Pls advise! Windows vs Android/iPhone for student NPs

[RNinNYstate]

Please advise. I am starting NP program in a few weeks. A couple of days ago I switched from Android to Windows phone. I didn't realize until now that Windows doesn't offer much in terms of medical apps. A question for the current NP students: Do you find yourself using mobile apps a lot? Do you recommend I switch phones again? I am in a 14-day trial period and for a small fee can switch back to Android or iPhone. Otherwise I am stuck with Windows for 2 years. I will go to school part-time and will have Pharm next year, but will not have clinicals until my 3d year.

I read the threads re: mobile apps, but my question is more regarding the frequency of use rather than the choice of apps.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

Personally, I would not go with a windows phone because you will find it difficult to find apps of any kind. Developers are just not supporting those phones, it's enough to have to support iphone and android. No market share for windows phone = no app development.

As for frequency of use, that will depend on you and your program. I have cohorts who never use their phones, I use mine all the time.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I would go with iphone.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

I had an iphone and loved all the apps that came with it, but it was too hard to see, so I switched to an android and find that most of the apps that I use are available on the android and easier to see on a larger screen. I had looked at the windows version but dismissed it when I realized I they are very limited.

[mzaur]

I also second the recommendation against windows phone. The apps are just too limiting. You want Android or iOS for the large selection of apps. I'm particularly partial to Android since I don't like staring at a grid of icons, but the choice is yours on what you prefer. I recommend the Nexus 7 tablet and Nexus 5 phone or one of the other Google Play edition phones available from Google

[Cardiac-RN]

I had a Windows Surface Tablet & Iphone while in school... used the Iphone/apps every day, the surface was essentially useless.

Cardiac

[RNinNYstate]

Thank you, all, for your replies!

Unfortunately, I'm getting quite attached to my Windows phone, LOL. However, I emailed my program director with some questions and am waiting to hear back. If they have some specific requirements and/or recommendations regarding supporting technology use, I will definitely consider switching back to Android (I'm not used to iPhone... I had an Android prior to this Windows phone). I think in 2 years, when I start my clinical rotations, I will definitely benefit from all those apps, but for now I may be able to get by with what those same companies offer online.. still accessible on my phone.

Anyway, thanks for your help. I'm still considering...

[newFNP2015]

I will be graduating in December and have had android through the whole process. I use epocrates pretty heavily, but the rest I could probably do without. I have an iPad and like it, but just like the android system better for phones. The rest of my group in school has iPhones and I know they are happy with their decision. I agree with the above that either is fine, but Windows phone just isn't on the same level with apps.

[RNinNYstate]

After realizing just HOW limited Windows phone is on apps and after speaking with my program director, I went back to an Android phone and am loving it! BTW the camera on LG G2 is great! So I can still take awesome pix of my kids and have all my apps. :)

Thanks again to those who replied to my post.

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

This is SO not on topic, but I LOVED that my CNM program encourages us to use our smartphones. In nursing school, god forbid we so much as brought our phone on the unit. I get it, you don't want to be texting or facebooking or whatever, but text-based resources are out of date before they even hit the press.