Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 10

Hi everybody,
I'm a medical student who was recently chided by my clinical preceptor for not being behind the times for not having a PDA. I actually have an old Sharp Wizard, but I don't like it too much and don't really use it.

So, I was considering a Palm machine, and I've been browsing around. I noticed the Handspring, which certainly seems to be a better deal than the Palms. There seems to be a heck of a lot of programs for medicine purposes.
My questions are:

Is the Visor totally compatible with Palm?

Will I be able to run the Palm Medical Programs?

I assume the 8mb version of the Visor would be useful if I want to run a lot of these data intensive programs/databases?

I use Outlook Express for email, but what PC programs can I use for backing up the calendars and other programs from the Visor?

Are people happy with the Visors?

Is there anything coming down the pipe that I should wait for? I won't really, really need one of these things until July, so I can wait.

Thanks a lot.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 10

Oh,
Also, is not being able to upgrade the OS a problem? I would like this PDA to usefully last at least 2 years, and I'm not too sure how important the OS is for that?

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Nick

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 52

You might want to read the reviews here: http://www.pdamd.com/

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 434

As far as software compatibility goes, you needn't worry; but, for your peace of mind, you may want to check in on the status of know incompatibilities at:
http://www.visorcentral.com/silindex.php3

I doubt that the ROM issue will be a problem inside your two year window. Almost all software still supports OS v2.x, and there is still a fair amount of software that works with OS v1.x. The only area where OS/ROM issues are obvious is with IR support. Most of the reported problems are with games and IR syncing (which is supported in OS v3.3, but not with the Visor's v3.1h). Basic beaming with Palm devices is fine.

Another potential problem area is data acquisition (DA). While DA modules are announced, none are shipping. Since I doubt these will ever be high volume items, I wouldn't want to bet my life on their ever shipping. If you are doing the sort of research where this might be an issue, this might be something to think about.

On a lighter note. None of the Visors should threaten the status value of an attending's Palm V or Vx . . . just don't mention that you've got pretty much all the functionality at half the price!

Finally, you are right in thinking in terms of the Deluxe. 2MB probably would not be enough for your needs.

[This message has been edited by yucca (edited 01-20-2000).]

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 289

The Visor is fantastic. It is about 99% compatible with the palm. There are a few hacks (system extensions) that don't work, but fortunately most of these add-ons have already been corrected to work with the Visor.

You should beable to run Palm Medical Programs without a problem. I think I remember someone mentioning they use their visor (a medical student) with a variety of medical applications.

8MB version should be enough unless you really go overboard with a ton of databases, then the 8MB add-on (16MB total) may be of use.. if you REALLY think you would need more, then you could always get a TRGPro and throw in a 340MB harddrive. heh.. To give you an idea of what 8MB can hold, I had the entire King James bible, about 16 games, 2 dozen avantgo channels (basically internet channels trimed down for palmpilot), all of my addresses/appointments/etc and about a dozen notes.. along with a few system "hacks" and a few other tidbits -- that only took up 6MB..

The visor comes with the Palm Desktop which will sync all of the built in applications to your computer (datebook, address book, memos, to do lists, etc..) other applicaitons that require backed up data can interface with the Palm Desktop.

I am very happy with my Visor. After the stowaway keyboard comes out for it (next month) I will start using the Visor to take notes in class. When (if(?)) the SixPack comes out, I will end up using my Visor as my internet connection, primary news source, etc.. Complete portability -- I can't wait.

As far as things coming down the pipeline.. they are introducing color palms very soon. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to sit it out and see what happens with those (regarding new OS features, battery life, etc..) if anything, it *should* drive the price down on the current Palm devices. Also, depending on what you figure on using the device for, you could wait and see what expansion cards are available for the various systems (all of the current vaporware springboards, TRGPro's compact flash modules, etc..)

Anyways, hope this helps .. if anything, I have found doing searches on this discussion board to be VERY useful to find out additional information on the Visor.

Joe

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 10

I'm a resident who just got a handspring and I'm having a great time with it. It saves me time by doing all my SOAP notes on it. Also, I do all my H&Ps on it. The palm medical programs are compatible. The drug databases are also excellent. I have a ton of stuff and I'm still only using about 1.5 MB of 8MB. Definitely worth getting. Once you're making the "big bucks" during internship, you can always upgrade.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 106

Not to mention things like the Backup Module for those hard resets when you *need* the data and *aren't* near your PC/cradle.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 6

The Visor is just GREAT! I love it.
Check out this site for some medical stuff which is all Palm and Visor compatable. http://handheldmed.com/code/palm/index.html

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 7

Very strongly recommend that you get a Visor.
I'm a pediatric cardiologist. I love my Blue Visor Deluxe (BVD).
One of my colleagues has a Palm III. We bea info back and forth easily. I'm trying to get the rest of the group to get with the 21st century and get palm os devices.
Very convenient transfer of patient data, tracking of individual patients and scheduling.
I am just getting into adding databases such medications, drug-drug interactions etc.
PDA-MD site is very good (see link above).
Go for it now. You''ll find many great uses.

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Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 434

quote:

---

Originally posted by yucca:
On a lighter note. None of the Visors should threaten the status value of an attending's Palm V or Vx . . . just don't mention that you've got pretty much all the functionality at half the price!

---

Nope. Status value only goes to the Vx - the standards have changed. A nice Visor colour beats the V any day!

Anyway, I'd appreciate it if anyone can point me towards (anatomical) pathology related software for the Palm OS.


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Eugene Hsieh
Editor, VisorCentral FAQ

[This message has been edited by Eug (edited 01-23-2000).]

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 20

I'm a 3rd year medical student and I LOVE my Visor. I just bought a 8 meg springboard since I have filled my Visor Deluxe to capacity with medical references. I would have been unable to expand had I had a Palm Vx. I've put together a web page with palmOS medical links if you are interested.
www.louisville.edu/~dahass01/palm.html

People are buying Visor's left and right here.

-David

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Posts: 46

Here are some considerations:
1) Check with your IS department before you choose; ours won't support anything but Palm or Casiopia devices. Providing my install goes smoothly, they said they would have no problem supporting my Palm OS device (Reg. Visor).
2) Do order the serial cradle if your system is NT.
3) Stick with Palm OS devices, they are more common, less trouble and are better supported in the medical community.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

Hey, I was wondering if anyone knows of any Radiology (or similar/related field) programs or data that's available for palm devices? I'm planning on buying a Visor deluxe for my girlfriend when she graduates and becomes a Radiology Tech (or continues for ultrasound and/or echos). Thanks in advance for any help or links.
Badkarma