Great deals on the Lenovo Thinkpad X61 Tablet

There are some incredible deals out there on the Lenovo Thinkpad X61 tablet PC. Since the X200 tablet replaced the X61, the deals are quite incredible.

Lenovo is still selling the X61 as a brand new unit, so you can order a custom configured model. If you want to experience the Lenovo Outlet, that's one option if you're not in a rush to get a new laptop. However, I would suggest trying to find an "open box special."

Retired Physicians

I met with some retired physicians today. It seems like retirement is when many physicians find the time and opportunity to pursue non-clinical opportunities. Many physicians enjoy teaching, writing, consulting, and doing many other things. Retirement is when they seem to find the time to do all the "fun" things in life. There's a new generation of physicians in today's world. The importance of work/life balance has never been stressed like ever before.

So what do you plan to do when you retire? Are you already preparing for that transition or will there be some major shifts in your life? It's hard to imagine the world of retirement, but I often do think about my current work/life balance.

Windows 7 Build 7022

Looks like Windows 7 build 7022 is out there - somewhere. Shall we say, a "leaked version?"

Have you installed it yet? I've had such a bad experience with Windows 7 on my Q1 Ultra. However, will build 7022 be different? I highly doubt it. I don't think the slow processor can effectively handle Vista or Windows 7.

Pay per KB on Verizon Wireless Still Available on the XV6800

If you're lucky enough to have the XV6800 on Verizon Wireless, you can still avoid the "mandatory" data plan. So, does that mean that these types of smartphones will be in higher demand by those who don't want to pay for a data plan?

My experience at Circuit City today

I visited the local Circuit City today. It was quite crowded, but I was NOT impressed by the deals. Only 10% savings on the laptops? Come on! You can get laptops (notebooks), netbooks, and other computers online for much better deals. There weren't many digital cameras left in the store. And the DVDs were a great bargain.

So when will the prices fall again? Right now the best deal is 50% off. Do you feel comfortable purchasing something expensive when there is a "no return" policy?

Data plan now required with verizon wireless

If you're on Verizon Wireless and you want to get a new smartphone (or PDA phone if you will), you MUST get a data plan. This policy started last September. Why?

I'm so disappointed by this. My wife has been using a Treo for a while now (without a data plan) and now she needs a replacement smartphone. She doesn't need a data plan, but now she's forced to get one if she wants to keep a smartphone. Doesn't sound right, does it?

What's going on Verizon? At least offer the pay per KB plan for all smartphones and BlackBerry devices. That's the least you can do for all those users who don't need a data plan but want to combine a phone and a PDA.

ASCO's social networking site for EHRs

ASCO has a ning community set up for EHRs. It's great to see ASCO geting into Web 2.0. It makes sense that those who work in the EHR space would want to get connected online and build a social network. Have you taken a look?
http://ehr.ascoexchange.org/

Currently there are over 300 members and they are discussing all sorts of issues that are pertinent to oncology, palliative care, and electronic health records (EHRs). I encourage you to take a look if you're interested in the EMR/EHR market and if you have a special interest in oncology.

ASCO is the American Society of Clinical Oncology and it's primarily for medical oncologists. You also have SNO - the society for neuro-oncologists and ASTRO - American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. Don't forget about SGO - the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. And of course you have SSO - the Society of Surgical Oncology. Don't forget the nurses - ONS - Oncology Nursing Society. Plus you have SUO - the Society of Urologic Oncology. Are all these acronymns starting to get confusing? Well, take a look at this list:

• European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
• Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)
• American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS)
• International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS)
• Oncology Nursing Society Foundation (ONSF)
• Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS)
• American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO)
• American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO)
• American Society of Hematology (ASH)
• American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
• American Cancer Society (ACS)
• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC)
• American Association for Cancer Education (AACE)
• CancerClimber Association (CCA)

There are so many more, but I'll run out of space soon. Can you keep up with all of these?

Buy a MacBook Air Just for the SSD?

There are some incredible deals out there for the older MacBook Air with a 64 GB SSD (solid state drive). I'm very tempted to get one of these so that I can perform a hard drive (HD) transplant. I'd use the SSD in another device (either my Samsung Q1 Ultra or my OQO model 02).

To purchase a 1.8" SSD, I'd have to spend over $1000 (unless I get a RunCore or PhotoFast, in which case I may still spend nearly $500 just for the drive). It really doesn't make sense to go out there and purchase an SSD as an upgrade right now.

However, if I can get a cheap MacBook Air for $1200 (and this includes a 64 GB SSD), then I could do some HD swapping and maybe even sell the MBA. Tempting...

Details on OQO model 02+

Interested in the real details? Then take a look at the discussion on OQO talk

We have someone from OQO answering questions about the new model 02+ that will be coming out this summer. Touch screen, OLED, ATOM processor, and cooler (physically speaking) temperatures. Oh, and you'll get it for less $

Are you waiting to get an OQO model 02+? You may find some incredible deals on the model 02 (although with the lower price of the model 02+, I don't know how much you'll really save)

Free upgrades to Windows 7

Buy a PC after July 1 this year and you can get Windows 7 for free! As more rumors circulate, I'm starting to wonder: Fact or fiction?

XP is here to stay (in my book).
Vista was nice while it lasted. Goodbye Vista, welcome 7!

Owls and Fans

I've been thinking about the fan issue for a while. I have a Thinkpad X200 tablet and the fan is barely audible, even when it's on high. The Thinkpad fan blades reflect some of the innovations in design found in nature:

ThinkPad Silent Owl Blade

I wish OQO could refine or improve the fan so that it's much quieter. I have a model 02 and I really like it, but the fan can get disruptive if you're in a quiet room.

While you still have the chance to improve the fan on the model 02+ (since we're still several months away from May), please improve the fan! Thanks.

Asus Eee PC 1000HE

PC Magazine rates this as "very good" and gives it the Editor's Choice. Have you taken a look at the new Asus EeePC 1000HE netbook? Is this a netbook or just a really small notebook? It has the specs of a regular laptop, so is the line between a netbook and a regular notebook PC starting to get blurry? Now if you could just flip that screen around and write on the screen. This would be an excellent tablet for electronic health records.

The Quest for the Perfect Free EHR

Remember King's Quest? I used to love that game.

I'm still on this quest to find the perfect free EHR. I haven't found it yet. If you're going to get a free product, then you may need to tolerate some ads. No ad filtering plug-ins are currently available for the major EHR solutions.

Others that claim to be free are really super-slim versions that only have the "basic" features. They hook you in, and then try to upsell you to a more robust platform.

EHR or EMR. You decide. Will you go with free and deal with the ads?

Discussions on Sermo

There are some interesting physician discussions occurring on Sermo
Have you checked it out yet? It's free to join as long as you're a US physician.

Going Back to the Stock Verizon ROM for the XV6800

I need to install the stock Verizon ROM on my XV6800. I've been using a custom ROM that allows me to use the built-in GPS and it's been great. But, it's time for me to go through the steps of installing the original ROM. Can you guess why?

If Verizon hadn't disabled the built-in GPS, then I wouldn't have gone through all the trouble. Now, I have to go through all these complicated steps at the risk of turning my phone into a nice paperweight brick.

Thank goodness for the HTC Titan wiki. The first step is the BootLoader. I've already done that using a microSD card. Now, I need to go through and replace the phone ROM and the radio ROM. Verizon now has both an MR1 and an MR2 ROM update listed on their website so you can get Windows Mobile 6.1 and RevA speeds.

Thankfully, all the newer Verizon phones don't come crippled with disabled GPS chips.

People Love the BlackBerry Storm

If I weren't so devoted to Windows Mobile, I'd go out and get a BlackBerry Storm. If I weren't stuck on Verizon Wireless, I'd get an Apple iPhone. Currently, I use an XV6800.

Since the reality is that I'm on Verizon Wireless, I have a family plan, and almost all my friends use Verizon Wireless. So, I won't be playing with an iPhone anytime soon. (of course, I do have an iPod touch that has Wi-Fi, so I can still have fun).

Also, I am dependent on Windows Mobile for certain applications. However, this is slowly starting to change. I won't be surprised if I'm carrying around a BlackBerry in a few years. Especially since Epocrates now runs on the BlackBerry STORM, I may make that switch someday. I'm waiting for the BlackBerry that has a touch screen and a hardware keyboard.

Windows 7 upgrade this summer?

Will Microsoft provide computers that have a free Windows 7 upgrade this July? Those are the circulating rumors. Of course, this means that you'll get to use your PC running Vista. You'll have all your applications installed. Your settings will be personalized. And then when you install Windows 7, you may need to do all over again (assuming you do a fresh install which is generally what is recommended).

National Faculty Education Initiative

Have you heard of the NFEI? Well, if you're not very connected in the world of certified CME, then you probably haven't.

The Alliance for CME and Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education (SACME), in collaboration with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and endorsed by AHME, launched the National Faculty Education Initiative (NFEI). This program provides online training on the differences between Certified CME and Promotional Activities. Sound basic? Well, you may be surprised to know that many clinicians don't really understand all the rules and regulations concerning certified CME or promotional education.

If you'd like to learn more, then take a look at the website:
http://www.nfeinitiative.org

The World of Medical Education

The world of medical education can be broken down in so many different ways.

First: professional vs. consumer health education

If professional, then: promotional vs. certified continuing education (or certified CME/CE)

Let's talk a bit more about professional health education since we all know about WebMD and Revolution Health.

The world of promotional education is governed by strict FDA guidelines. Plus, don't forget the PhRMA code. There is no off-label discussion within a promotional activity. Also, speakers are recruited directly by the pharma/biotech/device company. The content does not need to be fair-balanced and there is no governing body that certifies those activities for any type of continuing education credit.

In the world of certified CME/CE, the rules are completely different. Here, you can discuss off-label use of medications. As a faculty speaker, you are to have no communications with the pharma/biotech/device company. Also, you don't get paid directly from a drug company. The educational content must be fair-balanced and the ACCME acts as a governing body to provide rules and regulations regarding certified CME (the CE for nurses and pharmacists are governed by other bodies). The PhRMA code has rules regarding CME.

Surprisingly, many healthcare professional are not aware of the distinction between non-certified medical education and certified medical education. Since the rules are constantly changing, it's important to stay updated on the latest guidelines and codes. The PhRMA code just got revised and the ACCME guidelines are constantly in flux.

Blogging = Moonlighting

I used to do quite a bit of moonlighting in various hospitals, ERs, and ICUs. Now, I just sit back at home, open up my laptop, and type. This is my moonlighting. I'm not making as much as I did back then, but I get to stay at home, drink some green tea, watch TV, relax, spend time with my family, and enjoy life. Isn't that much better?

Blogging is my 2nd job. But I don't see it as work and it's more than a hobby. I have specific passions and I enjoy writing about them. If I can make a small amount of cash from it, then fine. I'll let it pay for my gym membership.

Do you have a passion? Why don't you start writing about it? You may really enjoy it.

Palm Pre allows tethering

Looks like the Palm Pre will allow tethering. Tethering is a great way to get online on your laptop by using your phone as a modem. You don't need any fancy broadband cards if your phone is already broadband capable. I use my XV6800 to connect my UMPC or laptop whenever I travel. No need for Wi-Fi as long as I have my phone. Even though I have built-in 3G on my Thinkpad X200 tablet, I don't use it (except for the GPS part). I use my Verizon Wireless phone instead. I still get 3G speed, but at a fraction of the cost. I'm connected all the time!

Non-Clinical Pharmacy Jobs in Managed Care

If you're a pharmacist, have you ever considered working for a managed care organization (MCO)? There are many different types of opportunities within managed care and to learn more, you should check out the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP).

With rising drug costs, there's a greater need to understand which drugs are most cost-effective within MCOs. So, if you really enjoy looking at numbers, playing around with different cost-effectiveness models, evaluating the ROI on disease management, and looking at ways to improve pay-for-performance (P4P), then consider working for an MCO. Maybe you'll be able to create a novel drug assistance program and help those patients who can't afford their meds. By then, many of those meds should be generic. I'm still waiting for the day when biologic agents go generic. Would you trust a generic biologic agent?

Improvements to Skyfire

If you use a Windows Mobile device, I hope you've tried Skyfire. It's probably one of the best mobile browsers currently available. I think it beats Pocket Internet Explorer, Opera, and Iris. I say this because you rarely run into a "out of memory" error using Skyfire (although you may not get this problem if you use a different phone. I've only tried it on my XV6800).

Skyfire is still in beta, but the most recent version adds social networking Web 2.0 features.

Distance MBA Programs

If you're thinking about a distance MBA program (or online MBA), then you may want to read this interesting article by Dr. Frank de Langen, Open University of the Netherlands and Global Distance MBA. Some of the issues that he addresses may seem very simple and obvious, but if you read through his article, you'll soon find that there are many things that lie beneath the surface of an online MBA program. Some distance learning MBA programs still require live classroom time. Others are 100% online.

You won't have the networking opportunities if you go through a distance MBA program. Most feel that the networking experience is one of the most valuable things about B school. However, if you can't afford to stop working and you need a ton of flexibility, then a distance MBA might be the right fit for you. However, make sure you know what you're pursuing and why you plan to go to B school. It's a significant investment of time, money, and energy.

Green lasers healing surgical incisions

Wow, this is very impressive. Researchers at Mass General are working with green surgical lasers to heal incisions. Does this sound like Star Trek? The principle of laser-bonded healing has been around for a long time, but these guys have made some recent advances in this technique. I think you'll find this story fascinating:
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/22088/

I have scars all over my body. If scientists can find the right balance to heal incisions without destroying tissue, then people may walk around with fewer visible scars.

IBM and UnitedHealthcare to Offer Patient-Centered Healthcare

What happens when you join IBM and UnitedHealthcare? You actually may get a true, working Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). This buzzword has been circulating for a while now, but I don't think many people really understand what PCMH means. Well, IBM and UnitedHealthcare are working on a pilot project. They're teaming up with some physicians in Arizona to launch this project. Since IBM is involved, you know this is going to involve some serious technology. Sounds exciting!

Will we have a national CTO?

Chief Technology Office. Many people aren't very familiar with that term. They know CEO, COO, and maybe even CMO (chief medical officer) if they work in the healthcare industry.

So will America have its first CTO? Obama promised that we'd have one. So who will it be? Many are speculating that it might be Padmasree Warrior. Here's an interesting interview conducted by Technology Review

Windows Mobile 6.5 on the XV6800

There are some beta versions of Windows Mobile 6.5 floating around for the HTC Titan (XV6800, Sprint Mogul). Looks like it will be more touch-friendly based on some of the pictures floating around.

Predictions about Google Android

There has been so much speculation about Google Android. Will this be the next major smartphone operating system that beats out Windows Mobile (probably), webOS (yes), BlackBerry (yes) and iPhone (maybe)?

I hope Epocrates has a working version for Android in development. It took them quite a while before they had anything robust for BlackBerry. Since these smartphones are evolving so rapidly, it's vital to keep up with them if you want to stay in the race.

Dell XT2 or Lenovo X200 Tablet?

If you had to purchase a tablet PC today and price wasn't an issue, which one would you choose? The Dell XT2 or the Lenovo Thinkpad X200 tablet?

I've owned several different Dells and Thinkpads.

• They both offer multi-touch screens.
• Neither offer a backlit keyboard or any type of keyboard illumination.
• Both have robust battery life.

The reality is that price is a huge issue and the Dell is overpriced. End of story.

MIT and Harvard using PDAs to monitor TB in Peru

The folks over at MIT and Harvard are at it again. They are using a PDA to monitor TB treatment in patients living in Peru. The Harvard/MIT Health Sciences and Technology (HST) program is really about the technology. As I read about these types of projects, I wish I could be a college or medical student again. The opportunities are endless for students these days. Technology allows them to do so much more than ever before.

People are getting excited about the Palm Pre

Are you excited about the Palm Pre? Some people can't wait to replace their Treos with a Palm Pre. Are you in that camp? I know so many doctors and medical students who still use the old Palm OS Treo.

I hope Palm has better luck with this operating system. The previous one was just so archaic and it really didn't keep up with the 21st century. Hopefully the webOS will be a significant improvement.

NEJM article titled "The Independent Physician — Going, Going . . ."

Wow, what an article on the NEJM. I guess it's not anything we don't already know, but the authors (Stephen L. Isaacs, J.D., Paul S. Jellinek, Ph.D., and Walker L. Ray, M.D.) write about the reality of declining solo practices.

Medicine is a business and physicians are choosing options that provide them with flexibility and a reasonable work/life balance. After all, who wants to work more hours each week compared to residency? (and most of these physicians did not train in the era of the 80 hour work limit). More physicians are taking salaried positions to ensure financial security and shorter work hours (well, according to the authors they work shorter work hours but that may not always be the case with salaried positions).

Amazon Kindle 2 or Sony Reader Digital Book

There have been some tremendous advances in these digital books. Although they still have grayscale screens, they are becoming increasingly popular. Built-in Wi-Fi, 3G, touch screen, illuminated screen, MP3 player, photo book. All these features remind me of my old Apple Newton Messagepad. That thing was a great little device.

The biggest advantage of a grayscale screen is that you save considerably on battery life. However, everyone is predicting that these e-book readers will eventually get color screens. Then, the line between a tablet, a MID, and an e-book reader will get seroiously blurred.

Spoiled by a Multi-Touch screen

No, I'm not talking about the multi-touch that's found on Apple iPods or MacBooks. I'm talking about the multi-touch screens found on the Thinkpad X200 tablet if you get it configured with both an active and a passive digitizer. When I pull out the Wacom stylus pen, I can write on the screen with precision and I don't get any vectoring. Then, when I put the pen away (and it's out of range), then I can use the cool on-screen mouse that's found on Windows Vista (I know that some people really hate this on-screen mouse, but I personally love it). The tablet is both a touch-screen device and it's also an active digitizer tablet. So if I can't find my Wacom stylus pen, no worries! I can just grab any passive plastic stylus pen or even use my finger to tap on the screen. I can even use the tiny stylus pen from my Verizon Wireless XV6800 phone. Thank you Lenovo for creating such an innovative tablet PC.

My Samsung Q1 Ultra

I still use my Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC every day. I wonder why Samsung hasn't come out with their new Q1EX UMPC tablet. It was at CES and I'm eager to see some reviews about it.

I'm also eager to see how Windows 7 runs on the Samsung Q1EX. It runs very poorly on my Q1U, but that's because my Q1 Ultra has such a slow processor.

Death of Palm OS

According to some news reports, there will be no more new devices running the Palm OS.

Palm will focus its energy on smartphones running webOS and the first device will be the Palm Pre.

I'm surprised its taken Palm this long to kill their OS. The inability to multi-task has really hindered this OS from being robust enough for modern devices. It was great in the late nineties when you used your Palm Pilot to keep your calendar and contacts. Now, these things are essential mini-computers that run very sophisticated software.

How will webOS compete against Windows Mobile, iPhone, and BlackBerry?

Reduced DTC spending in 2008

According to TNS Media Intelligence, DTC spending was down in 2008. Was that because of the changes in the economy or because pharma decided that DTC really doesn't really yield much ROI?

I think it's safe to think that DTC spending will continue to decline in 2009. In fact, almost all the budgets will probably get reduced this year unless companies have new drugs emerging from the pipeline.

Working part-time

I know many clinicians who keep a part-time schedule and fill their other time with non-clinical projects. Do you have an interest in doing some part-time writing or consulting? Perhaps even blogging? Well, the opportunities are out there and you need to search and find them.

Deirdre Connelly Leaves Eli Lilly for GSK

Lot's of movement in pharma. One of the most recent headlines:

Deirdre Connelly Leaves Eli Lilly for GSK

What do you think about that? Deirdre Connelly was named one of the 50 most powerful women by Fortune Magazine. In 2007, her rank was 47. In 2008, her rank moved to 42. What will it be for 2009?

Exciting developments in the netbook market

Some recent developments in the netbook market is exciting for the healthcare industry. We are seeing more affordable mini computers that may improve the clinical work flow in hospitals and doctor offices. Cheaper prices, faster computers, robust designs, and touch screens. Stay tuned.

Being in Hawaii for AAPM

This year, the AAPM (American Academy of Pain Medicine) annual meeting is in Hawaii. Don't you wish you were there? I've never gone to a medical meeting in Hawaii. I think it would be difficult to attend the sessions because I'd want to go hiking or walking along the beach.

Now that some major societies and associations are moving away from holding their meetings in Boston (because of the Massachusetts laws governing pharma gifts, etc.), maybe more meetings will start taking place in Hawaii. Wouldn't that be nice?

Thinkpad X200 Tablet Service Manual

Some service manuals are easy to find and others are very difficult. Fortunately, Lenovo puts their "Hardware Maintenance Manual" easily accessible. If you're looking for it, you can find it here. It's a PDF, so make sure you have a PDF reader.

Dell Latitude XT2 tablet

It looks like Dell incorporated some major changes and fixes to this new tablet PC. Unfortunately, the price is still way too high. However, for those who are able to afford such luxuries, the Latitude XT2 is a really nice convertible tablet. I'll stick with my Thinkpad X200 tablet for now. I really like the Thinkpad keyboard and the form factor.

I'm still waiting for the day when someone makes a really thin convertible tablet (by thin I mean Apple MacBook Air thin). Maybe a really thin MacTablet or iTablet will emerge this year. If that happens, then I may need to get ready to use OS X (unless I run BootCamp, Parallels Desktop for Mac, or VMware Fusion).

Sirius XM preparing to file for bankruptcy

Sirius XM is preparing to file for bankruptcy. I'm glad I didn't purchase a lifetime subscription to their services. I wonder what the future of satellite radio looks like. If WiMax really takes off, then soon cars may come equipped with Internet streaming radios. Wouldn't it be great to have all those radio stations found on iTunes? I would love to have that in my car.

Well, only time will tell. These economic times are tough for all these companies.

The Growth of free EHRs

I predict that we'll see a rise in companies offering free EHRs this year. Some thought that this would be a fad (remember the days of NetZero and Juno offering free dial-up Internet?)

I don't think that free EHRs are a fad. If anything, this may be one of the most successful models for certain physician practices. I doubt that any large multi-specialty practice won't invest in some great EHR solutions like Epic (if they are hospital-based), NextGen, GE Centricity, and others.

However, as more free EHR providers become CCHIT certified and offer tailored solutions to meet the needs of specific practices, I think they will survive and flourish, especially during these economic times.

Google Health and Microsoft Health Vault

Today, I was speaking with someone about the importance of carrying around an old EKG (or ECG if you prefer) whenever traveling. If you end up in an ER with chest pain or syncope, it will be very beneficial to have an old EKG with you (unless your problem is swallow syncope).

Digital copies may suffice, but I would suggest paper redundancy in the case of an EKG. Most modern hospitals have Internet-connected computers, but I don't know that they'd let you log in to your Google Health or Microsoft Health Vault to access your old EKG. Maybe they would (they should if they don't).

So do you have a copy of your old EKG? Is it on Google Health or Microsoft Health Vault? Hopefully you also have a copy in your wallet. Make sure to keep an updated PHR (personal health record).

Research on free EHR and EMR

I've decided to embark on a new project this year. I plan to do some more extensive research on the topic of free EMR and EHR solutions. I realize that many people use EMR and EHR synonymously while others make clear distinctions between the two. I'd like to keep things simple so I'll probably just use the broader term EHR and cover practice management solutions and other products that are out there.

So what would the polls show regarding the "best" free EHR?

To start, it would have to be CCHIT certified. Next, I would want to know if there are any free solutions that are recommended by HIMSS (I am not aware of any at this time, but that could just be a reflection of my ignorance).

I've heard many opinions on this topic and so I welcome your comments. As I do my research, I hope to post some short snippets of information as I come across pearls and nuggets of relevant information.

On Screen Display on my Thinkpad

I've heard of several people who've had problems with the OSD (on screen display) on their Thinkpads. Well, I was having this same problem on my Lenovo X200 tablet (running Vista), so I created a new user profile to see if that would fix the problem. Voila! Problem solved! Now I have to go through and re-customize everything, but it's worth it if I can have the OSD working.

If your OSD isn't working, try that. Create a new profile and see if that fixes things.

Excited about the Asus Eee 1000HE netbook

This netbook boasts truly long battery life. Some are saying over 7 hrs. Others are quoting over 9 hrs. What's the real deal? It probably depends on your power settings. However, this is a very impressive feat for such a tiny little device.

Are you happy with your battery life? Will this new netbook put some pressure on the Sony Vaio P series (that I still think is way too overpriced)?

Having owned several mini laptops now, I find that a full-sized keyboard with a screen that is at least 12" increases my productivity by leaps and bounds. I'm constantly typing and trying to multi-task, so a netbook would only serve me one main purpose: to browse the Internet. That's why they're called netbooks, right?

I'll stick with my Thinkpad X200 Tablet for now. I get so much more done on this fast machine and it has truly become my powerhorse when I travel.

Boutique medicine or non-clinical medicine?

Some doctors may be contemplating some serious career changes because of worsening reimbursement problems. Many are converting their practice to a cash-only boutique or concierge style practice. Others are moonlighting or doing some cosmetic laser surgery.

What about a transition to a non-clinical career? Pharma and finance aren't the only options out there. Yet so many physicians find themselves limited because they don't recognize what types of opportunities exist.

There are some serious questions to first consider:

• Are you willing to take some risk?
• Do you have the financial luxury to be unemployed for a few months while you make the transition?
• What do you really enjoy doing in life?
• Do you like to learn new things?
• What do you think about the corporate world? Of business?

At the end of the day, you may realize that a non-clinical path is better than simply converting to boutique medicine. It's important to recognize your options and to do your due diligence. Research your options. Meet people working in non-clinical settings. Prioritize what's important in your life.

Finally, make sure that you're really willing to leave clinical medicine. It may get difficult to go back if you change your mind.

Microsoft Tag

Microsoft Tag is quite impressive. Since most devices now come with built-in cameras, why not use them as a quick scanner?

I can see Microsoft Tag getting incorporated in the healthcare sector very quickly. Think about how quick and easy it would be to scan charts, wrist tags, drugs, etc. All this would be done with a single device (or with devices that are all integrated into the same system).

Have you tried Microsoft Tag? Oh, you'll need a Windows Mobile device. You can create your own tag and post it online.

Google and IBM Joining Forces

Looks like Google is working with IBM to add health data from personal monitoring devices like glucose meters and blood pressure monitors. After all, if all this electronic data is being captured, why not integrate it with your PHR? Weight scales, heart rate monitors, pacemakers, defibrillators, pulse oximeters, peak flow meters, etc.

Soon, all these home devices will be integrated via wireless networks. Whether it's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or some other technology, it will all integrate together. The importance of future home network security can't be underscored. After all, people will want to protect their health data.

So will Google Health consume the marketplace? Or will Microsoft Health Vault be the industry leader? Will they all get integrated somehow?

Will the NAMC start a blog?

Doesn't it make sense that the National Association of Medical Communicators (NAMC) would start a blog on its website? Results of their member survey seem to support the idea of starting a corporate blog (although many also keep personal blogs).