Epocrates for Android and webOS

Make sure to ready my posts on MedicalSmartphones.com about recent updates with Epocrates. They have released beta versions of software for Google Android and Palm webOS. Visit: MedicalSmartphones.com and click here to read my posts about Epocrates.

Smartphone Use Among Physicians on the Rise

According to a recent study by Manhattan Research, the use of smartphones among physicians is now at 64%. The study is titled, "Taking the Pulse v9.0." The use of mobile devices like the iPhone and BlackBerry increased by 20% in one year. It's not a surprise that the number of physicians who use the iPhone more than doubled in the past year. Now with the availability of the touch screen BlackBerry Storm, I anticipate that more doctors will be using the BlackBerry. Overall, physicians are spending more time online and are using both computers and smartphones to stay current and access medical information. They are also using mobile devices to access CME activities. So smartphones have a bright future ahead in the medical industry. As these devices become more powerful and ubiquitous, they will permeate the healthcare space and play an even larger role in the daily workflow of medical students, residents, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.

I currently use a Windows Mobile device (the Verizon Wireless XV6800, also known as the Sprint Mogul and the HTC Titan). If I were on the AT&T network, I'd be an iPhone user. If I had to buy a new phone on Verizon, I'd probably get the new BlackBerry Storm that will have Wi-Fi. If I were on T-Mobile, I would get the G1 running Google Android.

MedicalSmartphones.com

I've registered a new URL: MedicalSmartphones.com

I've been an avid PDA/smartphone user for many years. During medical school and residency, I used to provide advice about these devices. I've been blogging about it for a while, but now I want to keep a dedicated blog about this topic. I hope you'll visit and find some useful information.

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.

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?

Typing on the BlackBerry STORM

Typing on the BlackBerry STORM can be quite difficult if you have long fingernails. I try to keep mine relatively short, so it's not a problem that I usually encounter. However, if you like to keep your nails on the long side, then you may want to go with a device that has a hardware keyboard.

Remember, the STORM doesn't have a passive touch screen like the Palm Treo. Instead, it relies on capacitive touch like the iPhone. You can't use a plastic pen or any other passive stylus on the STORM. This is important because many people think that a "touch screen" = "touch screen." However, there are several differences between passive touch screens and capacitive touch screens.

Well, enough about screens. The STORM is fast and has a great browser. I still have my XV6800 (HTC), but I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a business phone on Verizon Wireless.

Airport Technology

Airports are getting more and more sophisticated for mobile technology. I see more devices than ever before: smartphone, iPhone, BlackBerry, PDA, Treo, etc. Windows Mobile, Palm OS, RIM, and iPhone.

I expect to see lots of netbooks by the middle of this year. Right now, I just see tons of people using Macs. I'm the only one in my terminal sitting out here with a tablet PC. Everyone else has a mobile device or an Apple. I don't see a single netbook here.

Once more airlines offer Wi-Fi, I think we'll see more netbooks on the airplanes. It's so difficult to use a full-sized laptop on an airplane if the person in front of you reclines. Since I use a tablet, I can quickly take the PC and pull out my stylus to continue working if I run out of tray space.

BlackBerry in Healthcare

More and more doctors are checking their e-mail on the go. Traditionally, they've relied on the Palm Treo. However, many have recently switched to the iPhone and even more and now going with a BlackBerry.

So what role will the BlackBerry play in the healthcare sector? The Palm OS is dying, unless the Palm Pre really takes off and recaptures dedicated users. Windows Mobile is still a dominant platform for healthcare professionals. The iPhone has been a bit hit among medical students, residents, and recent grads. Where will the BlackBerry fit into all of this?

Since these devices all have internet connectivity, the need for a standalone application is diminishing. All you need is a web portal that is optimized for mobile browsing. Once you make that available, then you can look up medical information without installing an application. Will that be the future trend?

CES 2009 - Wishlist

Based on the reports from CES 2009, I've started creating a wishlist. I'm really just dreaming, so I may as well call it a dreamlist:

• Sony Vaio VGN P500: Sony's entry into the netbook arena. Will this run Mac OS X?
• OQO model 02+: cheaper, faster, OLED and touch screen
• Powermat: wireless charging. Get rid of all those cables!
  

This isn't part of my dreamlist anymore, but they would be considered some of the major highlights from CES 2009 (at least from my perspective):

• Netbook convertible tablets: ASUS seems to have the edge here
• Palm Pre: WebOS platform. The survival of Palm hinges on its success
• Windows 7 beta: well, it was going to get released, but now it appears delayed

So will CES be worth attending in 2010?

BlackBerry

The BlackBerry has evolved tremendously, hasn't it? I'm very eager to see what will appear at CES 2009. My prediction is that most future BlackBerry models will have a touch screen plus a hardware keyboard. They will look similar to a Treo, but will be wider and thinner (bigger keys compared to the Treo).

The big question in my mind is: will the BlackBerry become a dominant player among healthcare professionals? We all know how about its popularity among corporate users. Doctors, pharmacists, and nurses have traditionally relied on Palm and Windows Mobile. Now you have the iPhone gaining substantial momentum, especially with the availability of Epocrates on the iPhone. What about BlackBerry?

BlackBerry Storm, iPhone, or Windows Mobile?

Medical students and clinicians often ask me, "should I get an iPhone or a BlackBerry Storm?" Neither have a ton of medical applications. Palm is dying. And those who hate Microsoft don't ever want to purchase anything that has the word "Windows" in it.

So, what's the best answer? How will Microsoft improve Windows Mobile devices to attract healthcare professionals?Will Palm survive? Will BlackBerry become the leading provider for healthcare professionals who need to stay connected and still have access to important medical software? Or will Apple dominate this industry with the iPhone?

If you're stuck on the Verizon network, then you don't have the option to get the iPhone, so you're either stuck with the BlackBerry Storm or a Windows Mobile device like the HTC Touch Pro (which replaced the XV6800). If you're stuck on the AT&T network, then you're going with an iPhone. Is it worth switching networks if all your contacts and friends are on a different one?

I'm still sticking with Windows Mobile. I've been happy with the Treo 700wx and my current HTC XV6800 (AKA Mogul and Titan). Someday if the iPhone comes to Verizon, I may switch. But until then, I plan to use my GPS-enabled XV6800 for a long time.

Windows Mobile 6 on Verizon Palm Treo 700wx

For Verizon Wireless customers: The Windows Mobile 6 ROM update is now available for the Palm Treo 700wx

Get it here:

http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/treo700wxupdate6/verizon.html?AID=10380937&PID=1511436

Make sure to read the fine print. Sounds like there may be some problems if you use TomTom navigation software with your Treo.

Windows Mobile 6 isn't a huge improvement over 5, so it may not be worth the trouble unless you want some of those features. It's a shame they didn't make the update a Windows Mobile 6.1 update.

Choosing a PDA and/or Smartphone for medical school

Medical students are often asking: how should I select a PDA and/or smartphone?

I currently use an XV6800 with Verizon, but if I were on AT&T, I'd probably switch to the Treo Pro.

When you look for a PDA and/or smartphone:

1. Always get a touch screen device so that you can effectively run important applications such as epocrates.

2. Go for Windows Mobile. the Palm OS has been dying a slow death.

3. Get a device that has Wi-Fi. This way, even if you don't purchase a data plan, you can still use your PDA/phone in the hospital during your rotations.

4. Get a built-in hardware keyboard. Here is where the iPhone falls short. When you're using certain applications, it really helps to have an actual keyboard.

5. Get something where you can easily remove the battery. Once again, here is where the iPhone falls short. During some of your overnight rotations, you may want to have a spare battery with you - since you may never get the chance to plug your phone in and charge it.

Everyone's loving the Palm Treo Pro

Everyone seems to be loving the Palm Treo Pro. All the different reviews are raving about this phone that's made by HTC.

I see more and more physicians and medical students using the Treo these days. Traditionally, the Palm OS has been more popular among doctors. Younger medical students are using the iPhone, Windows Mobile, or RIM/Blackberry. Will the traditional docs make the switch to Windows Mobile?

Since medical students are often required to run applications that are only built for either the Palm OS or Windows Mobile, they're more likely than ever to go with the Treo Pro over the iPhone.

Official Treo Pro - the Slimmest Treo

The official Treo Pro is the thinnest, slimmest Treo to come out of Palm. Unlike other Treo phones out there, this new phone will run Windows Mobile 6.1 and have built-in GPS + Wi-Fi. Since the phone is so thin, people may think it resembles other Windows Mobile devices that lack a touch screen. This device will have a high resolution touch screen and use the universal micro USB connector.

Will Palm also release a CDMA version for Verizon/Sprint? Or will the GSM version be the only one? Also, what type of battery life will this phone have? Form factor always needs to be balanced with functionality. I think I'd prefer a slightly bulkier phone that has robust battery life. Otherwise, make sure you offer an extended battery option.

Palm Treo Pro 850 Windows Mobile

The latest Palm Treo looks like it's going to be a very popular phone. Take a look at the Treo Pro 850 running Windows Mobile! I used to have a Treo 700wx on Verizon Wireless. I liked the phone, but it was big, slow, and didn't have enough memory. Plus, that old phone lacked a built-in GPS.

Well, the new Treo 850 may be one of the best Windows Mobile phones for those who want a hardware keyboard but don't want a slider. Can't wait to see it!