[CraigB-RN]

Well having been on that cutting edge more than once, I so try to stay off it. No next yaer, it's fair game. Definitly with the advent of podcasts of lectures and such, it makes sense to have a device that can do it all like that. I'm just giong to hold off for a year or so. I went back to a razr and a Palm tx because it was much more stable, and ti did what I needed.

Originally Posted by BrentT

There is a saying that if you live on the cutting edge, you will bleed a lot.

That said, I think incorporating the iPod Touch as a clinical handheld computer is not as big a risk as it may sound. The computer itself is actually a mobile version of Mac OS X, and Mac OS X is a GUI on top of UNIX. As a computer it is very stable, and the interface has been better thought out than any previous handheld IMHO.

The issue of WiFi access in all settings is not important because the new software does not require network access (unlike the original iPhone medical apps). All data reside on the device, just like Palm and Windows Mobile devices, but with many times more memory available (8 or 16 GB, vs 128 -512 MB).

The strongest argument against buying into the iPod Touch as of July 2008 is the lack of immediate software. I have been telling my students who are in hospital based clinicals and need a handheld in August to just stick with the Palm devices we have been using.

For those students who will not be starting clinical until spring of 2009 it is a tougher call. They do have to hope that the publishers come through with their promised software. I have every reason to believe they are as it is not terribly difficult to port their databases to the new OS. Most publishers expect to have titles for sale by Fall 2008.

For nursing students who will not start clinical until later in 2009, I believe they will be very happy getting an iPod Touch now. It is useful as an organizer, iPod, and can begin to load medical software as it becomes available.

Back in 1998-2001 there was a rush of small medical software titles released. Some were free or required small fees. Many of those titles were never updated. With the start of third-party application development for the iPhone there will be another rush of titles coming soon.

[cinqly]

Originally Posted by richardjboro1

wow, so epocrates has a native app for iphone? link please? I can't find it on the app store nor online. Also, any update on when skyscape may be releasing some? I reaaaaaaaally like davis drug guide, since my nsg instructors seem to want to know all the info they give in there!

I just wanted to let you all know that my BF downloaded Epocrates for the iPhone onto his device so I could play. It is quite easy to use and it is downloaded onto the phone, so you can use it if there is no internet access/cell service. HOWEVER, Epocrates for the iPhone does NOT have nursing indications. Thus, all of the useful nursing information found in your average nursing drug book (administration, nursing considerations, extensive s/e) is not available. Therefore, I think that it would have limited use for students since this information is very important in learning and planning care. However, it does have a neat feature that allows you to try and identify an unknown pill based on visual characteristics

I am considering buying a PDA phone soon, and am trying to choose between iPhone and Blackberry. Based on availability of nursing software and medical programs, if I had to choose today I'd go with Blackberry (see handango.com for some 2000 programs). In a few months or longer? Maybe apple will pull their head out of their you-know-what and actually add some programs that will make them a little money!

BTW, it is available right on the Epocrates homepage (for free): http://www.epocrates.com/products/rx/iphone.html

[BrentT]

Originally Posted by cinqly

I am considering buying a PDA phone soon, and am trying to choose between iPhone and Blackberry. Based on availability of nursing software and medical programs, if I had to choose today I'd go with Blackberry (see handango.com for some 2000 programs). In a few months or longer? Maybe apple will pull their head out of their you-know-what and actually add some programs that will make them a little money!

Apple and Blackberry have no control over the price of applications. It is up to the developer to set the price. The software to develop software (or SDK) for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch has only been available since April.

There is much more software for the iPod Touch and iPhone coming. I expect to see many more titles by fall.

There will always be fewer iPhone applications because of the development and submission process to put the app on iTunes that is required.

One advantage of the iPod Touch over Blackberry is that it requires no phone contract. Other advantages include better video, audio, graphics, and storage capacity.

Also, you are right about the limitations of Epocrates Rx right now. They will be making more complete versions for the iPhone soon. There also will be many more drug guides coming very soon from other publishers.

[BrentT]

If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch with Firmware 2.0 or greater you can get Epocrates Rx for free from iTunes. The direct link is:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/M...281935788&mt=8