[Kim S.]

Hi everyone. It's been a while since I have visited this wonderful website! I am starting CRNA school this coming August....wow! I can't believe it's almost here!!! We were originally told that we should have a laptop computer, however now I am hearing that we do not need one as long as we have a home computer. I have been thinking that a PDA or Palm Piolet may be the way to go anyway b/c then I could bring it into the clinical arena for reference.

Anyone in the clinical setting using a Palm or PDA? If so do you recommend one and what kind? Those of you who use a laptop - is it worth it if you have a home computer?

Thanks so much for any info!!!!

Kim

[WntrMute2]

I also was thinking about that choice a year ago. I ended up buying a PDA (Visor Prisim). I use it all the time both in class and clinical. I found out things move too fast during classes to make use of a laptop. No one else in the class has a laptop either. The PDA is great. I have the contents of a number of books and notes at my fingertips. It is also easy to exchange info and you always know where you're phone #s and such are. Important programs to look into: 5 minute clinical update; Anesthesia Drugs Handbook (by Omoigui); Clinical Anesthesia )by Barash, Cullen & Stolting). Download for free: Epocrates and Medcalc.
Good luck

[Gowkout]

Get the palm, I use the sony 615 clie( it operates on the palm os system) and its the best tool in my bag no need to carry bulky notes, books and you have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. Check out www.ccspublishing and get the book Handbook for Anesthesia along with the others listed in the other post.

[smogmatt]

Both!!

I'm not in CRNA school yet I am just a wanna be. but I sold my home system last year and bought a used laptop off the internet, I really enjoy it i use all the time its great taking it to class and typing away.

I also have a Palm m125 and its great Reference too! It's great I use it all the time in the ICU. the washington Manual is great as well. the only down side i can see would be I don't know how useful it would be in class tring to take note using the Graffiti

I guess if I had just one I would have to opt for the Palm

good luck

hey what program are you in??

Matt

[bubba]

What is the difference in a PDA and a Palm? sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm just a little underinformed. Thanks!

[Gowkout]

Bubba, palm is a type of PDA and the PDA stands for personal data assist. They come in all kinds of flavors and colors. Different functions, memory, etc.. Go to Circuit City or a Best Buy and try some hands on feel before you buy one. I like the Sony Clie615 for SRNA school. I got a boatload of med, anes ,personal stuff that I carry around. Lee

[Kim S.]

Wow thanks everyone for such quick responses and input! I have heard great thinks about that Sony Clie. And I have also heard that Palm had more software choices so far. I am still learning about all of this. Thanks again!!!

Matt, I am going to Florida International University. You?

Kim

[Kim S.]

Gowkout,

[Kim S.]

Gowkout,
Sorry, I guess if I hit tab to indent it automatically posts what I have written. Won't do that again!

The website you referred to: www.ccspublishing isn't responding. Is that the correct address?

Thanks,

Kim

[Gowkout]

Try typing in only ccspublishing.com, I just checked it and was able to get on, once there go to medical textbooks on line and from there scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see the books for palm. You can use my isbn # to get signed on, it is 1929. I have downloaded all their books and enjoy using all of them for reference. Lee