pda's

Trauma Columnist · Jul 8, 2008

Perhaps ask the school you plan to attend? Other students?

CracklinRose · Jul 8, 2008

I am in the same spot as the OP....never used anything like a PDA and would like some more informatin on them as well.

LMRN10 · Jul 8, 2008

I have a Tungsten T3 and it is very easy to get around in. It took me a little bit to figure out how to use it, but one you upload the medical software, you'll figure it out pretty quickly. That is really the only way to learn...

But yes, I think the Tungsten T3 is a good one from what others had told me, and I like it!

Bicster · Jul 8, 2008

Palm TX and Ipod Touch, unbeatable combo.

Aside from that check out the pda forum or search for the 10,000 other posts about pda's

Journey_On, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2008

Our school required our cohort to buy one once we started clinical. They said we could get anyone we want, as long as it met the memory requirements and some other stuff.

I bought the one they recommended, a Palm TX. I am not an expert with it, but it works fine for me, and it seems like a pretty well-known brand. I bought a 2GB memory card with it. It has wireless capabilities as well, but use of the internet eats the battery a bit more than using other applications.

almostfearless · Jul 8, 2008

I used to work at Cingular Wireless, and have some experience in the matter of cell phone PDAs--- The Palm, as metioned before, is pretty easy, but you may want to have a representative walk you through some of it's main functions before you leave the store. I suggest that with all PDAs, because somethimes you don't always know all the awesome things it can do for you to make your life easier.

I also personally like the blackberry curve. The internet on it tends to be about $10 cheaper/month, and the layout on it is also pretty easy to follow. From what I understand, a lot of programs that are avail. on palm are also avail. for the Blackberry.

I own the original Iphone, and love it, but it's helpfulness in the terms of nursing programs is limited to what you can get online.

LMRN10 · Jul 8, 2008

I used to work at Cingular Wireless, and have some experience in the matter of cell phone PDAs--- The Palm, as metioned before, is pretty easy, but you may want to have a representative walk you through some of it's main functions before you leave the store. I suggest that with all PDAs, because somethimes you don't always know all the awesome things it can do for you to make your life easier.
I also personally like the blackberry curve. The internet on it tends to be about $10 cheaper/month, and the layout on it is also pretty easy to follow. From what I understand, a lot of programs that are avail. on palm are also avail. for the Blackberry.
I own the original Iphone, and love it, but it's helpfulness in the terms of nursing programs is limited to what you can get online.

One thing to remember though is certain area's won't allow phones to be on...which is the reason I didn't do a phone. :twocents:

I just went to skyscape.com and bought software from there for my PDA and then uploaded it to my PDA and it works great!

LMRN10 · Jul 8, 2008

Sorry...one more thought...

Do a search on ebay as well...you may be able to find a used one for not too much...

liriel · Jul 8, 2008

The school I attend just made it a requirement for all first level students to buy a PDA. They got a huge discount on the software and pda's and we were allowed to order one through them. I am not a first level student but actually half way through my program. They allowed everyone the opportunity to order one as well...they just were not required. I am looking forward to having all the information from my drug book and such in my pocket. We are not allowed to have cameras in many of the areas of the hospitals around this area due to HIPPA therefore it is just a pda not a cell phone. I am interested in seeing just how helpful this will be.

marshYO8 · Jul 8, 2008

the nursing school i am entering in august suggested the palm tungsten e2. i have had some compatibility issues, i have windows vista, but i haven't heard about any problems from windows xp users. with the issues i have had, i had to download and install an updated palm desktop and hotsync manager off the website (free) and i will have to buy an upgraded version of documents to go ($30). all together, its not bad, but the process to find out how to get compatible was frustrating. so, if you have anymore questions just ask. :)

MLMRN1120 · Jul 8, 2008

I have a Dell Axim. This one was recommended by my school, and they have a tutorial for learning how to use it on the Nursing website. Check with your school to see if they use a certain one.