PDA for Residency?

[Cocogirl]

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I apologize in advance if this issue has already been addressed in a previous thread but I could not find an answer by searching.

I am starting a residency this July and am looking to buy a PDA. I'm not quite sure what to look for in terms of specifications. What is a good PDA that I can buy in the $250-300 price range? I basically need something for quick reference and for dates, calendar, etc.

Also what kind of pharmacy software should I buy? I've heard that Lexicomp is really good - is that what most people use?

Thanks!!

 

[dgroulx]

I apologize in advance if this issue has already been addressed in a previous thread but I could not find an answer by searching.

I am starting a residency this July and am looking to buy a PDA. I'm not quite sure what to look for in terms of specifications. What is a good PDA that I can buy in the $250-300 price range? I basically need something for quick reference and for dates, calendar, etc.

Also what kind of pharmacy software should I buy? I've heard that Lexicomp is really good - is that what most people use?

Thanks!!

I use Lexi-Complete and love it. It runs on both Palm and Pocket PC. The Palm OS is going away, losing out to Windows. I preferred it, but it's hard to fight Microsoft even when you make a better product.

I'm more of a hands-on type of person and like to demo things before buying them. You can go someplace like Office Depot and try them out first. Try to get a lot of memory, so you don't need to mess around with memory cards. I have a Palm Tungsten C which has built in wireless and a built in keyboard. It has gobs of memory and was cheap. I like having a "blackberry" style keyboard. Try out a few and see what you like best.

 

[NguoiVN]

I use Lexi-Complete and love it. It runs on both Palm and Pocket PC. The Palm OS is going away, losing out to Windows. I preferred it, but it's hard to fight Microsoft even when you make a better product.

I'm more of a hands-on type of person and like to demo things before buying them. You can go someplace like Office Depot and try them out first. Try to get a lot of memory, so you don't need to mess around with memory cards. I have a Palm Tungsten C which has built in wireless and a built in keyboard. It has gobs of memory and was cheap. I like having a "blackberry" style keyboard. Try out a few and see what you like best.

Palm Tungsten C is very good for looking up drugs. Check eBay, it should go for less than $200.

 

[ultracet]

i prefer memory cards b/c for me they run faster and i have a TON of programs on mine...

oh and i have a treo

 

[pinkyrx]

I have a Tungsten C too and I really like it. I especially like the thumbable keyboard, makes it much easier to send emails etc. I like the built in wireless as well. I'm using epocrates and Mobile Micromedex right now because they are free but will upgrade to Lexicomp eventually.

While I like my Tungsten C, my next PDA will be windows based.

 

[Cocogirl]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

What do you think of this PDA at the circuit city website? I haven't had a chance to go play with them in the stores but it looks pretty good online. Is 128 MB built-in memory good?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Palm...sem/rpsm/oid/134802/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Excuse my ignorance please - but aren't all PDAs windows based these days? Is the above Palm windows based?? 😳

Thanks again for the info!

 

[SpirivaSunrise]

I'm using the Dell X50V now and LOVE it. It is windows based (i.e. the start menu in the bottom left) with versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. (so you can open up documents). Also, I enjoy using Explorer to check e-mail etc. when at school and at airports (a lot of places offer wireless internet for free now)

You can check out Dell's newer versions at http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/handhelds?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

A lot of times they have specials/coupons that you can use. I also used my student discount through school to get mine 🙂

Lexicomp has been my fave program so far...a lot of the other ones I've tried didn't include the mechanisms of actions for drugs (which I find very helpful)

 

[SpirivaSunrise]

Excuse my ignorance please - but aren't all PDAs windows based these days? Is the above Palm windows based?? 😳

QUOTE]

The Palm you're looking at runs on Palm OS® Garnet v. 5.4 (see where it says "Operating System")...so no, it's not windows based.

If it's windows based, it'll say something like Microsoft® Windows MobileTM.

Hope this helps! 😉

 

[dgroulx]

Excuse my ignorance please - but aren't all PDAs windows based these days? Is the above Palm windows based?? 😳

The Palm OS is being phased out as Palm migrates towards Windoze. You need to try it out and see if you like it, then try another one without the Palm OS. If you prefer the Palm OS, then you need to buy one soon. Lexi-comp is still making updates for Palm, but other companies may stop. I don't use my PDA for anything else, so that's okay with me. I find the Palm OS easy to use and simpler in design.

 

[Cocogirl]

Thanks guys!

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

I am thinking about getting one too. Someone should start a poll on this. I dont have much experiences with pda's so. . . .