iPhone vs blackberry vs mobile PC

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iPhone vs blackberry vs mobile pc

  • iPhone

    Votes: 18 43.9%
  • blackberry

    Votes: 8 19.5%
  • Mobile PC

    Votes: 6 14.6%
  • PDA

    Votes: 9 22.0%

  • Total voters
    41
  • Poll closed .

DendriticCell

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i need you guys' advices before i spent my money on any of these devices (ipohone vs blackberry vs mobile pc and etc). I am very dependent on my PDA, not only for the medical reference part, but also for my daily schedule, pt log list, to do list and so on. Now, i am thinking buying a new device, which has both phone and pda fxn so that i can carry one less thing in my scrub pocket. I know iPhone does not have that many medical references support yet, but i heard at the end of this summer, apple is going to authorize couple 3rd party software developers to develop some softwares. what do you guys think? thanks. 😕
 
I love what I have seen of the iPhone. Personally, the stability, quality and generally 'well thought out' nature of the phone is going to be enough for me to abandon my troubled 700p Treo (with it's fancy medical references) for an iphone and a few pocketbook drug guides. It would be great to be able to use references like epocrates on the iphone but I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for third party programs like that.

There is a free, web-based interface for epocrates intended for iphone users but it would probably take at least twice as long to look anything up and would require wifi or tower signal.

My take on the general usability:

iphone>>blackberry>palm>>>>>>pocket pc
 
thanks hudsontc.. anybody has any more inputs??
 
I still like my treo. The iphone looks cool but don't forget that to get all the extra services you gotta pay more $$ and on top of that you've gotta get AT&T.
 
I went out and got the I-phone. After a few weeks I gave to my wife and got the Treo 680 up and running again. The calender feature in the Palm is the best. (Ive been a Palm guy for years now).

When the I-phone gets up to speed with allowing other platforms to be run on it, I'll go out and get one for myself.
 
Not sure what you mean by "other platforms" on the iPhone; it will remain strictly an Apple device.

The iPhone is going to explode once the SDK is released:
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/27/get-your-sdk-engines-running/

expect to see medical references, calculators, and more come out once it becomes possible to write 3rd-party apps for the iPhone.

I had a Palm Z22 but I stopped using it; the out-of-date interface and clunky software just led me to lose interest. I went back to a paper pharmacopeia and never looked back.
 
Personally I'm addicted to Outlook and the "Today" screen on my Treo 700wx. That plus epocrates is a winner in my book. Icing on the cake is syncing my treo with our exchange server. Smooth like butter.

I like the iphone but no native epocrates plus AT&T is a no-go. And syncing outlook (which I intend to keep using) is a pain.
 
If you don't want to subscribe to the Iphone's calling plan you could try the newest Ipod Touch models. They're up to 30 gigs or something like that. You'd have to keep your cell phone but it is an option.
 
used to own a treo but it kept breaking. got a blackberry and i will never go back. by far the most usefull tool i own, even better b/c the hospital i work at has a bis server that i am on for free. also i have an extensive amount of memmos that i had from my previos plams that cannot be transfered to an iphone. also i have wifi in blackberry and with opera mini web browsing is close to the safari that the iphone gives you. i was thirty seconds away from an iphone before the guy at the apple store told me that what i was really looking for was a blackberry and i have gone back and thanked the guy. also i am big into google talk and on my blackberry it is free and you are unable to upload it onto an iphone. and last and most important iphone doesnt support a flash player so most of the great internet you want to see you can b/c it is unsupported and wont be for quite some time.
 
When the I-phone gets up to speed with allowing other platforms to be run on it

That pretty much sums it up right there. The iphone is pretty, excellent memory and processor, but a crappy network speed and no third party support yet. I personally won't go iphone, because I like having a real keyboard and fanboys irritate me. Currently, I use a Windows mobile 6.1 with HTC home(yep, the one thats not "released" yet) on the Tmobile wing. It's not blazing fast, but does everything I need it to do well. When the Xperia X1 comes out later this year, I'll be I switching to it if I an afford it..... Think of it as an iphone with a real keyboard, faster network, and no pesky fanboys.

xperia-x1-apple-3g-iphone.jpg
 
sounds like iPhone is out of the picture.. Just wondering, anyone is currently using it and like it? anyways, i just found out couple skyscape's reference book already made for iphone... just FYI. but thanks for everyone's input. but now, should i go for blackberry pearl or blackberry curve. another standoff... sigh...
 
According to iLounge, Apple will be severely restricting access on software for the iPhone and iPod touch, only allowing apps to be downloaded through iTunes, hand-picking which applications will make it to the store, and cutting off developer's access to accessories which interface with the dock connector. Of course, this is just about what we expected from Steve, since he's already lauded Nokia for its S60 verification scheme. Additionally, the report claims that the SDK we see next week will be an incomplete beta, with the full version rolling out in June to coincide with the WWDC.

Translation: you have to buy all your programs through Apple....... Why they would cripple a product with so much potential, your guess is as good as mine....
 
According to iLounge, Apple will be severely restricting access on software for the iPhone and iPod touch, only allowing apps to be downloaded through iTunes, hand-picking which applications will make it to the store, and cutting off developer's access to accessories which interface with the dock connector. Of course, this is just about what we expected from Steve, since he's already lauded Nokia for its S60 verification scheme. Additionally, the report claims that the SDK we see next week will be an incomplete beta, with the full version rolling out in June to coincide with the WWDC.

Translation: you have to buy all your programs through Apple....... Why they would cripple a product with so much potential, your guess is as good as mine....

You'll at least have to download and install it through iTunes, if the rumors are correct. I'm hoping you can download free software through iTunes, sort of like the podcast distribution model. Otherwise, there are benefits to running through a central hub.

However, I'm like you and can't stand the limitations put forth by Apple, if the rumors are correct again. We'll just have to wait and see. If not iPhone, you can always go Android which looks great so far.
 
I currently have a Treo 700p and I HATE IT.

What is lacking from the iPhone that I have now besides an actual keyboard?
 
3rd party programs..... Think of it as buying a new computer, but then not being able to install any programs on it because the guys you bought it from want to keep it that way so they can make more money selling you a handful of programs that they "think" you will want. I'm not a big fan of palm's os, but thats b/c I really have no experience with it. Windows mobile has TONS of programs from games, to medical software that is either free, cheap, or easily "jack sparrow'd"............. 'cept that pesky epocrates....
 
At&T is great in my neighborhood and I love this phone that is made by HTC for CIngular(At&t)

fast speed on 3g network plus access to my epocrates and other programs...

2g memory card.....full keyboard...scroll wheel..

Dropped in a bowl of boiling epsom salts and water, and after drying out, still works perfectly

downside....goodthing it works because cingular wouldn't allow insurance due to price I guess.
 
used to own a treo but it kept breaking. got a blackberry and i will never go back. by far the most usefull tool i own, even better b/c the hospital i work at has a bis server that i am on for free. also i have an extensive amount of memmos that i had from my previos plams that cannot be transfered to an iphone. also i have wifi in blackberry and with opera mini web browsing is close to the safari that the iphone gives you. i was thirty seconds away from an iphone before the guy at the apple store told me that what i was really looking for was a blackberry and i have gone back and thanked the guy. also i am big into google talk and on my blackberry it is free and you are unable to upload it onto an iphone. and last and most important iphone doesnt support a flash player so most of the great internet you want to see you can b/c it is unsupported and wont be for quite some time.

I'm a devoted palm user (oh, how that sounds...) who's thinking about switching to blackberry. How was the transition? Were you able to sync all your calenders/contacts/memos/lists? Or will it sync to Palm Desktop software? Has anyone used the Blackberry desktop (my device would be stand-alone, not syncing to anyone's network)?
 
I'm a devoted palm user (oh, how that sounds...) who's thinking about switching to blackberry. How was the transition? Were you able to sync all your calenders/contacts/memos/lists? Or will it sync to Palm Desktop software? Has anyone used the Blackberry desktop (my device would be stand-alone, not syncing to anyone's network)?

hmm.. yeah, those are my questions too... anyone had used palm before and switched to blackberry? any thoughts to above quesitons?? thanks...🙂
 
just get a centro

blackberry's are nice for business people who need push email (of course you can make a treo/centro do that too), but again is lacking in terms of software.

finally a forum where people understand that the iphone is just bells and whistles
 
After the announcment today, it looks like the iPhone/iPod Touch is now the de facto recommended choice.
 
After the announcment today, it looks like the iPhone/iPod Touch is now the de facto recommended choice.

and in case people are wondering about that announcement... here's an email I got today:

"In case you haven't checked the latest in tech news in the last few hours and missed the breaking news....

A lot of people have been asking questions about accessing appropriate medical information on the iPhone. As some current medically-oriented iPhone owners know, the only "ePocrates-like" option is an online-based version which does similar things (as far as drug information lookup) but takes a bit longer to load depending on the wireless speed. Many people have been wondering when the iPhone would be fully open to software developers to design programs such as ePocrates, etc. Well, as of a couple hours ago, Apple demoed their new developers tools for new iPhone applications, including in this was ePocrates.

The software updates will be released to iPhone users over iTunes for FREE in June, with the available applications being released as well. Apple says you will be able to purchase these third party applications over iTunes, however, I am sure we will have to download and install ePocrates a little differently, considering the license, etc. This will also be available to iPod Touch users, but for a "...small fee due to accounting issues."

So, since so many people talk about whether an iPhone is an appropriate PDA substitute, I guess this is one more piece of information to help you make the call.

If you have an iPhone already, or want a good online-based drug lookup to snack on until June, check out http://www.unboundmedicine.com/iphone.htm and click on "Live Demo." I have used this several times at GPP with great success. It works on iPod Touch and regular computers as well."
 
and in case people are wondering about that announcement... here's an email I got today:

"In case you haven't checked the latest in tech news in the last few hours and missed the breaking news....

A lot of people have been asking questions about accessing appropriate medical information on the iPhone. As some current medically-oriented iPhone owners know, the only "ePocrates-like" option is an online-based version which does similar things (as far as drug information lookup) but takes a bit longer to load depending on the wireless speed. Many people have been wondering when the iPhone would be fully open to software developers to design programs such as ePocrates, etc. Well, as of a couple hours ago, Apple demoed their new developers tools for new iPhone applications, including in this was ePocrates.

The software updates will be released to iPhone users over iTunes for FREE in June, with the available applications being released as well. Apple says you will be able to purchase these third party applications over iTunes, however, I am sure we will have to download and install ePocrates a little differently, considering the license, etc. This will also be available to iPod Touch users, but for a "...small fee due to accounting issues."

So, since so many people talk about whether an iPhone is an appropriate PDA substitute, I guess this is one more piece of information to help you make the call.

If you have an iPhone already, or want a good online-based drug lookup to snack on until June, check out http://www.unboundmedicine.com/iphone.htm and click on "Live Demo." I have used this several times at GPP with great success. It works on iPod Touch and regular computers as well."


Thanks .. this information sure helps a lot in terms of making my decision. and according to the poll here, seems like iphone is leading the battle.
 
That's definitely what I'd go with (the iPhone that is) considering all the extra stuff they're putting out for it. However, if I were you, I'd wait until late June-ish. Supposedly, the G3 iPhone is coming out about then. That'll make getting information over the cellphone waves quite a bit faster I'm told. The current EDGE network the iPhone uses is too slow. So save your pennies until Apple makes that announcement.
 
how much are you guys paying monthly for the blackberrys?
 
For those of you who are residents/attendings or otherwise own one of these electronic gadgets, how helpful do you think they are for work? I have already decided that it wouldn't be financially feasible to get one as a med student, but I'm wondering if it would be helpful to get one in another year or two. Say, as a med school graduation present from me to me, along with the car I'm planning to get. 🙂

Basically, the features that I would want are the following:
1) Easy to use. I'm a beaker, not a geek. Also, I have never owned any kind of Ipod or PDA before. So if you have to be some kind of savant to work the thing, I don't want it. That being said, I'm patient enough to sit there and read the manual, so if it comes with good instructions, that would be ok.
2) Worth the price. I'm looking for something practical that would be useful for work, not so much an expensive toy. I'd like to be able to check email, keep a planner/patient lists, and look up drugs for sure. The GPS feature sounds cool as well. I don't really care about being able to load every CD I've ever owned onto the thing.

I get the impression that a Blackberry would be most along the lines of what I'd want, but I'm wondering if the newer Iphones are worth exploring more. Would appreciate anyone's input.
 
For those of you who are residents/attendings or otherwise own one of these electronic gadgets, how helpful do you think they are for work? I have already decided that it wouldn't be financially feasible to get one as a med student, but I'm wondering if it would be helpful to get one in another year or two. Say, as a med school graduation present from me to me, along with the car I'm planning to get. 🙂

Basically, the features that I would want are the following:
1) Easy to use. I'm a beaker, not a geek. Also, I have never owned any kind of Ipod or PDA before. So if you have to be some kind of savant to work the thing, I don't want it. That being said, I'm patient enough to sit there and read the manual, so if it comes with good instructions, that would be ok.
2) Worth the price. I'm looking for something practical that would be useful for work, not so much an expensive toy. I'd like to be able to check email, keep a planner/patient lists, and look up drugs for sure. The GPS feature sounds cool as well. I don't really care about being able to load every CD I've ever owned onto the thing.

I get the impression that a Blackberry would be most along the lines of what I'd want, but I'm wondering if the newer Iphones are worth exploring more. Would appreciate anyone's input.

Im debating right now between the Iphone and the blackberry as well. I believe the blackberry storm is coming out this month and maybe that will be the decision maker for me. My problem is that ATT service isnt the best in some of the hospitals I have to go to but Verizon is. So it kinda limits the Iphone.
 
the iphone is the best phone out there on the market right now, period
 
Im debating right now between the Iphone and the blackberry as well. I believe the blackberry storm is coming out this month and maybe that will be the decision maker for me. My problem is that ATT service isnt the best in some of the hospitals I have to go to but Verizon is. So it kinda limits the Iphone.
Hmm, that's a good point that I hadn't considered. It would definitely be a nail in the Iphone coffin for me if I couldn't use it with Verizon. I suppose I should have mentioned before that I have Verizon, and switching plans is really not an option since most of my friends and family members have Verizon also. If I had to pay for all of my long distance calls, I'd be royally screwed. 😱

I had never heard of the Blackberry Storm, but it looks interesting. Thanks for letting me know about it. If anyone is interested, I found these helpful articles listing pros and cons for picking one over the other:

8 Reasons to Pick the Blackberry Storm over the Iphone
8 Reasons to Pick the Iphone over the Storm

I have to say that I love my Bluetooth and would not want to part with it for an Iphone! I think the Blackberry would probably be a better choice for me based on what I'm reading so far.
 
Hmm, that's a good point that I hadn't considered. It would definitely be a nail in the Iphone coffin for me if I couldn't use it with Verizon. I suppose I should have mentioned before that I have Verizon, and switching plans is really not an option since most of my friends and family members have Verizon also. If I had to pay for all of my long distance calls, I'd be royally screwed. 😱

I had never heard of the Blackberry Storm, but it looks interesting. Thanks for letting me know about it. If anyone is interested, I found these helpful articles listing pros and cons for picking one over the other:

8 Reasons to Pick the Blackberry Storm over the Iphone
8 Reasons to Pick the Iphone over the Storm

I have to say that I love my Bluetooth and would not want to part with it for an Iphone! I think the Blackberry would probably be a better choice for me based on what I'm reading so far.

at this time, the iphone has an agreement with at&t. and only at&t.
 
I'd love to go with the iPhone but the reception is too shaky here.

The Storm looks more and more appealing each day.
 
Does anyone have the google android (tmobile G1) phone? Is there any medical software out for it? Anything on the horizon?
 
I get the impression that a Blackberry would be most along the lines of what I'd want, but I'm wondering if the newer Iphones are worth exploring more. Would appreciate anyone's input.

I agree that what you're looking for is a Blackberry. I got a Blackberry within the past month after much consideration of Bb vs iphone. AT&T was the dealbreaker for me-- lousy reception plus the data plan is much more expensive for the iphone than what you can find elsewhere for the Bb.

An iphone would be nice-- it's prettier, bigger screen, has the "cool" factor. But I just wanted to be able to check my email, use the internet occasionally, and use epocrates-- and so far the blackberry's been great.

Hope that helps!
 
The Storm is considered to be the closest thing to an "iPhone killer" and its soon to be available on VZW (a significantly better network where I'm from)
 
I currently have a Treo 700p and I HATE IT.

What is lacking from the iPhone that I have now besides an actual keyboard?


It takes about a week to adjust to the iphone "keyboard" (and for it to adjust to you)....after that I was able to type just about as fast on it as with any keyboard....and it is A LOT easier to type with one hand on an iphone.
 
I agree that what you're looking for is a Blackberry. I got a Blackberry within the past month after much consideration of Bb vs iphone. AT&T was the dealbreaker for me-- lousy reception plus the data plan is much more expensive for the iphone than what you can find elsewhere for the Bb.

An iphone would be nice-- it's prettier, bigger screen, has the "cool" factor. But I just wanted to be able to check my email, use the internet occasionally, and use epocrates-- and so far the blackberry's been great.

Hope that helps!
Thanks, it does.

I don't suppose any of you techies know whether Verizon will give you a discount on a Blackberry when you renew your service contract? The Storms don't seem too outrageous price-wise, but if I could get more of a break for signing on for another couple of years, so much the better. I think my contract will be up in another six months, so it would be perfect timing (i.e., well after the release of the Storm).
 
Does anyone have the google android (tmobile G1) phone? Is there any medical software out for it? Anything on the horizon?

I've had the G1 for almost a month now. I think it's a great phone. I'm coming from an HTC MDA and a Nokia 9300 so I have some experience with smartphones. In terms of medical software, since Android is open source and the marketplace is unrestricted, the sky is the limit. People in the open source community really write stuff fast and they're VERY responsive to user input in terms of improving the programs based on user feedback. Just the other day I found an ABG program on the marketplace and word is that there's more to come. I wouldn't say jump yet, but keep your eye on it because open source has a lot of promise and programs will come MUCH faster than for BB or iPhone. Also remember that Android is an operating system and not confined to the G1. There will be many more Android compatible phones to come, so if the G1 doesn't float your boat, something else with Android may come along that does.

But for right now, if one of your requirements is a large medical software library, I think Palm is still the way to go. Windows Mobile had a pretty good library too. BB I know has epocrates but I dunno what else. iPhone is still pretty dismal in terms of medical applications as far as I understand. My worry about Palm is that I think it's really on it's way out. Even Palm seems to be transitioning more and more to WM. But for now I think I may invest in a Centro for when I'm on the wards next year if they dont have epocrates for my G1 yet. (Plus Sprint gets the best reception in my hospital and school, even in the basement!)

It would be interesting for owners to post what medical programs they have (and use!) on their phones...BB, Palm, iPhone, WM...
 
Should I give my bias opinion??

I don't have much more to actually add about the iPhone than what's already been posted. Great phone to have and easy to load up programs thru itunes. It accidently made a flying leap to the ground and landed on tile. It nearly killed me watching it happened, but the phone has no moving parts so thats what I assume saved it from being a wreck. No concussive after affects.

The only downfall I have found so far (I own the smaller sized 8 GB) is that it will quit programs for no reason. The same problem you will find when working on apple computers. Doesn't happen often but it does occur. Haven't found any other glitches yet. Will post if I do.
 
At&T is great in my neighborhood and I love this phone that is made by HTC for CIngular(At&t)

fast speed on 3g network plus access to my epocrates and other programs...

2g memory card.....full keyboard...scroll wheel..

Dropped in a bowl of boiling epsom salts and water, and after drying out, still works perfectly

downside....goodthing it works because cingular wouldn't allow insurance due to price I guess.

I had this before switching over to the iPhone. The major plus is the availability of software. But in general, the phone was pretty slow and the scroll wheel did not work with any of the Skyscape programs. Again, it's a good phone but iPhone is much easier to use minus the med programs though.
 
Should I give my bias opinion??

I don't have much more to actually add about the iPhone than what's already been posted. Great phone to have and easy to load up programs thru itunes. It accidently made a flying leap to the ground and landed on tile. It nearly killed me watching it happened, but the phone has no moving parts so thats what I assume saved it from being a wreck. No concussive after affects.
s

iphone is tough. I was texting while passing through a busy hospital corridor. Someone hit my arm hard while passing by and my iphone fell hard on floor. While I was still in a state of shock, someone actually stepped over my phone with the screen side facing the floor. I was like i'm doomed. While I was staring at the iphone in shock someone picked it up and handed it over to me. Gosh it had two huge scratches as if the screen had broken. I instanly ripped off the protective screen covering and almost danced with joy on finding an intact shiny screen. May be the protective covering was tough or the iphone.
 
iphone is tough. I was texting while passing through a busy hospital corridor. Someone hit my arm hard while passing by and my iphone fell hard on floor. While I was still in a state of shock, someone actually stepped over my phone with the screen side facing the floor. I was like i'm doomed. While I was staring at the iphone in shock someone picked it up and handed it over to me. Gosh it had two huge scratches as if the screen had broken. I instanly ripped off the protective screen covering and almost danced with joy on finding an intact shiny screen. May be the protective covering was tough or the iphone.

Glad to see I am not the only one attached to my phone. It's the only phone I have had that's gone thru so much abuse already and still work without problems. The first 3 flying leaps it made, it did not yet have any protective casing or screen (stretcher vs belt vs ambulance=phone flyies off belt) and it's been fine. Couldn't do without.
 
For me I had to go with the iphone. Apple seems to be making a big push to court the medical community.

The app store now has a medical section to help sort out all the useful medical apps from those coded for the general public.

I've used Epocrates in the unit but my new favorite for the OR is the case log program, I've seen here a couple of times.

I bought it and I like it. It has pretty good flexibility and is very efficient. You can tell the guys behind it put some thought into it.

check it out if you are still stuck saving stickers, its pretty slick. www.caselogs.org

Don't know if the private practice guys would need it though, not sure if you keep track of your procedures or cases, etc.. other than for billing.
 
Deciding which platform is "Best" often comes down to a personal necessity of features. One main feature is the Cellular carrier or Local Reception for a given carrier.

If this is taken out of the picture, Apple clearly has an advantage with the iPhone or iPod Touch. They have a huge emphasis in medical applications! Between now and July we will see the current offerings more than triple. There will be no question this platform will be the most useful medical device.

However, the Blackberry and Android have attempted to make a platform that is more developer friendly (ie open source or less financial fees). The problem both of these platforms currently face is the reliable and smooth user interface.

As for the iAnesthesia: Case Logs app, we have developed specifically for the iPhone and iPod Touch because this user interface offers the best ease of data collection and manipulation.


In the future, we intend on offering Blackberry and Google Android versions of this application once these platforms met the quality and stability the iPhone or iPod Touch currently offers.

For those Anesthesia providers interested in tracking case logs but do not currently have an iPhone or iPod Touch we offer the CaseLog Database standard membership for FREE! Our web based application helps providers create their logbook. The best advantage is regardless of what platform you choose... (Apple, Blackberry, Android) our CaseLog Database seemingly integrates with your mobile device. Changes on the phone are instantly reflected on the website and vice versa.
 
So, it seems so far the Iphone is the winner and the new blackberry is just not good enough.

the reviews have not been kind to the new blackberry

in all fairness, they are comparing a company's first time attempt at a touchscreen phone (RIM) to a company's second attempt at a touchscreen phone (Apple)
 
the reviews have not been kind to the new blackberry

in all fairness, they are comparing a company's first time attempt at a touchscreen phone (RIM) to a company's second attempt at a touchscreen phone (Apple)

Which reviews? Post links to them. Ive only seen positive reviews so I definitely want the balanced view before deciding. Although with the state of ATT in the atlanta area and poor reception in the hospitals I think my decision is made for me.
 
cnet.com was lukewarm at best and recommended a windows mobile phone over the storm

engadget favored the iphone over the storm

pcmagazine blasted the storm

there are complaints of poor battery life, lag in the software, difficulty typing, poor build quality, etc etc etc

all that being said, i'm still getting one 😀
 
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