Academic Calendar
Clinical Calendar
Clinical Student Notes
CCA M2 | M4
Clinical Learning & Tracking Portfolio
CTools
Dual Degree Programs
Evaluation Forms
Faculty and Staff Contact List
Family Centered Experience
Health Sciences Libraries
Heart Sound and Murmur Library
Heart Sound Challenge
Medical Student Portfolio
Medical Student Clinical Scheduling
Professional Skill Builder
Sign-up for Events
Wolverine Access
VA CPRS Access

Curriculum Review 2003
Exam Deferral Policy
Exam Review Policy (M1/M2)
Grading Policies 2009-2010
Procedures Related to Grading Polices

Office of Student Programs
Admissions
Career Development
Career Seminar Videos
Classroom Services Financial Aid
2009 Match List
Residency & Match Assistance
Student Counseling
Student Face Book
Student Health
Student Research
White Coat Blues

Handhelds have a lot of features, but the most important features are:

1. Wireless – 802.11g also known as WiFi is the most liked feature

2. Phone capability - can include voice and/or data minute plans (optional)

3. Price range ($100-450)

1. Wireless (WiFi):

WiFi enables a Handheld to connect to the hospital wireless infrastructure (802.11g) in order to surf the web, send text pages, or update software via the Internet. In order to get onto the UMHS-Wireless network, the Handheld/Smartphone needs to be registered with MCIT (Medical Center Information Technology). Click here to learn about the different wireless networks available to you. Wireless is not necessary, but is a well-liked feature by students.

2. Device Capabilities:

The term “Smartphone” is used to describe a Handheld with Phone (voice) and Internet (data) capabilities. It can be used to describe Palm, Windows, iPhone, Google Android, or BlackBerry devices. To add to the confusion, there are two versions of Windows Mobile devices. The benefit of a Smartphone is that you have fewer things to carry. Cellular companies offer voice and data plans. Commonly, students choose not to purchase a data plan and instead use our onsite WiFi networks. However, some smartphones require you to purchase a data plan, and you have no choice (eg: AT&T and the iPhone).

Financial Aid can be used for a phone device ONLY if it has Handheld capabilities such as a Smartphone (types listed below).

• Windows Mobile Devices:

•  Pocket PC Edition – has a touch screen like a standard PDA Handheld. Screens can come in square, rectangular, or full device screens. Such as the Sprint Mogul, and the Palm Treo 800w. These can run the full Epocrates Essentials suite of applications. Purchase subscriptions here.

•  Smartphone Edition – does not have a touch screen and usually only has a square screen. Such as the Samsung Blackjack II or Motorola Q. Can only run the FREE Epocrates Rx drug reference database, not the full Epocrates Essentials suite of applications. FREE Epocrates Rx can be found here.

• PalmOS Smartphones:

•  Several models to choose from (Treo 800w, Centro, Treo Pro, and Palm Pre). Can run the full Epocrates Essentials suite of applications. Older OS that supports many applications, but does not surf the web very well. Newer version expected to ship this summer called the Palm Pre with a brand new OS. Nothing is known about it at this time.

• iPhones and iPod Touch:

• iPhone and iPod Touches now can run the free Epocrates Rx and full Essentials suite. iPods are perfect for those who are locked into a phone contract and would not be able to purchase a new smartphone. iPhones are the same, but with the added advantage of having the phone and data plans.

• Blackberry:

• Blackberries are used by many of the faculty and staff at the UMHS. The Blackberry has convenient features and easy access to email (Groupwise). The UMHS also maintains a Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES). BES will synchronize your Groupwise Email, Calendar, and Contacts, as well as provide security for your Blackberry. In the event that the device is lost or stolen, the MCIT support staff can remotely delete any personal information on the device, and disable it. This is the only handheld that this is available for. There is an extra cost for BES service by your cellular carrier. Typically it's about $20 more per month for your data service (on top of the $20/month normal data cost for Internet service). Enquire with your carrier for exact costs. To set up BES service, contact MCIT at 734-936-8000.

• Android (by Google):

• Google Android Operating System is the newest in the Smartphone lineup. At this time, not much is known about Android. Epocrates software does not work on Android. Software changes daily on the Android platform, and there may be equivalent pharmacopeia software available.

3. Price Range: 

A stand-alone Handheld, like an iPod Touch or PDA, will work as well as a Smartphone when it comes to Personal Information Management (eg: datebooks, to-do lists, and memos). Some students choose to use a stand-alone Handheld instead of a Smartphone, so that in the event of damage, they still have their separate phones. There are only a few manufacturers of stand-alone PDA’s. They are Asus, and HP. Apple makes the iPod Touch. Each of the following features will affect the price range of stand-alone Handheld’s.

• All stand-alone Handheld’s have the same basic features: calendar, to-do lists, memopad, and address lists

• Wireless Handheld’s have the basic features above as well as the ability to surf the web over 802.11g (WiFi). Do not confuse WiFi wireless with Bluetooth.

• All devices surf the web differently. Some are better than others. Palm devices and Blackberries are slow, but iPod Touches surf the Internet as well as any desktop computer!

The following table will help you identify a device in your price range, and a short list of features. Not all models listed have been tested in our environment, but they appear to meet the minimum requirements and have good reputations for quality and support.

All Smartphones require Cellular Phone service and Data plans may apply for additional charge.

There are many Smartphones on the market and more coming out every day. However, there appear to only be a few non-phone Handheld’s left. Asus, and HP are the only companies currently making Handheld’s. Palm used to sell the TX, and you can find it at some retailers, but it's very very old and is still about $300.

For a list of MCIT (Medical Center Information Technology) supported smartphone/Handhelds click here.

The LRC staff will help you with your Handheld to be best of our ability. Each Handheld is different, and problems can always arise. However, we will try our best to help you with any situation, or point you in the right direction.

Personal Computing
Wireless Networks at Med School
Groupwise Email at Med School
Getting Help
Printing and File Storage
Computer Labs
Edit Your Directory Information
Passwords
Workshops and Training

2012 (M2)
2011 (M3)
2010 (M4)
UMMS Student Council
Student Organizations
Professional Attire on the Wards
UMMS Google Wiki

Apartments (medstudent only)
Dose of Reality Med Student Blog
Maps of Medical Campus
Parking
Stuff to do in Ann Arbor
Transportation in Ann Arbor