2013 Tech: Thoughts on tablet vs. galaxy note 2 for rotations

[liluoke]

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I've been searching SDN for opinions on tablet (ie. iPad) for some time now and I'm finding it's not too clear whether it will be useful or not. It seems that in some hospitals, there are actually apps where you can access all the patient charts on the ipad. Some threads ridicule the use of a tablet/ipad, saying it's too big (but it's possible to modify your jacket to fit). One thread i saw said many students on rotations/residents in one hospital had an ipad.

Anyways, as some of the threads are a bit dated now, and new technology is out, I think it's time to begin a new thread..

If you guys had the choice to get
1. Galaxy Note 2 (see http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-review/); has a stylus to write notes on the phone and the phone itself is quite large. my choice at the moment, but apparently many doctors frown upon use of a phone. (what if your phone has a stylus? looks more professional?)
2. iPad with a case with bluetooth keyboard
3. Other tablet with keyboard (http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/11/lenovo-thinkpad-tablet-2-review/)
4. Other suggestion

what would you go with? would you find the galaxy note 2, a large phone with writing ability more useful, or a tablet more useful, and why? or are you against a certain option and why?

and finally, something i am very curious is, would you find the ability to have a keyboard with a tablet case like this useful at all? (http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Ke...1364640325&sr=8-1&keywords=ipad+keyboard+case).

Thank you ahead for your thoughts.

 

[herewego]

I had your question ~1 year ago. I decided on the samsung galaxy tab 2, which is a 7' tablet, fits well into my white coat. It's great to bust out during downtime to study, look up things, and if the hospital supports it, access the EMR to check things on patients. A number of my friends have 7' tablets or ipad minis that they carry around in their white coats. Some of the residents have ipads given by the residency program to use on rounds, its really useful especially if the patients have an extensive history.

I'd recommend it. Although I usually don't look up the patient information, it really is helpful for the inevitable downtime.

 

[Siverhideo1985]

I'd go with an iPad mini.

 

[liluoke]

thanks guys. i did forget to mention another thread talked about the 7' tablets too. i guess it seems like the smaller 7' tablets are a good option.

since we're going to a smaller size, does anyone have comments on a 7' tablet vs. galaxy note 2?

or Nexus 7 vs Ipad for that matter? i saw in a thread from last year that the medical apps are "more mature" on the ipad. what are your thoughts?