PDAs; how useful are they in your first and second years

[prettydoc2B]

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Is it worth it to purchase a palm or something like a Compaq PDA for your first and second years? Also, I'm in the market for a new laptop, any suggestions?


Thanks!

 

[Cameron]

I just finished my 2nd year and I found a Palm quite useful. However, I have been using one for years. During the first two years they're great to organize your busy life, but certainly not essential for medical school specifically. Any Palm you buy now will be fairly outdated in two years when you start your rotations (which is when they become much more useful) so you'll probably find yourself itching for an upgrade in two years.

As for laptops, they can be very helpful depending on the curriculum. At OSU, they're requiring all incoming 1st years to have laptops with wireless networking (lectures will be more interactive). They're also requiring broadband internet access at home. Talk to your school and see what they recommend. Schools often have discounts through certain vendors that can save you 10-20%.

 

[southerndoc]

I highly recommend a PDA for your first 2 years. Your schedule will be busy with outside resource sessions, lectures, meetings (if you participate in AMA, AMSA, etc.), and so forth. It's also great to keep phone numbers, email addresses, snail mail addresses, etc. of all your classmates.

I also recommend that you get a medical dictionary, ePocrates, and an eponyms program on your PDA. They will come in handy during your studies (to look up quick stuff). You can also load several review programs on there, such as Anatomy Recall.

Whether to get a PalmOS PDA or a Pocket PC is up to you. Personally, I recommend a Pocket PC. Why? More functionality. However, there are more programs that are free on the Palm. This is changing though since Pocket PC's are gaining more popularity. PalmOS is a very limited operating system that probably won't be around much longer. Palm really dropped the ball in advancing their OS like they should have been doing.

If you get a PDA with Bluetooth, you can integrate it with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to automatically send a phone number to your cell phone (like you could look up a fellow student's phone number in your PDA, and then just send it to the cell phone so you don't have to enter in the number). You could also surf the net without connecting your PDA to your cell phone.

A PDA with 802.11b will allow you to access the net via a wireless network that is present at your school, local Starbucks, etc. (provided your local Starbucks and your school have a wireless network set up).

 

[Cameron]

Originally posted by Geek Medic
Whether to get a PalmOS PDA or a Pocket PC is up to you. Personally, I recommend a Pocket PC. Why? More functionality. However, there are more programs that are free on the Palm. This is changing though since Pocket PC's are gaining more popularity. PalmOS is a very limited operating system that probably won't be around much longer. Palm really dropped the ball in advancing their OS like they should have been doing.

You made a lot of great points in your post, but the above comments show that you haven't used the latest Palm OS. Won't be around much longer?? I doubt that.. Palm OS machines still outsell Pocket PC's. As of the end of 2002, Palm still had about 80% of the market. I've used them both and like them both - I'm not going to turn this into a Palm vs Pocket PC debate. Anyone trying to decide should go look at both of them and see what meets their needs.

Here's a good unbiased article that breaks it down. Another note -- they all come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you're willing to carry the thing around.

 

[Dr_sax]

Are there any FREE med dictionaries that anyone knows of that are compatible with Windows CE? I'm only a first year, but thought I might have a med dictionary on my PDA.

Dr_Sax

 

[Jaded Soul]

A PDA in the first 2 years is not worth the investment. It might be a nice novelty, but life won't be so hectic that you'll need an electronic organizer to straighten it out. Chances are good you'll even get a pre-printed weekly lecture schedule from your school which you'll be able to annotate.

I completely agree with what Cameron wrote above. In 2 years, the PDA you buy now will be serviceable, but will not but top-notch technology. Since you don't really need one now, save the money until you begin third year. Having a PDA loaded up with various references then will be invaluable.

As for what type to get, worry about that in 2 years. PalmOS is not going anywhere anytime soon. It's functional and does what it's supposed to do on less hardware requirements than PocketPC.

 

[Explosivo]

Get a cheap one for the first two years just to use as a planner and schedule organizer with a few reference items on there that should come in handy. Don't get one with all the bells and whistles look for something b&w, possibly refurbished.

I got a Sony Clie SJ-10 that has 8mb of memory that's expandable with a memory stick card. It runs on AAA batteries which is great b/c you don't have to wait for it to recharge or worry if the batteries go dead or something--a simple trip to the store is all you'll ever need to do. My Clie is b&w but the picture is very sharp and has a backlight for night usage. It's very basic yet great for organizing my schedule. I got it for only $80 so it was hardly a major investment. It runs PalmOS. I'll wait till 3rd year to buy a badass color PDA with all the fancy stuff.

Yeah, you probably won't be able to play Half-Life on it or anything on it but if you need to play video games go buy a PS2 or a Gameboy or something.

 

[bnichols0330]

I am a first year coming in, so I don't have a lot of first-hand experience with what is going to be needed yet. However, I have supervised a University computer center for 2 1/2 years and most would consider me somewhat of a techy. I have a Pocket PC & I just bought a laptop to begin med school with.

PrettyDoc, I don't know whether or not the investments are worthwhile. That is a decision you will have to make, but I have just finished doing some extensive shopping for PDA's & Laptops and thought I'd pass along my picks to you.

PalmOS - Target is selling the Palm Zire (Palm's low end, B&W display, basically an organizer & address book, lightweight & compact) $79.99

Pocket PC - Sony Clie - Best Buy (highly functional, color display, lightweight) $179.99

PDA's - Also, if you want to buy a cheap PDA to function for what you need. Do some research to decide what you like, and then buy a used one from eBay (prices range from $55-200.

Laptops - (I am going to give you 2 options in different price ranges)

Toshiba Tablet PC - Very new technology, touchscreen, just like writing in a notebook, attached keyboard, very functional and fun. Good Reviews
$2200

Fujitsu Lifebook S2020 - (I just bought this machine last week and I absolutely love it) AMD 1900+, 256 DDR RAM, 40 Gb HDD, 13.3" display, only 4 lbs, CD-R/DVD Combo Drive, Great Reviews, and integrated Wireless Networking (both 80211.b & 80211.g) $1340 if you call them and tell them you are a student they will give you a 5% discount.

http://webshop.fujitsupc.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=S2

My personal pick was the Fujitsu b/c it had the integrated wireless (no antenna sticking out of a card), DVD/CD-RW drive (so I can watch movies if I need a break), and most importantly it is very small and lightweight while not sacrificing much screen size. Most ultralight notebooks have a 12.1" screen while this one has a 13.3" screen, and when closed is not much larger than a sheet of paper.

Sorry this reply is so long, but I just wanted to pass along the info that I have found.

 

[oneironaut]

but just get a cheap one. yeah, pocket pc's are cooler and stuff, but you can't argue one is worth the extra money at this point. I wouldn't even spend the extra money for color if money is an issue. get a newer, but used one if you can.

However, my palm holds the usual stuff like to do list, numbers, schedule (worth it for that alone) but I also have a program that lets me make flash cards on my laptop, in excel. it then puts these on my palm. I REALLY like having flash cards on my palm. the program is 'super memo' and it keeps tracks of which cards i'm stronger/weaker on too. I can go over things anywhere any time.

I rarely write the brief email on my palm, to get sent when I sync it.

I also have lots of e-books on my palm (I love them, but only for the uber-nerd are palm e-books.)

I love my palm. absolutely worth the money.

 

[bnichols0330]

oneironaut,

I just downloaded a demo version of SuperMemo. It look like a pretty useful program, but I am curious to find out how you make your questions in Excel and then load them into your palm to ask them. If you could let me know how to do it, I would appreciate it.

 

[oneironaut]

On the super memo web page, their is an application (somewhere) you can download for free called 'super memo converter' or maybe 'super memo database converter. You can use any text editor, I find using excel and then saving as a text file the easiest. After you save the text file, drag and drop on the converter, which makes the palm file. then load the palm file and the program recognizes it.

Warning: their is a bit of a learning curve with the program and with using palm to make cards on. Both are simple programs and not very advanced. But the fact that the program is so handy, and keeps track of your right/wrong answers is really cool.

SuperMemo is one of two shareware programs I have ever actually paid for, its that good. (to me.)

If (when) you want help, email me at hotmail, spelled slight different then my nick here: [email protected]. It took me a while till i had the program figured out. Its all in the directions, but not super clear.

 

[southerndoc]

Originally posted by Cameron
You made a lot of great points in your post, but the above comments show that you haven't used the latest Palm OS. Won't be around much longer?? I doubt that.

I've used the latest PalmOS on a Tungsten T, and I was not at all impressed.

FYI, I just recently switched from PalmOS to Pocket PC.

 

[oneironaut]

my next handheld will definately be pocket pc. But I think a nicer used palm is a better *value*. But you can't touch the pocket pc's for cool. Especially if you get a wireless card for it 🙂

Muahahahaha....

 

[qweewq11]

GeekMedic:
Got any recommendations for PocketPC software for an incoming MS-I? I recently purchased an iPAQ 2210, which is great, and I've already loaded some great medical software (Stedman's, lots of good iSilo references), but am looking for additional stuff.

Thanks!

 

[bnichols0330]

Gweek,

Did you buy Stedman's for the PocketPC or is it freeware? Where can you get it? Also, where did you get your other software? I have a pocket pc & have been looking for anything that might come in handy for school.

 

[Doctor Wyldstyle]

I love my phone. It's a Treo 270. Basically, its probably the most pure PDA phone with a QWERTY keyboard out right now (a Palm like version requires an ear piece). I found the keyboard useful for my stedmans dictionary which is a Godsend. A few of my professors have the same one. Anyhow, I chose it because I was able to consolidate to devices that were weighing my back pockets; my PDA and phone. The text messages with the keyboard are easier to send to my friends to meet up for the gym or other things.

When rotations start, I'll probably get the Treo 600 which gets released in the fall. They may have a Wi-Fi version out later on, but regardless I'm kinda hooked on having a phone/PDA combo which has worked well for me. Anyhow, here's a Treo 270 and 600 picture attached. Look around, see what works for you.

Good Luck,
wyldstyle

 

[Natalie03]

Has anyone tried the Dell Axim? I was considering it so that I could just deal with t-mobile to handle my cell, wireless internet, and pda (if I decide to get one). Also, I was thinking it might be more compatible with my Dell laptop. But, I was wondering how the Axim compares to the palm and pocket pc in terms of med student needs.

Also, has anyone signed up for a wireless ISP (for at home) or hotspots? I signed up with t-mobile, but it seems to be horrendously slow. I'm considering switching to the hotspots service, which is T1, but is only available at Starbucks and Borders. Any advice?

Thanks!

 

[Suprahelical]

Pocket PC - Sony Clie - Best Buy (highly functional, color display, lightweight) $179.99

I'm about 99% positive that all Sony Clie models are Palm OS... none of them, except maybe the lowest end models, use Pocket PC.

I'm thoroughly happy w/ my recent purchase of the Sony Clie PEG-NX80v which has a CF expansion slot for the wireless 802.11b LAN card. You can also purchase a Bluetooth card which inserts into the Memory Stick expansion slot. It's a little bulky, but otherwise gorgeous and really nice.

For a brand new unit, be sure to check out the new Sony UX models... pricey, but the UX50 comes with built in Bluetooth and Wifi! Pretty nice, but you pay for it...$700.

 

[bnichols0330]

Natalie,

As far as wireless ISP's for home use go, the way I decided to go was with my own wireless network. If you have a wireless capable notebook it really seems to help out. You can purchase a wireless router from places like Best Buy or Ciruit City for $30 after rebates. Then you would just sign up with any broadband ISP you desire (DSL or Cable). Follow the directions to set up the system and you should be on your wireless network in no time. I love it. I use 80211.b b/c 80211.g is just too fast for use right now, but I can be online with my desktop, laptop, and PDA all at the same time and connet at about 800 kb/sec. I love it. So it primarily just depends on if you want to go to starbucks everytime you want to get online. I hope it works out for you well. Also, there are several types of security built into wireless routers that you can block anyone but yourself from logging into them. I hope this helps.

 

[southerndoc]

Originally posted by Suprahelical
I'm about 99% positive that all Sony Clie models are Palm OS... none of them, except maybe the lowest end models, use Pocket PC.

Generally, Pocket PC's are more expensive than PalmOS PDA's. This is one of the limiting factors that keeps them from really outpacing the PalmOS PDA's by a wide margin.

It was only recently that PocketPC broke the sub-$400 market.

 

[HouseHead]

Excellent questions all. Here's an old thread with some info on PDAs, as well as on software:

http://www.studentdoctor.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61247&highlight=PDA

Check out the link to software lists someone posted on that thread:

http://www.newmediamedicine.com/mobile/software.htm

Good stuff. Keep the PDA, OS, software, and laptop recommendations coming...

 

[garnetgirl]

Natalie03- I just bought a Dell Axim and I love it. It was a little on the xpensive side I realize after reading the other posts, but it is really fast and I haven't had any trouble loading up software on it. I have a Dell laptop and really like it, so I decided to get the Axim. (My mom is getting one too) I am hoping it will last to third year. I am pretty sure it will. Lots of bells and whistles 🙂

Also, generally how much does it cost to get DSL- I know it is probably different for different areas, but just a ballpark figure will do.

 

[Qafas]

I recently bought an HP 2210, and absolutely love it. I really didn't need it just yet, but I got a no-interest-for-a-year deal from Circuit City, and that was just the excuse I was looking for 😀 I have never used the PalmOS, but can tell you that PocketPC has worked flawlessly for me thus far. The 2210 is also quite lightweight and small, which makes it easy to carry around. I was also impressed by the fact that it actually has dual (SD and CF) expansion slots, which are already coming in handy.
My advice is to do your research before you buy any PDA. And don't just buy one on the internet before actually having a look at it at a store.

 

[8744]

Originally posted by Natalie03
Has anyone tried the Dell Axim? I was considering it so that I could just deal with t-mobile to handle my cell, wireless internet, and pda (if I decide to get one). Also, I was thinking it might be more compatible with my Dell laptop. But, I was wondering how the Axim compares to the palm and pocket pc in terms of med student needs.

Also, has anyone signed up for a wireless ISP (for at home) or hotspots? I signed up with t-mobile, but it seems to be horrendously slow. I'm considering switching to the hotspots service, which is T1, but is only available at Starbucks and Borders. Any advice?

Thanks!

I have a Dell Axim. I'd say that roughly half the people in my class bought one as well.

I love mine. It is flawlessly compatible with my Tohiba laptop by way of the "sync" software and it has expandablr memory.

I have a wireless card for mine and it works great off of our schools wireless network.

I agree that you really don't "need" a PDA for first and second year. You don't have to know things on the spot. In fact, during tests, the one time when a PDA would be handy you will not be allowed to use it.

I'm a third year and while you don't "need" a PDA in third year either, having one sure beats carrying all of annoying little books that everybody stuffs in their pockets. I have Epocrates (a drug program), Five Minute Clinical Consult, and a whole bunch of highly useful programs on my PDA.