|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HANDHELD BUYING GUIDE  Handheld computers are rapidly becoming a very common tool for the clinician. It uses range from fancy electronic organizers to portable libraries with capabilities rivaling those of a laptop. Therefore, when choosing a handheld computer it is important to determine how are you going to use it. If the primary function for your PDA is to store information and use other available medical software the Palm OS might be the best choice, but if you are a MS Windows fan and desire seamless integration between your desktop's OS and you MS Office documents the Pocket PC might be the best bet. Important Factors when choosing a handheld: Palm OS vs. MS Pocket PC Today Palm has a 90% marketshare in the handheld business. This dominance translates in more software developers building applications for this OS. This is also true in the field of Medical applications. Therefore, if your top priority is to use existing applications your choice should be the Palm OS. Microsoft's pocket PC is a good alternative for those interested in a seamless integration between their desktop and handheld. Another advantage is that it offers integration to the popular MS Office Suite, which may be useful for those who need to "carry" their documents wherever they go. The main disadvantage is that Medical applications for this OS are scarce (although this may change in the near future). Size 
If having the smallest model available is your top priority pay attention to
the Palm V/Vx. Other than that most of the handhelds available in the market today
have a reasonable size and will fit your white coat pockets.
Price The prices of handhelds range from $150.00 to $500.00. Pricing depends mostly on amount of RAM, display type(color vs. monochrome), and multimedia capabilities. As a general rule Pocket PC's are usually more expensive. Here follows a list of the best-selling handhelds and their prices.
Multimedia If you are looking for MP3 listening, voice recording, or handheld games, you may quickly limit your choices of PDA. Windows devices come standard with a mono or stereo headphone and can easily play any type of portable media. Pocket PC's also provide voice-recording capabilities. For a Palm device, the only choice is the Handspring Visor. With its special expandable slot on the back of the unit, you have the option to add an MP3 player, voice recorder, or other components, but these are all extra expenses and extra stuff cluttering your pockets. Monochrome vs. Color For the Medical student or professional this may not be an issue. Monochrome display should be enough if you will use your handhel as an organizer and pocket reference. If you have the money (handhelds with color display cost 100's more) and gaming and multimedia is a priority go ahead and buy a PDA with color display. |
