PDA's, Laptops??

[pineapplehead]

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Hey Everyone,
I've been doing some research on the internet and it seems like a lot of medical schools encourage students to bring PDA's/handhelds and some encourage lightweight laptops. I was wondering if anybody would like to share their personal views/experiences as far as this is concerned? Are PDA's really helpful as far as note-taking and staying organized is concerned or do you all like to carry your laptops with you? Any preferences as far as brand is concerned? Thanks!

 

[PianoGirl04]

For PDAs, Palm OS is usually more compatible with medical databases than Pocket PC. And some schools (e.g. Drexel) require a Palm PDA. As for laptops, I wouldn't go with Compaq b/c I have one and it has given me tons of problems. Gateway and Dell make some nice, relatively inexpensive, lightweight laptops.

I have a Pocket PC right now, and it's great for MP3s, calendar stuff, synchronizing email, to-do lists, etc. I like the fact that Pocket PCs run on a Windows operating system, but unfortunately, as I said, most schools require Palm OS. But I don't take notes on mine because MS Word's Pocket PC version doesn't have an outline format. I have to take notes in outline form or else things get disorganized.

 

[ATPase]

What about a Mac? I have an iBook laptop that I'd like to use in med school, but other than using it for note-taking, would I need to run any PC-exclusive software programs?

 

[pineapplehead]

Good question, I would like to know if note-taking is better on a laptop or PalmOS? I mean, is it easier on a laptop because of the size, or is it more feasible because of larger memory? I'm talking out of my @$$ because I know nothing about this, so if someone could fill me in.... 😉

 

[PianoGirl04]

Originally posted by pineapplehead
Good question, I would like to know if note-taking is better on a laptop or PalmOS? I mean, is it easier on a laptop because of the size, or is it more feasible because of larger memory? I'm talking out of my @$$ because I know nothing about this, so if someone could fill me in.... 😉

Well, I'm planning on buying an ultralight laptop next year because my system is getting old. My plan is to take notes on that. I wouldn't take notes on a PDA both because the screen is so small and there's not a lot of memory (max. 64 MB or so)...plus you'd have to buy a keyboard because there's no way you can take notes with Graffiti and still stay sane!

However, if you're into the PDA thing, check out Tablet PCs. They're pretty awesome and lightweight to boot. Toshiba makes a really nice one (the Portege).