iTouch vs Smartphone

[DocEspana]

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This can be a nice easy question (if, and it hasnt been asked on this thread as far as I can tell, and not on the SDN in general in 2-3 years.

Assuming where I'm going for my clinical rotations has good wireless (I really hope it does) what is your opinion on iTouch vs internet phone. I'm trying to hold off on smartphones as long as possible because I'm really not all that enamored with internet in my pocket for every day stuff, I'm totally fine not playing 'words with friends' and looking up my e-mail every 24 seconds if it's going to cost me money to do so. But I'm starting to see that the need for a mobile device capable of utilizing apps is unavoidable. I need some medical apps just so I can be able to quickly reference things on the ward floors.

Assuming the wifi is decent, is there any advantage to a smartphone over the iTouch? Does the iTouch work reliably for the things I'd need it to do? Am I missing an intangible, such as the Verizon Thunderbolt or the iPhone coming with 3 wishes or a coupon to unlimited chipotle?

 

[QuaerensIntelle]

One thing that annoys me is that most of the hospitals have these gateway type sites that you have to hit "accept" on to use the wi-fi. So every time you power your itouch you have to go through some hassle to get the wi-fi back. It can be kinda slow if you just want to look something up quickly. At the same time, I don't know if it's worth paying 40+ extra dollars a month for 3G. The other thing is if you are not in a hospital and instead you are doing outpatient somewhere, you probably won't be able to use wifi in most MDs offices.

 

[OveractiveBrain]

This can be a nice easy question (if, and it hasnt been asked on this thread as far as I can tell, and not on the SDN in general in 2-3 years.

Assuming where I'm going for my clinical rotations has good wireless (I really hope it does) what is your opinion on iTouch vs internet phone. I'm trying to hold off on smartphones as long as possible because I'm really not all that enamored with internet in my pocket for every day stuff, I'm totally fine not playing 'words with friends' and looking up my e-mail every 24 seconds if it's going to cost me money to do so. But I'm starting to see that the need for a mobile device capable of utilizing apps is unavoidable. I need some medical apps just so I can be able to quickly reference things on the ward floors.

Assuming the wifi is decent, is there any advantage to a smartphone over the iTouch? Does the iTouch work reliably for the things I'd need it to do? Am I missing an intangible, such as the Verizon Thunderbolt or the iPhone coming with 3 wishes or a coupon to unlimited chipotle?

You're a medical student in New York City. Time to join the rest of society and get an Android or Iphone. It literally changes your life. For the better. I promise.

3G and Wifi options are a must (for the above poster's reasoning). Carying two devices is just silly (i tried it for a while and gave in). Anything short of an android or an iphone (even the smack cherries) just doesn't cut it.

They are worth the expense.

 

[torontodoc]

As a soon to be MS3, I'm caught up between getting an iphone 4 or just staying put with my android smartphone. I hear from my peers that iphone has a lot more medical apps compared to what i get on my android phone. My current plan with virgin mobile has no contract and is very cheap in comparison to what an iphone plan would cost.

Anyone here thinks iphone apps are a necessity during the clinical years? Or would android apps be just fine?

Thanks

 

[CptCrunch]

As a soon to be MS3, I'm caught up between getting an iphone 4 or just staying put with my android smartphone. I hear from my peers that iphone has a lot more medical apps compared to what i get on my android phone. My current plan with virgin mobile has no contract and is very cheap in comparison to what an iphone plan would cost.

Anyone here thinks iphone apps are a necessity during the clinical years? Or would android apps be just fine?

Thanks

The only medical iPhone app I used consistently was Epocrates.

 

[torontodoc]

The only medical iPhone app I used consistently was Epocrates.

Perfect!!! I suppose I'll just keep my existing android plan then.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Perfect!!! I suppose I'll just keep my existing android plan then.

I've got an Android and haven't found an app that I really wanted that was only on iphone.

Also, go get Merck Medicus Mobile. Best app I've ever found.

 

[redsbear]

Granted, I'm preclinical, but on preceptorship I've used an iPod touch with no Wifi and no issues. Medscape has an app that downloads to the device, and the free medical calculators don't require wifi either. I don't think I could ever justify $40/month for mobile Internet when it's coming straight out of student loans and available at any number of computer stations. Your mileage may vary...

 

[DocEspana]

hmmm all good thoughts. Its sad that overactive brain's "get with the program" reply is the most convincing. I think I may go towards an android. Get myself some calculators and drug libraries.


and angry birds.