Wireless Challenges in the Healthcare Setting

Roughly one-third of U.S. hospitals use wireless technology. You've probably seen some Wi-Fi antennas as you've walked through hospitals. Healthcare IT News reports that a new study has identified these five major challenges of implementing a wireless network in the healthcare setting:

1. Physical connectivity (especially in old hospitals)
2. Technology connectivity issues
3. Meeting user demand
4. Security considerations (high risk of stolen laptops)
5. Network management issues

So, how are these unique to the healthcare setting? Maybe the issue with security is a bigger concern when you're dealing with patient health information. I wonder if WiMax technology will resolve some of these challenges. The study was sponsored by NetMotion Wireless.

Updated Drivers and Software for the Lenovo Thinkpad X200 Tablet

I just downloaded and installed some of the updates from Lenovo for my Thinkpad X200 Tablet PC. The new software seem to have fixed some of the Wi-Fi connection problems I was having before. The Thinkvantage System Update is undergoing some changes and it probably won't be running until May. So, you have to manually download and install these updates.

The BlackBerry Storm 2 will have Wi-Fi

Yes, the rumors seem to be true. There will be a newer version of the BlackBerry Storm that will have Wi-Fi. Why the big deal? Because most hospitals have Wi-Fi and you won't be relying on a slow data plan to access the Internet. Also, what if you could use Skype or some other Voice Over IP (VoIP) solution to make free calls? Do you think Verizon will allow that? If so, sounds like some great perks for medical students and residents. So what other cool new features will the updated Storm include?

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!