HD, John DiGilio selects some highlights of the mobile app version of LexisNexis' award-winning Lexis Advance platform.

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Lexis Advance HD is the mobile app version of RELX Group's flagship legal research platform, Lexis Advance. Designed to offer much of the same lauded functionality of the web-based version, it is available currently for Apple's iPad. With a different app, just called Lexis Advance, available for the iPhone.

In creating the Lexis Advance HD application, the focus of development seems to have been on giving today's mobile lawyers only the sources they need most while on the go.

While there does seem to be a bit of a small learning curve involved when first approaching the app, the overall ease of use it presents when one becomes familiar with its functions more than makes up for the extra effort.

Simplicity and Success

In a market that is quickly becoming saturated with applications, the challenge for vendors like LexisNexis is to create a tool that truly distinguishes itself from the rest. Success seems to hinge as much on practicality as it does on functionality. Fortunately, Lexis Advance HD packs a healthy dose of each. 

Lexis Advance HD app presents a clean interface and two simple choices. Users can sign in or they can work offline.

By signing in, one is given access to LexisNexis content for searching and browsing.

The offline functionality works if the user has saved documents for offline use. After logging in, things get a little more complex, but not so much so that the intuitive feel of the interface is lost. In fact, once a user starts playing around with Lexis Advance HD, it becomes pleasingly straightforward.

Searching & Delivery

When users start typing terms in the search box, the app will begin predicting the terms and sources the searcher may want to include via a handy drop-down. Sources such as state statute collections are also included in the list. It is just a matter of users clicking the phrases or sources they want included.

The results presented include everything one might expect of the Lexis experience. Status flags, parallel and linked citations, headnotes, footnotes, summaries, core terms, prior history and even term browsing are all right there with embedded hyperlinks. Shepardizing is done directly from the viewing pane. A delivery link from the document view presents users with options for retrieving the document.

Find Out More

To learn more about Lexis Advance HD its full capabilities, competitor landscape and value, read the Mini Review of Lexis Advance HD.

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