What a healthcare professional needs to know to find the right mobile device

Find Your Perfect Device

Are you considering your first mobile device but don’t know what to buy?

Or have you been using a PDA for a while, and are ready for an upgrade?

The mobile marketplace is full of choices. Based on questions and feedback we’ve received from the Epocrates community, we’ve created this guide to help you find the device that’s perfect for you!

(If you see any terms in this guide that are unfamiliar, check the glossary at the end)

PDA or “Smartphone”?

Think of a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) as a pocket-sized mobile computer. Like a desktop computer, it can run software applications and store your calendar and contacts.

A “smartphone,” also called a “converged” device, combines a cellular phone with PDA functionality. In general, smartphones are more expensive than standalone PDAs, but they dispense with the need for two separate devices.

Since healthcare professionals are often on the move, many find that a smartphone is ideal for their busy jobs and personal lives. With just one device in their pocket, they can manage their daily tasks, access vital information, and stay connected to colleagues, family, and patients.

Whether you choose a PDA or a smartphone, we highly recommend that you purchase a device with Web capability, so that you can take advantage of communications and data updates, such as the latest drug information from Epocrates, on the go. (see more on wireless connectivity for the Web below).

Tip

Be aware that “smartphone” is used to describe a wide range of phone devices, and some are smarter than others! If you plan to use your smartphone to run software applications such as Epocrates, check that it comes with one of the major mobile operating systems (Palm, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and soon, iPhone).

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Which Platform?

The “platform” or “operating system” of the device determines its user interface (i.e. how you navigate from one feature to another) as well as what applications you can use (software must be compatible with that operating system to work on your device). Additionally, if you do not have wireless capabilities on your device, you will need to install and update applications by connecting your device to your desktop computer via a cable, so you will need to choose a mobile operating system that is compatible with your PC or Mac.

Aside from desktop/software compatibility issues that might narrow your choices, the good news is that all of the major platforms offer very similar functionality, and we rarely hear from members who dislike their device platform!

(One thing you don’t have to worry about is whether your platform works with Epocrates – All Epocrates software supports the latest versions of Palm and Windows Mobile Pocket PC edition operating systems, and our free drug reference is also available for Windows Mobile Smartphone edition, BlackBerry and iPhone.)

Our Very Unofficial Guide to the Big Four Mobile Platforms …

Palm

The Palm OS has been around since Palm Inc. released the first “PalmPilot” device in 1996! So it’s no surprise that many long-time PDA users are very comfortable with this operating system.
Because the platform is well established, the vast majority of handheld applications are compatible, and many medical applications are only available on Palm OS.
Palm OS devices can be synchronized with both Windows and Macintosh computers using the Palm Desktop.
Note that Palm devices do not necessarily run Palm OS; for example, the Palm Treo 700w runs Windows Mobile Pocket PC OS.
To input text and numbers on PDAs, you can use “graffiti”, a Palm-specific shorthand which most users find easy to learn.
All Palm OS devices come with a stylus, which means that to navigate through applications you can tap on the screen.

Windows Mobile (Pocket PC) & Windows Mobile Smartphone

If you use a desktop PC, the Windows Mobile format will seem very familiar. Many first-time mobile users choose Windows Mobile for that reason.
Another benefit of Windows Mobile is that you can run mobile versions of popular Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. If you’re used to surfing the web with Internet Explorer, you’ll find it easy to use Pocket Internet Explorer. Plus, you can easily sync your Outlook calendar and contacts.
Windows Mobile Pocket PC OS devices can be navigated with a stylus (i.e. by tapping on the screen).
Windows Mobile Smartphone is a special version of Windows Mobile OS for particular smartphone devices, designed to be navigated with the phone buttons rather than a stylus.
Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smartphone editions are not compatible with Macintosh computers unless you purchase some additional software, so if you use a Mac, this isn’t the best option for you (however, if you have wireless capability, you can install many applications, including Epocrates software “over the air” i.e., without connecting to a desktop).

BlackBerry

BlackBerry is an increasingly popular platform, only available on BlackBerry devices made by RIM (Research in Motion).
The BlackBerry is probably best known as a wireless email device, which has made it especially convenient for large organizations as a tool for employee communication.
Other factors that have led to BlackBerry’s popularity include its sleek styling and unique, thumb-friendly trackball navigation.
All BlackBerry devices launched in the past couple of years have been smartphone devices.

iPhone

Compatible with PC or MAC on Apple iPhone/iPod touch with OS 2.0
iPhone is increasing in popularity, partly of its second generation debut of the iPhone 3G
Now allows third-party applications, like Epocrates Rx,
Improved graphics on the new iPhone 3G make images incredibly crisp and clear
Customers like its easy-to-use touch screen interface and sleek design

Tip

The best way to choose a platform is simply to get hold of some devices that run these different operating systems (in a store, or from colleagues) and get a feel for each one.

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Features

Every mobile device offers a different set of features. Your goal is to find a device that will support your worklife and personal life to the fullest. Before shopping for a device, decide how you will use it most. For example, will you use your device:

As a phone? (you may want to review specific phone features such as loud speaker)
For clinical reference information? (check to see that the applications you want are supported)
For email? (be sure to select a comfortable keyboard)
To access the Web? (look for a large, high resolution screen and easy browser)
To take and store pictures or video? (you’ll need plenty of internal memory or a memory card)
As a personal organizer?
As a voice recorder?
To listen to music?
To navigate a new town?
To play games?

Tip

Knowing how and where you will use your device will help you determine what features are “must-have” for you, versus only nice to have.

Other important factors to consider include …

Connectivity

We recommend that you purchase a device that can access the Internet, as there are an increasing number of useful mobile web applications that can be downloaded onto your device directly from the Internet without the need for a sync cable (including different types of email software, Google Maps, Yahoo Go, and of course, Epocrates).

If you are looking to purchase a phone device, we recommend that you purchase an “unlimited data plan,” as that will allow you to download and update applications from the Internet onto your phone seamlessly (if you only have exceed your data limit on a “limited plan”, you will be subject to overcharges).

If you are looking to purchase a PDA, we recommend that you choose one with Wi-Fi capability. With Wi-Fi, you can send and receive email and access the Internet anytime you are within ~150 feet of a Wi-Fi “hotspot”. You can also receive software updates, such as the latest drug information from Epocrates, wherever you are (devices without Wi-Fi require you to be connected to a desktop computer via a cable to send and receive emails and content updates).

If your home or workplace already has a Wi-Fi connection that enables your desktop computer to access the Web wirelessly, you should be able to use that same Wi-Fi connection for your WiFi-capable PDA.

There are also a small number of smartphones coming to market that have Wi-Fi capability – providing another option if you would like to use the Internet on a phone device, but do not wish to purchase a data plan.

Another form of connectivity provided on most new handheld devices is Bluetooth. Bluetooth wireless connectivity enables you to exchange data with other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as phones, computers, cameras, and other handhelds. The most common use of Bluetooth is to communicate from a hands-free headset to a mobile phone in your pocket. Since healthcare professionals usually have their hands full, Bluetooth can be very helpful.

Tip

Ask your IT team whether Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity is enabled at your medical facility and for suggestions on how you could use them.

Memory

New Palm OS devices come with a minimum of 32MB; Windows Mobile and BlackBerry 64 MB. Smartphone devices tend to have less memory available for applications, since a significant amount of memory is taken up by the phone. However, the original amount of memory isn’t restrictive nowadays, because it’s easy to add more memory with an SD, mini-SD, or micro-SD card (also called a “memory card” or “expansion card”), which can cost as little as $20 for an additional 1 GB. You can often buy an SD card with your mobile device.

Tip

If you plan to install medical reference software and/or store large amounts of data such as photos and video, we highly recommend using an SD card, and storing as much as possible to the card, as this will give you more memory, and better performance.

Appearance/Form

Be sure to get hold of a device before you buy it so you can assess its size, weight, how it feels in your hand, the size of the buttons, and the size and resolution of the screen. If you wear scrubs or a lab coat, you’ll want to check how securely the device fits into your pocket. Plus, look for a durable device that will stand up to your hectic schedule and work environment.

Finally, don’t forget the color and styling — As long as the device has the features you need, you might as well pick something that looks good as well!

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Recommended Devices

Popular Palm OS Devices
Device	Tungsten E2	Tungsten T/X	Treo 700p/755p
Product Image
Price	$149	$249	Prices as low as $199†
Main Memory*	32 MB Memory card available	128 MB Memory card available	128 MB Memory card available
Additional Features	Wireless technology MP3 Stereo	Wireless technology MP3 Stereo	Wireless technology Digital camera MP3 Stereo
Desktop System Requirements	Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista Mac OS 10.2 or above	Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista Mac OS 10.2 or above	Windows 2000 Windows XP service pack 2 Windows Vista Mac OS 10.2 or above

Popular Windows Mobile Devices
Device	Hp IPAQ hx 2495	Treo 700w/wx	Treo 750
Product Image
Price	$399	Prices as low as $249†	Prices as low as $299†
Main Memory*	64 MB Memory card available	128 MB Memory card available	128 MB Memory card available
Additional Features	Wireless technology Digital Camera MP3 Stereo	Wireless technology Digital Camera MP3 Stereo	Wireless technology Digital camera MP3 Stereo
Desktop System Requirements	Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista	Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista	Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista

* Certain Epocrates software components can be transferred to a memory card.
† Price with participating mobile phone plan. Prices subject to availability and change.

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Accessories

A wealth of accessories is available to help you get more out of your PDA. Popular accessories for health providers include belt holders, protective cases, memory cards, foldable keyboards, and combination stylus pens. You may be able to enjoy savings on accessories by buying them with your device. We recommend asking your colleagues for tips on what accessories they find valuable.

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Shopping Tips

Mobile device prices vary greatly, from around $100 up to about $1000, depending on features. Decide what you need, and then shop around for the best price or package deal.

Good Websites

www.cnet.com — comparative, unbiased information on devices and pricing.

www.pdaMD.com — great value healthcare hardware/software bundles. Choose from a range of devices packaged with popular medical software.

www.letstalk.com — compare phone carriers/plans.

Tip

You can sometimes find mobile devices on resale sites such as ebay, which can be a great way to save money. However, we don’t recommend buying models more than a year old. Mobile devices are moving so fast; if you are using an older device right now, you’ll be amazed at the improvements in performance and design. Yes, a new device costs more, but it will let you take full advantage of the latest software and connectivity, and you won’t outgrow it as quickly.

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Glossary

Don’t let mobile technology jargon bog you down! Here’s some links to definitions and additional information from Wikipedia (free online encylopedia) and Webopedia (online encyclopedia dedicated to computer technology).

BlackBerry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackBerry
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/BlackBerry.html

Bluetooth
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/b/bluetooth.html

GPS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gps
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/G/GPS.html

Graffiti
http://webopedia.com/TERM/G/Graffiti.html

iPhone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/i/iPhone.html

MP3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mp3
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/M/MP3.html

Operating system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/o/operating_system.html
(Mobile operating systems http://webopedia.com/quick_ref/mobile_OS.asp)

Palm OS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_OS

Palm PDA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_(PDA)

PDA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_digital_assistant
http://webopedia.com/TERM/P/PDA.html

SD card
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sd_card
http://webopedia.com/TERM/S/SD_Card.html

Smartphone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone
http://webopedia.com/TERM/s/smartphone.html