Which device would be best for me?

[jfd986]

Hello all,

I was wondering what you all would recommend in terms of a make or model of device for residency. I got by with an iTouch in medical school, but I think I will need a data plan for that anywhere-lookup, constantly-connected advantage when I'm running around for the next three years. I have $700 in allowance for the physical devices, and an extra $1000 for apps or uptodate or what have you.

I need:

-Maps
- A few basic medical apps
- A good keyboard
- A fast browser.

That's basically it. My eyesight is good (for now) so a big screen is not essential, and I guess good battery life would be a bonus but I am surprisingly on point about charging regularly. I think my itouch has died on me twice in my last year of school.

So far I've heard the iphone 5 maps is hopeless and the new model isn't an improvement on the old, the samsung galaxy 4 is from a company that is unreliable, and the blackberry z10 one person said is the "way to go" but another said is "nothing special" compared to its competitors.

I will be asking the resident advisor who is eventually assigned to me whether or not they gain a significant advantage in finishing paperwork/etc with an ipad, but for now I would like to only carry around a phone, so all suggestions are welcome.

PS I'm a Canadian IMG and I somehow managed to match with my 5 interviews in FM and my 203/212, so there will be no bragging or stone throwing on my end as I understand fully how lucky I am to even have a residency this year.

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[NewYorkDoctors]

iPad mini fits great in your white coat

It's apps have iPad resolution and format
(No scrunched up text like on iPhone)

As for the map, jailbreak that sucker then out google maps back on

 

[jfd986]

That sounds good, but then I'd need an extra device for a phone. Do you have an iPad mini with a data plan and then a phone? How much would that cost?

 

[deleted87716]

Just get an iPhone.

 

[teacherman84]

Just get an iPhone.

Agree...ive got a galaxy s3 and its nice but i wish I had just went with an iphone.

 

[jfd986]

Interesting, so what made the galaxy line worse for you?

 

[septoplasty]

Hello all,

I was wondering what you all would recommend in terms of a make or model of device for residency. I got by with an iTouch in medical school, but I think I will need a data plan for that anywhere-lookup, constantly-connected advantage when I'm running around for the next three years. I have $700 in allowance for the physical devices, and an extra $1000 for apps or uptodate or what have you.

I need:

-Maps
- A few basic medical apps
- A good keyboard
- A fast browser.

That's basically it. My eyesight is good (for now) so a big screen is not essential, and I guess good battery life would be a bonus but I am surprisingly on point about charging regularly. I think my itouch has died on me twice in my last year of school.

So far I've heard the iphone 5 maps is hopeless and the new model isn't an improvement on the old, the samsung galaxy 4 is from a company that is unreliable, and the blackberry z10 one person said is the "way to go" but another said is "nothing special" compared to its competitors.

I will be asking the resident advisor who is eventually assigned to me whether or not they gain a significant advantage in finishing paperwork/etc with an ipad, but for now I would like to only carry around a phone, so all suggestions are welcome.

PS I'm a Canadian IMG and I somehow managed to match with my 5 interviews in FM and my 203/212, so there will be no bragging or stone throwing on my end as I understand fully how lucky I am to even have a residency this year.

Stop undermining yourself! Congrats.

Also, have you looked at the BB Playbook? LOVED it and used it quite extensively in med school and will continue to do so in residency (hopefully they get me a Q10).

Adv: Fits in white coat, easy access to apps & info, can also integrate quite extensively with a BB (if you have one), oh, and you can tether data from any cell phone (compatible of course). etc.

Cons: Slightly heavy? (I don't know if the competitors are light weight or not).

 

[MJB]

iPhone has single handedly been the best tool I've purchased in the last 5 years. And it's not even close.

(I have an iPad...doesn't get near the use)

You'll be shocked how much you text to communicate.

 

[NewYorkDoctors]

My iPad mini does not have a data plan

No need as the hospitals I've been at always have wifi


Personally iPad mini > iPhone5 in terms of versatility and the screen resolution and the way apps just look less cluttered

However if you must have a phone feature, you could get the data plan on iPad mini then install a phone app

 

[survivordo]

IPhone... just swallow the cool-aid. It really is the best, most versatile, and everyone else will be using it making testing to communicate easier with Imessage.

Survivor DO

 

[DIce3]

I got the following advice from my senior resident about 18 years ago: Throw away the peripheral brain and learn to rest on your own. This advice takes time to fully grasp.

 

[deleted87716]

I got the following advice from my senior resident about 18 years ago: Throw away the peripheral brain and learn to rest on your own. This advice takes time to fully grasp.

I don't think your resident was smarter than this guy. 😉

Having said that, you'll find yourself looking things up a lot less as you gain experience. It just happens.

 

[teacherman84]

Interesting, so what made the galaxy line worse for you?

I only have this phone because I went through a series of s2 phones that keep crapping out on me and this was AT&Ts peace offering...so im a little untrusting of samsungs devices...its good so far and as much as I prefer the android platform I will be switching to an iphone when I an eligible. There isnt one big thing I dislike about my phone, just many small things that make me wish I could trick my wife into trading her 4s for my s3.

 

[jfd986]

My iPad mini does not have a data plan

No need as the hospitals I've been at always have wifi


Personally iPad mini > iPhone5 in terms of versatility and the screen resolution and the way apps just look less cluttered

However if you must have a phone feature, you could get the data plan on iPad mini then install a phone app

So for you the ideal setup might be :

iPad mini

"Phone app" that gives you a generated number

"Text app" that you use to send texts

Bluetooth earpiece?

The hospital will have wi-fi, sure, but what if you're in some clinic and there's no wifi, or it's out, or for some reason you need to look something up quickly and there's no internet availability, then won't you need data ?

Has anyone got into that situation? Where they wanted or had to read about something, and there was just no way they could get on the 'net without data?


Also, how is an iPad more "versatile" than an iphone? What can you use an iPad for that you couldn't do on an iPhone? I honestly have never even considered buying an iPad so I'm not aware of the differences between them outside of "Bigger screen" and "No phone".

 

[jfd986]

I only have this phone because I went through a series of s2 phones that keep crapping out on me and this was AT&Ts peace offering...so im a little untrusting of samsungs devices...its good so far and as much as I prefer the android platform I will be switching to an iphone when I an eligible. There isnt one big thing I dislike about my phone, just many small things that make me wish I could trick my wife into trading her 4s for my s3.

Many small things, hmm...I'm not sure if the recent advice I got about this goes hand in hand with what you said, but basically what a software engineer told me is that 95% of people who buy these phones never end up going all out on them to the point where performance is an issue. He then told me that the best way to pick a phone is to go to the store and play with each one for an extended amount of time, and whichever is the most comfortable to play with and has the perceived easiest user interface can be bought without fear of CNet reviews or performance specs etc. What I was trying to find out on here is if everybody gets some hidden functionality out of a particular device that I didn't realize before, but it doesn't seem that way to me. Everybody seems to have a preference, most for the iphone, some for the iPad, and one for the playbook.

 

[jfd986]

What does everyone think of THIS setup? Just for comparison sake:

iPad mini or equivalent tablet for increased screen size and easy reading for, say, harrison's


Regular phone with keyboard.


Save money on phone plan and have a larger screen ? Or dump the larger screen and always have a data plan for when you don't have wifi service?

 

[septoplasty]

What does everyone think of THIS setup? Just for comparison sake:

iPad mini or equivalent tablet for increased screen size and easy reading for, say, harrison's


Regular phone with keyboard.


Save money on phone plan and have a larger screen ? Or dump the larger screen and always have a data plan for when you don't have wifi service?

Chances are your program will pay for a phone that will have a data plan included. Get a tablet to which you can TETHER (use your phone data), there by deviating the issue of not having wifi everywhere.

 

[jfd986]

Chances are your program will pay for a phone that will have a data plan included. Get a tablet to which you can TETHER (use your phone data), there by deviating the issue of not having wifi everywhere.

I've never actually purchased a smartphone before, so if you could clarify then that'd be great, smartphones come with contracts that allow you to use the data feature, right? If I bought a smartphone from say AT & T and paid say $350 for it, yes I would still have the data plan that comes with it on contract but I'd still have to use my own money ($70 a month) for the plan, right ?

The program is paying $700 for tech, so if I bought a phone and an iPad mini, I guess I'd have to fork over the extra coin for the second device, but my problem is that I'm still paying $70 a month for the plan.

I saw t-mobile's plans to be $50 a month, granted with limited data speed after 500 MB of usage but still saving about $240 a year. I guess this is a separate discussion though on which phone plan is the best, but I guess the lesson is that every reasonable phone plan is going to be upwards of $70 a month for these things ?

 

[septoplasty]

I've never actually purchased a smartphone before, so if you could clarify then that'd be great, smartphones come with contracts that allow you to use the data feature, right? If I bought a smartphone from say AT & T and paid say $350 for it, yes I would still have the data plan that comes with it on contract but I'd still have to use my own money ($70 a month) for the plan, right ?

The program is paying $700 for tech, so if I bought a phone and an iPad mini, I guess I'd have to fork over the extra coin for the second device, but my problem is that I'm still paying $70 a month for the plan.

I saw t-mobile's plans to be $50 a month, granted with limited data speed after 500 MB of usage but still saving about $240 a year. I guess this is a separate discussion though on which phone plan is the best, but I guess the lesson is that every reasonable phone plan is going to be upwards of $70 a month for these things ?

I'm pretty sure the program will pay for phone AND plan (this includes talk/text/data). The data you can use depending on provider maybe limited at 2 gb/4gb etc. Again, having a good smartphone nowadays will allow you to share data between two devices, meaning a 2nd device which YOU spend money on (not sure if if the CME allowance can be used for this purpose [some institutions say only books, etc.]). Thus the data that you have from the phone they provide, can be used with the ipad/or any other tablet you buy. (I'm not sure if the i pad allows tethering between a non-iphone etc.)

Also, based on the provider that's best around your programs area and who they have a "deal" with, that's who you'll be restricted to. This may turn out to be AT&T, T Mobile, Verizon, Metro etc. Just wait till you hear from your PC about the "PDA" and stuff. This will allow you to judge the situation better. At my program, i've heard they provide a smart phone + service and an ipad since the EMR's (epic), can be used on it, thus making note talking very easy and convenient (bedside).

 

[jfd986]

So I took a look at the options, and it looks like for me it's either going to be a Galaxy 4 or a Nexus 4. I say this because they have the Android platform, and I like Android because:

1) You can use the phone as a USB key whenever needed

2) The home screen is 100% customizable and there are no issues with "This icon can't be deleted" and "this icon can't be moved"

3) There's an option to keep programs open as "widgets" or something that I haven't completely explored, which interests me because they're just a swipe away rather than "Oh, now where did I put that app, is it in this folder, what does it look like again" I'm an old man that way

4) Bigger screen than an iPhone. Not as big as the Note 2 (I'm not into the whole "phablet" movement") and yet still bigger while offering great features

Cons:

1) Not AS MANY apps as Apple, but realistically Google Playstore still has most of the core medical applications one would need (Uptodate, epocrates, Sanford's, that's pretty much it right ? I'll get a few books for kindle and playstore has kindle)

2) Screen resolution is possibly not as sharp, but I was comparing the iphone 5 to the galaxy 3 here, which is old. Never actually managed to try out the nexus 4.

3) Bigger phone. More to hold and to have, Not sure if that's a permanent con but it felt different from the iphone I'm borrowing right now.



For anyone who suggested the iPhone I'd appreciate your input on this since I was given a short lecture yesterday by a fairly pro-Android friend of mine and saw the phone in action, so there wasn't really a cross-examination per se.

 

[septoplasty]

So I took a look at the options, and it looks like for me it's either going to be a Galaxy 4 or a Nexus 4. I say this because they have the Android platform, and I like Android because:

1) You can use the phone as a USB key whenever needed

2) The home screen is 100% customizable and there are no issues with "This icon can't be deleted" and "this icon can't be moved"

3) There's an option to keep programs open as "widgets" or something that I haven't completely explored, which interests me because they're just a swipe away rather than "Oh, now where did I put that app, is it in this folder, what does it look like again" I'm an old man that way

4) Bigger screen than an iPhone. Not as big as the Note 2 (I'm not into the whole "phablet" movement") and yet still bigger while offering great features

Cons:

1) Not AS MANY apps as Apple, but realistically Google Playstore still has most of the core medical applications one would need (Uptodate, epocrates, Sanford's, that's pretty much it right ? I'll get a few books for kindle and playstore has kindle)

2) Screen resolution is possibly not as sharp, but I was comparing the iphone 5 to the galaxy 3 here, which is old. Never actually managed to try out the nexus 4.

3) Bigger phone. More to hold and to have, Not sure if that's a permanent con but it felt different from the iphone I'm borrowing right now.



For anyone who suggested the iPhone I'd appreciate your input on this since I was given a short lecture yesterday by a fairly pro-Android friend of mine and saw the phone in action, so there wasn't really a cross-examination per se.

Since you're pro-andriod, I'd say wait for the S4 to be released (next month). Its suppose to be fantastic.

Also your "pros" list can be done by blackberry's too 😉 lol.

 

[end stage fibro]

So I took a look at the options, and it looks like for me it's either going to be a Galaxy 4 or a Nexus 4. I say this because they have the Android platform, and I like Android because: snip well formatted wall of text

I've used an Android device for all of clinicals and will continue to do so in residency. I've had absolutely no problems. Also, the tight integration with the rest of the Google ecosystem (mail, drive, etc) makes for a great experience. And Google Now is pretty darn nifty too.

Since you're pro-andriod, I'd say wait for the S4 to be released (next month). Its suppose to be fantastic.

Sound advice. I would also add to wait for Google I/O (May 15-17), where the new Nexus might be revealed (though it might be released as late as December). The S4, new HTC One, and Nexus are probably gonna be the high-tier phones for this cycle.

disclosure: dont work for google, but if you guys are hiring...

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

I have friends (who are attendings, before you say that a med student's input isn't valid) that use iphones and androids... I don't think any of them have blackberries, and none of them complain, except about being on call... 🙂

 

[jfd986]

I have friends (who are attendings, before you say that a med student's input isn't valid) that use iphones and androids... I don't think any of them have blackberries, and none of them complain, except about being on call... 🙂

Everyone in this sub-section was once a student. I don't plan on forgetting that any time soon 🙂

Thanks for your input. I was also looking into the google nexus 7, but will hold off on deciding on whether or not to get a tablet pending a resident's opinion of how often he uses or does not use a tablet at the specific site at which I'm training (i.e. whether or not a device like that is often used to look up labs, input orders, etc)

 

[jfd986]

Okay so totally forgot that I left this one hanging.

In any case, the resident got back to me a while ago and said that many do indeed use their tablet devices to access and use the EMR software. I'm going to inquire with IT when I go there as to whether or not the software can be installed on a google tablet, and if it can and it works smoothly, I'm going to be using an Android phone and a Google tablet as my devices in residency.

The phone will be for quick look ups, texting, and all the other applications that we all hold so dear, and the tablet will be for EMR notes, lab values, and for sitting down and reading all the weekly articles and updates that I'm supposed to read, and for doing all the board exam questions that I'm supposed to do.

At home, I hopefully will still be using my 2004 Dell Inspiron 600m. That's right.

 

[geese]

I'm considering getting the new blackberry Q10. I've contemplated getting a iphone or android but since I currently have a bb 9900 I thought it would be a great upgrade for me. My dilemma is the medical apps. I've heard from people that you "really need" medical apps on smartphones to make life easier for you and that's why most swear by iphones or androids. Is this true? Or would I be just fine with my blackberry and a pocket book or 2? Also are tablets necessary?

Thanks

 

[ioh]

I favor iOS and Android over Blackberry or WP8, mainly because of the more robust app selection (the latter two are working on catching up but they're playing from behind in this regard).

The iPhone is my current phone, which works great but has some limitations compared to Android that jfd986 did a great job of pointing out. These are mainly limitations of Apple's closed ecosystem, having to use iTunes to manage files (compared to drag and drop), proprietary connection as compared to a more universal micro USB, non-removable battery, smaller screen, etc.

With Android, I've preferred the Nexus phones since they're pure Android unlike the Samsung, HTC, and Motorola phones which have the manufacturer's overlays on the UI (Motoblur was awful, IMO). The Galaxy S4 or the new HTC One are the phones I'd be looking at if I was shopping Android now, but as mentioned above I'd wait till Google I/O first.

As to getting a tablet and normal phone to save money- if you're okay with carrying more stuff around that makes sense, but I think you'll find having it all in one small device is the way to go.

 

[septoplasty]

I'm considering getting the new blackberry Q10. I've contemplated getting a iphone or android but since I currently have a bb 9900 I thought it would be a great upgrade for me. My dilemma is the medical apps. I've heard from people that you "really need" medical apps on smartphones to make life easier for you and that's why most swear by iphones or androids. Is this true? Or would I be just fine with my blackberry and a pocket book or 2? Also are tablets necessary?

Thanks

I just wanted to tell you that, the apps that are most commonly used:

1. Epocrates
2. Medscape (not sure if you use)
3. Pocket EKG

Are already available in AppWorld.

Not sure what exactly Apple or Android have other then this that is worth switching for.

 

[geese]

I favor iOS and Android over Blackberry or WP8, mainly because of the more robust app selection (the latter two are working on catching up but they're playing from behind in this regard).

The iPhone is my current phone, which works great but has some limitations compared to Android that jfd986 did a great job of pointing out. These are mainly limitations of Apple's closed ecosystem, having to use iTunes to manage files (compared to drag and drop), proprietary connection as compared to a more universal micro USB, non-removable battery, smaller screen, etc.

With Android, I've preferred the Nexus phones since they're pure Android unlike the Samsung, HTC, and Motorola phones which have the manufacturer's overlays on the UI (Motoblur was awful, IMO). The Galaxy S4 or the new HTC One are the phones I'd be looking at if I was shopping Android now, but as mentioned above I'd wait till Google I/O first.

As to getting a tablet and normal phone to save money- if you're okay with carrying more stuff around that makes sense, but I think you'll find having it all in one small device is the way to go.

I agree with you. The skins from the oems are just horrible. If I decide to switch to android it will definitely be a nexus phone. I think I will just wait another 10 days or so for Google I/O to make my decision just in case they release a new/updated nexus.

 

[geese]

I just wanted to tell you that, the apps that are most commonly used:

1. Epocrates
2. Medscape (not sure if you use)
3. Pocket EKG

Are already available in AppWorld.

Not sure what exactly Apple or Android have other then this that is worth switching for.

They don't have epocrates in appworld unless I'm mistaken. When I search for it I just get the "Calculate by QxMD" app. As for Medscape its only v1.2.0 so it doesn't have the medical references to look up diseases, differentials and pathophysiology like how they have on ios and android versions. Also I couldn't find Pocket EKG when I tried searching for it. I'm using a blackberry 9900 with os 7.1

 

[ioh]

I just wanted to tell you that, the apps that are most commonly used:

1. Epocrates
2. Medscape (not sure if you use)
3. Pocket EKG

Are already available in AppWorld.

Not sure what exactly Apple or Android have other then this that is worth switching for.

I've tried and liked RunKeeper, Sleep Cycle, and Fooducate. An NPR discussion recently mentioned that the last one is being used by parents to teach their kids healthy eating habits (eg. you can pick a cereal that has a score of x or better), which I think is very cool.

Here's a good article listing popular health related apps:

http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/02/best-health-apps/

 

[septoplasty]

I've tried and liked RunKeeper, Sleep Cycle, and Fooducate. An NPR discussion recently mentioned that the last one is being used by parents to teach their kids healthy eating habits (eg. you can pick a cereal that has a score of x or better), which I think is very cool.

Here's a good article listing popular health related apps:

http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/02/best-health-apps/

Pretty cool stuff, but o fcourse theres competition from appworld!

To the OP.. Have a look:

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/category/61/?countrycode=CA

Just toggle through the "fitness/health&diet/healthcare services/medical guides" options at the bottom.

 

[geese]

Pretty cool stuff, but o fcourse theres competition from appworld!

To the OP.. Have a look:

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/category/61/?countrycode=CA

Just toggle through the "fitness/health&diet/healthcare services/medical guides" options at the bottom.

Thanks!