PDA - Palm E2, Mac, and PEPID

[FoughtFyr]

Anyone else using these? I just bought a new palm (the E2) after dropping my Tungsten T for the millionth time and actually taking a chip off of the bottom (still works though). Anyway, thought long and hard about switching to a Windows based PDA, but as a Mac user I just couldn't let that evil into my house. So, anyone else running this combo? Anything I should watch for?

- H

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[southerndoc]

You know Palm is releasing new handhelds in just a few weeks, right? The TX and a new Zire model. The TX is going to have built-in WiFi.

Anyhow, I use the T5, iMac G5, and PEPID. I sync through Missing Sync, an awesome program that I highly recommend. It syncs with iSync, so all your Address Book and iCal entries are sync'd.

 

[kungfufishing]

Amen to that. You know, they say where you can see one windows device, there could be hundreds more lurking.

 

[FoughtFyr]

You know Palm is releasing new handhelds in just a few weeks, right? The TX and a new Zire model. The TX is going to have built-in WiFi.

Yeah, so they are running a special on the E2, ~$170 on Amazon (after rebate). I really only use it for PEPID, so I figured I should buy now while the getting is good. The WAF (wife acceptance factor) on any NEW model PDA is generally VERY low...

- H

 

[EM Guy]

So, I've been an avid Palm Pilot user through the years and have been using epocrates combined with medcalc/5min emed consult/5min tox with pretty good results. I've been looking at PEPID and it seems pretty decent, but is it really worth the subscription fee ($80/6months)?! Seems kinda steep on a resident salary.

 

[southerndoc]

So, I've been an avid Palm Pilot user through the years and have been using epocrates combined with medcalc/5min emed consult/5min tox with pretty good results. I've been looking at PEPID and it seems pretty decent, but is it really worth the subscription fee ($80/6months)?! Seems kinda steep on a resident salary.

In my opinion, yes, it's definitely worth it. I use it quite frequently. I did use it every shift, but now that I've actually learned a few things (wow, intern year was productive!), I don't use it as often. I still look at it every couple of shifts. The bulleted treatment, diagnosis, etc. options are well worth it.

 

[kungfufishing]

So, I've been an avid Palm Pilot user through the years and have been using epocrates combined with medcalc/5min emed consult/5min tox with pretty good results. I've been looking at PEPID and it seems pretty decent, but is it really worth the subscription fee ($80/6months)?! Seems kinda steep on a resident salary.

Worth it. Its great - easy to use, well integrated, fast reference. Instead of being a crutch, as I was afraid it would be, I find I actually retain more/better because info is so readily available right there in my pocket. Think of it in terms of cost/shift.

 

[FoughtFyr]

So, I've been an avid Palm Pilot user through the years and have been using epocrates combined with medcalc/5min emed consult/5min tox with pretty good results. I've been looking at PEPID and it seems pretty decent, but is it really worth the subscription fee ($80/6months)?! Seems kinda steep on a resident salary.

Absolutely worth it. It got me through 3rd and 4th year of medical school, my intern year, and now, as a second year who moonlights frequently, I again am using it all of the time. Plus, the drug guide on it is far better than ePocrates, and given that I am at a place where every weird drug on the planet is constantly used, I rely on that alot too. Sign up for the two year plan, that gets the price down a bit.

Absolutely worth it.

- H

 

[Jeff698]

I have both ePocrates and PEPID on my pocketPC (that, BTW, I synch with my Mac) and use both almost every day.

I prefer the interface of ePocrates. I feel like I can navigate it faster. I also use it for the very simple answers I need quickly in the middle of the night when getting back to sleep is my top priority, especially when I don't have my glasses on and the room is dark. I just think it has a cleaner look and feel.

PEPID is more comprehensive. When I need more then just a sound bite, I go for PEPID. If I'm looking for almost ANY kinetics information, there is no contest. PEPID has good kinetics on every entry and ePocrates has none. Pretty much the same goes for mechanisms.

PEPID's calculators are MUCH better and more comprehensive than ePocrates'.

I really do, however, use both on a daily basis. Of course, I'm an intern so I need all the help I can get.

Take care,
Jeff

 

[Jeff698]

I just wanted to update this thread. I'm using my iPaq Pocket PC (now called Windows Mobile) and connecting to my Mac OS X iBook.

I have been connecting with PocketMac Pro. It was cludgy but it worked. I upgraded to Tiger and bad things insued, even after making sure I had the latest PMP upgrade. It didn't like the multiple calendar features of the latest iCal. I ended up with 4 or 5 versions of each holiday on my PDA. Less than optimal.

I just switched to Missing Sync and love it. It's a very elegant solution that works well. It's one of those applications that is actually boring because it just works.

Take care,
Jeff

 

[mikecwru]

Anyone else using these? I just bought a new palm (the E2) after dropping my Tungsten T for the millionth time and actually taking a chip off of the bottom (still works though). Anyway, thought long and hard about switching to a Windows based PDA, but as a Mac user I just couldn't let that evil into my house. So, anyone else running this combo? Anything I should watch for?

- H

I just bought a T/X a little bit ago. Before that, I had the same old Handspring that medical students and interns would laugh at that I had from medical school. It's really nice, although I haven't fully tried the WiFi yet.

I use ePocrates (full version), Tarascon for PDA, 5 min Tox, 5 min EM (stuff I've gotten for free). The PEPID that I tried at ACEP looks very nice, I'll prob buy that at the end of the year.

mike

 

[southerndoc]

I just bought a T/X a little bit ago. Before that, I had the same old Handspring that medical students and interns would laugh at that I had from medical school. It's really nice, although I haven't fully tried the WiFi yet.

I use ePocrates (full version), Tarascon for PDA, 5 min Tox, 5 min EM (stuff I've gotten for free). The PEPID that I tried at ACEP looks very nice, I'll prob buy that at the end of the year.

mike

I wish Palm would make the Tungsten T series in the Vx form factor. I really liked how small the Vx was. Like the power of the Tungsten T, but the thing is a nuisance to carry because of its size.

 

[mikecwru]

I wish Palm would make the Tungsten T series in the Vx form factor. I really liked how small the Vx was. Like the power of the Tungsten T, but the thing is a nuisance to carry because of its size.

The only thing I don't like about the T/X is the little leatherette cover that clips on and flips open (the clip wants to slide out sometimes). I guess I'm just used to the snap on cover of the Handspring.

mike

 

[southerndoc]

The only thing I don't like about the T/X is the little leatherette cover that clips on and flips open (the clip wants to slide out sometimes). I guess I'm just used to the snap on cover of the Handspring.

mike

Take a look at the case that Vaja offers. I love it. Clip it to my belt or scrubs, and simply rotate and push a button to remove the PDA. Vaja cases are expensive, but worth it in my opinion.

www.vajacases.com