PDA-Hardware

RedSox33RN · Dec 10, 2004

There are many threads on PDA's, and who like what features and software, on this site. Do a search, and it should bring up quite a few.

I think there is also one stickied on the top of the "General Nursing" discussion board.

Good luck!

1 Leg Lance · Dec 10, 2004

I agree that you should do a search on previous threads...

until then here are some quick facts:

Operating system:

Palm has more free stuff

PPC looks more like windows if that is what you are used to

Actual models:

I recommend that if there is someone at school/work that has a pda you talk to them, they will be a good resource anyway :)

Also go to local stores and play with display units, I hate graffit (entering info with a stylus) so I went with models that had a keyboard, more $$ but worth it to me.

I loved my tungsten c, and now I have the treo 650 so I could get rid of my cellphone also. Before that was a HP, Palm IIIc, IIIxe, and others...

Feel free to email me for more info, links, past mistakes I made and such :)

enjoy,

1 leg lance

RN program, ICU extern and techo-geek

rosendalemj · Dec 11, 2004

Palm os has more sofware available.

Don't get anything that can't accept additional memory, so the minumum palm would be a M125. You will want memory to store the programs.

Speed. A palm m125 is sloow, a m500 faster. Newest even better. I think the m125 may be a bit slow to use any patient tracking software. Watch out features on the newest retail store units, some are entry level and can't do the desired job.

I use a m125 from ebay to keep the cost way way down ($35). Bought a 128mb smartmedia expansion memory card for cheap from a discount web site ($20). Bought a neat case for $2 as well at a discount web site. Screen is onlyB&W, it's slow, but I've got a nice pocket reference. http://www.compgeeks.com

I did not look at the multitude of other PDA companies that also use the palm operating system to keep the selection simple.

RedSox33RN · Dec 11, 2004

Yeah, I forgot about the Palm Vs. Windows OS's. I went for a Palm also (got a Tungsten T3 - expensive, but my gift to myself!). Someone told me that the Windows version tends to crash just as often as the Windows OS on a computer does. I really like the Palm because their is much more software, and I've only had mine crash once (and that was after a classmate locked it up somehow. Reset was a snap.)

There are a TON of freebie software programs. Some only work for a month or so before you need to purchase it, but it gives you a good idea if it will be useful or not.

I did purchase Taber's, Davis Drug Guide, and a generic Nursing Dx manual. Not the same as the Nsg. Dx manual we use in class, but good enough to give me some Dx's while on the unit and away from my books. Once you get "good" at the Dx's, sometimes all you need is a little "bump" in the right direction. I love doing Nursing care plans and dx's, so this works well for me.

In terms of which PDA, know what you want before you shop. Lots of memory is a good one, because the nursing software does use a lot. I did not want the PDA w/ a camera, though all those bells and whistles look good in the store, realistically, how often would you use it? I did get one that had a voice recorder, which I have used in lecture several times, though I find it doesn't record well unless I sit up front.

It's really a matter of narrowing your choices. Know what you want before you go to whereever you're going to buy. They will try to talk you into more options or a more expensive model. If you print out what you need, chances are they'll just sell you what you want, and not try to upsell. EBay is also an option also, if you can wait for shipping, or maybe want to save a little by getting a blemished or used one (Overstock.com also has new but blemished ones at a big savings.)

aruray · Dec 11, 2004

palm zire 31 is the cheapest around the market today. its expandable (memory that is), has enough "in house" memory and its colored! plays mp3 and has software that lets u view pictures hehhe. i think those features would fullfill the needs of a novice user like u. no need to pay extra for stuff that u wont use.

also there's a discussion here that might be helpful. https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=83126