Technology Do most schools require a pda/smartphone?

[prewanabe]

I am in the application process for Fall 09 medical schools. I am in the market for a new cell phone, but I don't want to buy a cell phone now and have to turn around and buy a pda or smart phone in a year.
I have a friend who will begin med school this fall and he was required to purchase a windows based smartphone. I wondered if something like this is the exception or the rule. Do most schools require a pda or smart phone for incoming students?
I don't have a need for the extra features a smart phone offers, but I would rather get it now when I get a discount instead of buying one outright in a year if I will need it.
Any help would be appreciated.

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[prewanabe]

Also any information of Windows vs PalmOS would be helpful

 

[DrJosephKim]

Check out the technology forum.

Most schools require some type of PDA. Since you probably already use a mobile phone, you may find the smartphone/pda combination devices most convenient.

Make sure you get a device that has a touch screen.

 

[xtractime]

is it mostly med/pharm schools that might require this? i know my family physician does use a PDA. i'm starting dental school in about a month and haven't heard too much about smartphone/PDA usage in the dental schools/profession.

 

[david594]

PalmOS is a pretty dead technology at this point.

Unless you really want/need internet wherever you go, I would go with a PDA over a smart phone. Form factor tends to be a little nicer. Not tied into a contract and allows you to upgrade when you want. Also saves you $40 a month for a data plan.

 

[TheRealMD]

Assuming your phone will last the entire day. I don't think my iPhone 3G can handle a long day in the clinics. Hopefully they'll have fixed that by then.

 

[TMP-SMX]

True, but not many 3G smartphones have that great of battery life yet. Using Edge increases the life. Though the iPhone seems to be better than many of the other 3Gs in terms of battery life.