Smartphone and Handheld Purchasing Guide
Many students have asked for information about purchasing handheld devices, especially for the M3 year. This is a short list of suggestions, collected from the Class of 2011 students on what works for them during the clinical rotations. There is a lot of good commentary and wisdom on the full questionnaire results: Click hereSmartphones are NOT necessary for M3 year!
Those who have purchased them like them for email, calendar, and software such as Epocrates Rx.
Those who have not have NOT been negatively impacted on the wards.
In Feb 2010, M3's were asked "What handheld technology do you feel has been helpful for you during your M3 year, if any?" There were 52 respondents.
- Helpful Hardware:
- 38% use an iPod Touch
- 36% use an iPhone
- 16% use Pen/Paper/Book
- 6% use a Blackberry
- 2% use a Windows Mobile Smartphone
- 2% use a Standalone PDA.
- Helpful Software:
- 38% use Epocrates Rx or Essentials (subscription version)
- 19% use Wifi for Google, Wikipedia, and UpToDate
- 16% use Pen/Paper/Book
- 14% use Diagnosaurus
- 9% use Eponyms for iPhone/iPod*
*Apple also has a list of applications for iPhone/iPod here.
Considerations when purchasing a device
If you have a carrier in mind, go to their physical store if you can. You learn more by using the handheld than any website can tell you.There are a LOT of choices of smart phone models and Operating Systems. Consider your needs. Keep these things in mind:
- Does it have Wifi?
- How easy is it to use?
- Are there additional costs? (eg: Data plans)
Ask your friends. Chances are that they have a lot of ideas on how/where to use it in the curriculum.
UM Student Discounts! Click Here
- AT&T 10%
- T-Mobile 6%