Recently, I had the opportunity to travel across the country. I was not surprised to see the large amount of cell phone devices at airports. It seemed as if no one has the ability to remain unconnected; as though the need to stay on top of things is paramount to one's very existence. What did we do before cell phones?
But the smart devices, well they are the more interesting gadgets. Yes, there was the iPhone which seemed very interesting, but I had the opportunity to see some other devices in action. The Ericsson P3i model was interesting. I was able to get my hands on one at the airport and it really looked and felt good. The Blackberry line was also interesting.
Not to be left out, I took out my Lifedrive and ran ran the eBook program and started reading Dr. Doolittle, a novel that I had started about a year ago on a family vacation. It was interesting and I got through about half the book without interruptions. But then I ended up watching a movie and an episode of House. It was then that I realized how versatile my Lifedrive really is. Not only could I read an eBook, watch a movie and a TV show, but I can then leave both of those and run Documents, Spreadsheets and medical software.
Then I got to thinking. With Apple announcing that they will open up the iPhone in January or February, will this bode well for Palm? In fact, will this bode well for Microsoft and its platform of devices? If you suddenly have a device that has the best screen known on any portable device, coupled with the speed of program access and seamless phone and web access, along with a built in music player; now adding an SDK for developers to port popular programs such as Epocrates, Documents, PDR, Harrison's, various medical calculators and suites, PDF's and other software, what would stop thousands of health care providers migrating to the Apple side, buying either the iPhone or iTouch?
Throw in an ereader with black ink on a white background and you just might have the perfect device. Obviously batteries are a concern and if Apple decided to make iPhone II with removable batteries, then this could spell trouble for Palm. As soon as I see the first medical app for the iphone, with very little utilization of memory, I will know what is happening. I think that we will have to see how this pans out, but my guess is that the small entrepreneurs are the ones who will be doing this first. A simple OB calculator to begin with and the next thing you know, it's an iPhone Medical Suite.
Palm must come out with its new OS soon if they are to prevent the migration of providers and customers to Apple.
LDD.
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hi,
We wanted to give you an update on Epocrates on the iPhone.
We noticed that you expressed interest in medical technology for the new iPhone or iPod touch devices on your blog. We wanted to let you know that Epocrates free Online drug content is now available in a format that's optimized for the Apple devices.
Simply point your Safari browser to http://m.epocrates.com/iphone to access continually updated monographs for more than 3,300 drugs.
Apple plans to launch the Software Developers Kit in early 2008; we are excited to explore the opportunity to offer our mobile products on this new platform as well.
For BlackBerry fans, a new version of Epocrates free mobile application is now available via a wireless download, visit: http://www.epocrates.com/products/rx/blackberry.html
The Epocrates Team
Well Epocrates Team,
That didn't take long did it? Thanks for the email message on the blog and I think that by now, it could mean that Palm is in for trouble at the gates.
With the SDK being published, it can only mean that You and others out there are going to find a way to make the iPhone and iTouch the new PDA. It was inevitable!
Again, Thanks so much for the update.
LDD.
The wait is over! We are excited to announce that Epocrates Rx software for iPhone is now available for download! Epocrates Rx allows for instant access to drug Information, pill ID, drug Interactions and reference formulary Information - all without the need for Internet connectivity!
Taking advantage of the iPhones computing power and visual capabilities, this free drug and formulary reference features a drug identifier tool that helps doctors determine a patient’s existing medication with a physical description (e.g., round, blue and scored). As many doctors have said – no more mystery pills!
Epocrates designed specifically for the sleek and user-friendly interface of the iPhone platform taking advantage of the innovative interface and computing power. Be one of the first to see it at http://www.epocrates.com/products/rx/iphone.html.
Thanks,
The Epocrates Team
Thank you,
I just downloaded it to the iPhone. It is truly wonderful. Would like for you to include the insurance data though. That seems to be missing yet it is integral to my practice.
Thanks again for the update.
LDD.
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