Just got accepted into the Nursing program, need some advice

I'm from KSU too. :)

Here's what the deciding factors were for me: To also use the PDA as a phone too? And, if it was compatible with my mac computer.

I have both PDA's and can say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the itouch.

Remember, itouch is without the phone portion. Iphone is the itouch with the phone included (but you have to sign up and pay for separate services).

If you want the phone plus PDA then I'd recommend the Blackberry Storm from Verizon Wireless. Verizon in my opinion provides the best coverage as far as cell phones go. And you can make it mac compatible with an optional $40 software that will synch your mac files to this PDA as well as your ical, etc.

If you decide to buy the itouch go for the 16GB anything more is overkill. I have tons of videos on it for my son as well as mp3's, school files, and clinical req items. Plus itunes has all sorts of cool games that are free to download, etc.

I use it on my job as well to input data. Only problem is that the charge will only last for a day.

Blackberry storm will go for a full day of work.

Either one you'll have to charge daily.

I dunno, itouch just has so many more features and daily there are medical programs being developed. Just do a search on "nursing" or "medical" on the itunes to see what you can download.

Also if you like flash cards it's worth paying the $10 for "mental case" which is a digital download for creating and using flashcards on your itouch.

If you have specific questions I can answer them. Sorry for rambling.

I think the iTouch & iPhone are great also -- HOWEVER... if you aren't a Mac user, they may not be the best choice. I have used a blackberry for the last 6 years (upgraded 3 times!) after switching from a Windows CE pda. I value the blackberry reliability & ruggedness - it has bounced (literally) back from many 'unfortunate incidents'. But if you need a windows compatible device - and don't want to have to buy extra software to make it happen -- probably best for you to go with a Windows CE device in the first place.

After you decide on what you want, don't hesitate to check Craig's List or eBay for a used one. Even with a smartphone, all you have to do is swap your sim card and you're good to go.

Congratulations on your acheivement - keep us posted on your progress.

There's also a whole forum down towards the bottom of this page that's dedicated to PDAs. You might want to check there for some good information as well :)

Blackberry storm is both PC and Mac compatible, FYI.

I begin NS soon and we are required to purchase PDA w/o phone or camera capabilities. I chose the Palm TX. The reason for no phone/camera is that apparently some clinical facilities in our area will not allow these devices on the floor due to HIPPA. I'm not sure how common that is, but something to consider.

I was at Kent and they had a nice deal set up with some company where we bought our software and PDA at a nice discounted rate. I never use it anymore though.

HIPPA has to do with the information being sent out. Camera and Phone has nothing to do with it. So long as the "unit, aka PDA" has a password protection and you delete the information prior to end of shift, you should be okay with HIPPA and PHI laws.

Only issue I have with itouch is that subscriptions you have to renew yearly. But I'm sure with more and more subscriptions that will soon change.

Also you can't beat the itouch having internet access so long as you can connect to a WiFi! :)

I was at Kent and they had a nice deal set up with some company where we bought our software and PDA at a nice discounted rate. I never use it anymore though.

Ebay it! Or post a sign in Henderson Hall to sell it. I'm sure you'd get top dollar!

Dear Sc4s,

You might want to hold off on buying the PDA until you get into your classes. I go to one of the regional KSU campuses BSN program. We were told to purchase it and after laying out the cash, were informed that they had to put it into the required purchases for financial aid purposes. We have not used it yet in the program. You might just test the waters in your program and if you really need it, then make your decision. The phones are definitely more versatile if you need one.