Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are becoming more commonplace in practice because they immediately provide critical information at the point of care.
If you’re in the market for a handheld computer, chances are you’re fazed by the multitude of available models, upgrades, and extras. Choosing a PDA is not that difficult, however, if you take the time to assess your needs and do a little homework. Start by answering these four questions:
1. Why do I need a PDA? Look at your work patterns and see how a PDA would fit in. Do you frequently look up DSM-IV criteria and other reference information? Are you constantly writing prescriptions, giving presentations, or assessing drug-drug interactions? Do you find yourself regularly checking your schedule?
Also try to envision:
- where you would carry the device
- where, when, and how you would charge it when needed
- what connections to computers for data exchange are available
- with whom you would share data
- and from whom you could get technical support.
You may have trouble thinking that far ahead, but doing so will help you narrow your PDA choices.
2. Which operating system should I use? A PDA operates on one of four main operating systems:
- Palm OS, the most popular world wide
- EPOC OS, which is more popular in Europe
- Pocket PC, which is rapidly gaining popularity
- and Linux OS, which recently entered the PDA market.
Choosing a PDA platform is much like deciding between Macintosh and Windows. The differences between PDAs based on Pocket PC or Palm OS have been diminishing in the last year. All PDAs have similar basic personal information manager functions, but available software, hardware features, and accessories set them apart. Pocket PC-based PDAs generally have much more memory and more diverse multimedia capabilities-but also lower battery life (1 day with average use) and compatibility with fewer software titles-than do Palm OS devices.
Because of their higher memory capacity, Pocket PC PDAs may generally be better suited to:
- large groups or organizations
- and users who rely heavily on multimedia, large data sets, or interface with Microsoft Office documents.
However, newer PDAs that are based on Palm OS 5 and employ the StrongARM processor (as do Pocket PC devices) offer greatly improved function in these areas. Compared with Pocket PC PDAs, Palm OS devices are much more intuitive and easier to use, offer longer battery life (1 week or more for average use), and are compatible with more medical software titles. More physicians use Palm OS PDAs because of their simplicity and reliability.
Consider either a Palm or Pocket PC PDA. EPOC PDAs are good devices, but Psion, a major manufacturer, has ceased development of EPOC devices to focus on specific markets. Linux PDAs are only recommended to users who are familiar with Linux or UNIX and are capable of writing their own software.
3. Where should I purchase my PDA? Visit any major computer, office supply, or electronics or chain retailer and check out the different models and manufacturers. Consider your priorities on features such as size, screen resolution, color, weight, memory, wireless capability, and accessory options. Consider purchasing there or online.
The level of support you need should dictate your point of purchase. Online retailers usually charge less for PDAs, but devices may be back-ordered and support often is offered only through the manufacturer. Beginners are probably wise to purchase locally and obtain support through the store.
4. How can I avoid purchasing a soon-to-be-obsolete model? Because PDA technology is improving so rapidly, new devices are frequently reaching the market. This can be frustrating to someone who has just purchased what he or she thought was the latest model.
If you are a beginner, plan to keep your PDA device for at least 1 year while you gradually learn to use it to its full potential. Consider spending about $200 for a device, then upgrade only when newer devices provide more features that you can use. Avid users may upgrade more frequently and spend $500 or more for a device.
Palm vs. Pocket PC: Finer points
Palm OS PDAs. If you are new to PDAs, start with a Palm OS-based PDA from Palm, Sony, or Handspring. The Sony models make more sense if you have or plan to purchase other Sony products (e.g., digital cameras, digital camcorders, computers) because the PDA’s external memory stick can be shared among the products.
Handspring offers models integrated with a cellular phone if you prefer a combined device. The Palm Tungsten T has built-in Bluetooth wireless mobile capability and offers portable keyboards that fold out to full size.