With computer software, load only what you know you need. I have now progressed to my second-generation laptop. The need for an upgrade was caused mainly by a lack of sufficient memory in the first one I bought. I have learned that the obsolescence of this equipment is very rapid, but the benefits I derive from it still make the investment well worthwhile. I have also learned that my earlier view of legal assistants, as a way to avoid computers in my law practice, was off base then and is further off base today.
Legal research is done better and more quickly with computers.
Documents are easier and quicker to prepare if I do them myself, without having to rely on assistants, no matter how well qualified the assistants may be. Perhaps the greatest thing about computers is the independence they provide. I still use the office to take my phone messages and to take care of time-keeping and billing, but beyond that I can manage just about everything else myself. The self-reliance and independence given to me by computers and their accessories makes every cent I have spent on them worthwhile. Getting to this stage has not always been easy, but now I don't see how I could function any other way.