Smartphones: Ask 4 questions before you buy
PDA/cell phone combinations let you surf the Internet, plan your schedule, and more. Which models are right for your practice?
Choosing a smartphone
Your new smartphone will be your practice “companion,” so you want to get this choice right. As you shop for a smartphone, ask yourself:
- Which medical reference software do I plan to use? As with PDAs, smartphones work on the Palm OS/Windows Mobile/Pocket PC operating systems. Although most major medical reference titles—such as Lexi-Comp and Epocrates—come in Palm OS and Windows Mobile/Pocket PC versions, others are compatible with only one operating system.
- Can I read the screen display? Although text usually can be enlarged or shrunk, screen size determines how much you can see at a glance. Make sure you’re comfortable with the display before you purchase.
- Can I work the keyboard? Most smartphones integrate a small QWERTY keyboard for sending e-mail. Each smartphone keyboard has a different feel; make sure you can type comfortably and accurately.
- Which form feels most comfortable? Smartphones range from candy-bar shaped and flip phones, to slider and clamshell models.
In the end, the answers to these questions—plus a hefty dose of visceral appeal—should influence your choice. Smartphones are constantly evolving, so you’re better off taking the plunge rather than waiting for the ultimate smartphone.
Table
Smartphone models: Sample listing
| Model | Key features/cost |
|---|---|
| - Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 |
| - Slim form factor | |
| - Cutting-edge design | |
| - Price unknown | |
| - Available this Spring | |
| - Palm OS (650) |
| - Ergonomic design | |
| - Largest library of medical reference software available | |
| - Touch screen 320×320 pixels | |
| - $219-$548 | |
| - Windows Mobile 5.0 |
| - Ergonomic design | |
| - Touch screen 240×240 pixels | |
| - $399-$499 | |
| - Microsoft Windows Mobile for Pocket PC Phone Edition 2003 SE |
| - Runs full Microsoft Office Mobile suite | |
| - Slide-out keyboard and touch screen input | |
| - $429-$499 | |
| - RIM Blackberry OS |
| - EDGE enabled for fast Web browsing | |
| - Push e-mail (no latency) | |
| - $0-$299 | |
| - Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition |
| - Integrated GPS receiver with navigation software | |
| - Runs full Microsoft Office Mobile suite | |
| - Wi-Fi- and EDGE-enabled for fast Web browsing | |
| - Push e-mail | |
| - Pricing unknown | |
| - Available late spring | |
| Source: www.cnet.com | |
Related resources
Brighthand Consulting. Reviews and other information on smartphones, other handhelds. www.brighthand.com.
Cnet.com. Listing of 90 smartphone models by manufacturer, carrier, other criteria. https://reviews.cnet.com/4566-6452_7-0.html?tag=coco.
Engadget. Reviews of smartphone models. https://www.engadget.com/search/?q=smartphones.
Disclosure
Dr. Montgomery reports no financial relationship with any manufacturer whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
