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April 2004
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FP Watch Which hand-held computer is better for doctors? Part 2: Comparing models with Microsoft operating systems Anatoly Dobrousin, MD Igor Wilderman, MD, CCFP In this article (the first article1 was devoted to hand-held computers with Palm operating systems) we will discuss how to choose a hand-held computer running Microsoft operating systems (Windows and Pocket PC 2003). As noted in Part 1,1 these devices are more expensive, bigger, and more powerful than Palm OS–based machines. In 2002 Windows-based devices comprised about 30% of the Canadian hand-held market; Palm OS–based devices about 70%.2 This situation has probably changed now because Pocket PCs are catching up in all parameters, and many useful applications already exist for both systems. Operating system All but one of the reviewed devices (Cassiopeia E-200) run on the Pocket PC 2003 OS. This system is similar to the desktop Windows, familiar to many users. For example, it allows several applications to run simultaneously. More than that, if the machine is turned off without closing applications, they will still be running when the device is turned back on. This is certainly an advantage to this type of personal digital assistant (PDA). It also has all the Windows-related problems, however; the Pocket PC 2003 OS probably causes a PDA to “freeze” more often than a Palm OS. In addition, some applications do not run on the Pocket PC 2003 platform. RAM and NAND Random access memory (RAM) is the internal memory. You can read, write, and delete from it. It is lost when the PDA crashes. It is also called “volatile memory.” NAND flash memory is used to prevent data loss due to loss of power or unexpected system failure by backing up the data. Display and keyboard Almost all reviewed Pocket PC– and Windows-based PDAs have the Thin Film Transistor (with 65 536 colours) display of 9 cm (3.5 inches) or more diagonally and 240 x 320 resolution and an onscreen keyboard. Users dissatisfied with the onscreen keyboard can use a device with built-in keyboard, such as an HP iPaq-H4350, or can attach a portable one, which usually costs about $100. Modem The modem is an add-on device, which can be purchased for $170 to $180 and is easily installed in the expansion memory slot. Devices with only one slot, however, are limited to using modem or memory cards one at a time. Some machines come with integrated connectivity. Most are wireless and use the advanced Bluetooth or 802.11b (Wi-Fi) protocols for the connection. Also, you will be able to find at least a few models using telephone modems to connect the device to the telephone line. Syncing Communication between Pocket PC– or Windows-based PDAs and desktop computers is the same as with the Palm OS: via universal serial bus (USB) or infrared ports. Batteries Because Pocket PC OS computers are more powerful than Palm OS computers, they consume more energy. All of the devices are equipped with lithium batteries, which are easily replaced in most models. Multimedia All of the reviewed models can play MP3 files, record voices, and play them back. Almost all have integrated microphones, speakers, and jacks for headphones. The speaker is usually weak, however, so headphones will be needed in order to listen to music. Software Manufacturers add different software packages, but basic software is more or less the same. Almost all companies provide customers with an application manager program, which allows users to shut down any application running in the background if the device starts to “stutter.” Memory expansion slots Physicians will need a lot of memory to store and run multiple medical applications. Today’s Pocket PC–operating PDAs usually come with 64 MB of RAM, and in fact, we decided to review only these devices. However, 64 MB might not suffice for some users. An important feature to check for is the option for memory expandability of the PDA. Similar to the Palm OS devices, memory is added with the help of memory cards. Secure Digital (SD) and Compact FlashTM (CF) are the most common types of memory cards. A Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) card slot allows users to connect either standard memory expansion SD cards or different devices like bar code scanners or Bluetooth wireless connection cards. Making choices Any of the basic units could satisfy the requirements of medical professionals: relatively moderate price, small size, and an option to expand the memory. Roughly, we can subdivide these units into two categories: relatively slow devices with 206- to 300-MHz processors (Table 1) and more rapid 400-MHz machines (Table 2), all of which have the Pocket PC 2003 operating system. They all have display resolution of 240 x 320.
Table 3 summarizes some of the most useful software for physicians, which might help them decide how much memory they need for their PDAs. Also, take into account that the effective RAM on 64-MB Pocket PCs is about 56 to 58 MB and the basic software bundle (including Office, Outlook, etc) occupies about 8 MB. It is also worth leaving about 3 to 4 Mb for personal records (telephone book, calendar, things to do, and memos), and at least 16 MB free of software for normal functioning of the PDA. The total memory required by an average user is often above 60 to 70 MB, which might require purchasing an expansion memory card.
Although there are many models, their technical characteristics are very similar. It seems wise (and less expensive if you are on a budget) to choose a model with two expansion slots for more functionality. Dell offers a nice option for configuring the device according to your needs. Toshiba hand-held computers come with NAND flash memory, which is important in preventing accidental data loss. If the most important feature you are looking for is the compact size, however, Hewlett-Packard’s PDAs are the best choice. If you are using demanding graphic applications, Toshiba e800 with its most advanced graphic chip would be the best choice, but there are not too many applications that would use its full power. Users who consider security as the most vital issue would probably find their best option to be HP iPaq H5550. At time of writing, the best hand-held computer for cost-to-functionality ratio was HP iPaq H4350.4 The variety of PDAs on the market might make choosing the “right for your needs” device difficult. We hope our article will facilitate the choice of PDA for many physicians. Dr Dobrousin is a second-year resident in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Dr Wilderman is a family physician in Thornhill, Ont. References 1. Wilderman I, Dobrousin A, Cameron S. Which hand-held
computer is better for doctors? Part 1: Comparing models with Palm operating
systems. Can Fam Physician 2003;49:1507-11. Bulletin Board Antibiotics: Use them wisely The national report card on antibiotic resistance was
recently released. The report was the work of the National Information
Program on Antibiotics (NIPA), a coalition of physicians, pharmacists,
and patient groups, who have been working since 1996 to raise awareness
of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of using antibiotics
wisely. Data show that, while rates of high-level resistance have remained
stable, the rate of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae was
slightly lower in 2003 than in 2002, and is lower in Canada than in many
other parts of the world. For more information, contact Natalie Pavlenko
or Christopher Windsor of Hill & Knowlton Canada at (416) 413-4658
or (416) 413-4746 or 1-800-565-4535. |
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