Handheld Medical Website Reviews
Key:  ="good"
="better"
="best"
Devices themselves are not rated, but instead have either the
Palm OS  or Pocket PC icon.
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American Medical News
www.amednews.com
FREE
A free service that is updated weekly, AMNews does a great job of summarizing the week’s top stories in business, government, and health news pertaining to medical professionals. Published by the American Medical Association, it requires that you be subscribed to the free AvantGo mobile channel service, which you can downloaded via a link on the AMNews site or at the AvantGo website.
AvantGo
www.avantgo.com
FREE
AvantGo provides a free interface program which allows you to get news, weather, and sports from the Internet on your handheld. You can customize your downloads to include your favorite medical news websites, or just view ones already set up for you such as the AMNews channel.
Some medical schools and residencies also take advantage of the form submission and retrieval function AvantGo offers. Both the Internet and Form services are compatible with all handhelds, whether they are set up for wireless service or not. If your PDA is not wireless, the AvantGo files are refreshed every time you HotSync or ActiveSync.
BackupBuddy
www.bluenomad.com
Palm OS Only If you have a handheld, you need this. When you crash (not a matter of if, but when) or have to do a hard reset, you will lose all your data. If you only back up to compact flash, module, or memory stick, and it turns out to be corrupted (it has happened to a few people I know), you'll wish you had spent the $19 for this program. Not only will it back up all your programs onto your desktop when you HotSync, it archives all your old deleted files (just in case you want to put them back on at a later date). Rather than having to track down all your programs on your computer, on the web, and from your friends, BackupBuddy restores all of your data from your last HotSync.
Blue Nomad also has WordSmith, an excellent program which allows you to use your handheld for word processing (viewing, editing) which retains all formatting (spacing, font) from Microsoft Word. One nice feature is that any changes you make on your handheld are then synchronized with your desktop. This program works seamlessly with PrintBoy.
Conduits
www.conduits.com
Pocket PC Only Conduits has designed several utilities for the Pocket PC which address various navigation and interface limitations inherent in the operating system. Pocket Launcher ($10) allows for viewing applications as icons on the default startup screen. It also simplifies management of programs by providing four categories for organizing icons (essentially making it look more like a Palm OS screen). The Peacekeeper utility ($10) enhances communication with Palm OS devices by linking the name, address, and phone number fields (information which is often lost if the IR beaming is done directly). Support for beaming notes and several other types of files is also included.
In addition to these and other products offered to help tweak and customize your Pocket PC, Conduits also has a PowerPoint presentation program called Pocket Slide which supports several VGA devices. To make the Pocket PC VGA compatible, you must purchase a sleeve such as the LifeView FlyJacket (click here for sleeve review).
Clinical Pharmacology OnHand
www.cp.gsm.com
This is an excellent drug reference which comes with several useful tools. The prescribing information is organized by indication, and you simply tap on the indication to get the dosing. Dosing information is very detailed as compared to other drug references, but is still easy to read. For your patients with hepatic or renal issues, there are separate tabs that allow easy access to adjusted dosing/schedules. The "IV alert" is a great tool that allows you to look up different medication combinations and see if they can be given through the same IV access. There is also a general multicheck feature for screening for drug interactions.
Perhaps one of the cooler features is the ability to lookup by indication (something which can be done with some of the other drug references using the rather cumbersome "find" tool). For example, if you look up "angina" or "gastroesophageal reflux" or "migraine/migraine prophylaxis", you will find not only standard prescription meds listed, but also over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies. In addition, you can enter in the type of infection as an indication (such as cellulitis), making it a practical infectious disease reference as well.
OnHand offers the option of being updated each time you HotSync/ActiveSync and are connected to the Internet. Annual license is around $100/yr, with the IV alerts feature being an additional $50/yr.
Current Clinical Strategies (CCS) Publishing
www.ccspublishing.com
Browse through the Current Clinical Strategies library and download texts following their website instructions for CCS book owners. Use Adobe Acrobat for Palm OS or Pocket PC to view your downloads on your handheld, or read your books on your desktop computer with Adobe Acrobat for Windows/Mac.
Dell Computers
www.dell.com
The Dell Axim X5 gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Priced from $200-$300, these handhelds will likely give HP a real run for their money. One of the beauties about these devices is that they have both an integrated CompactFlash Type II slot and a Secure Digital / MMC one. The advantage of this is that you don’t have to buy a bulky sleeve with a CF adapter for plugging in wireless cards. Not only that, but you can use the other slot for external memory storage. The base model has a 300MHz processor, 32MB SDRAM, and 32MB ROM. For another $100, you can get a 400MHz processor with 64MB SDRAM and 48MB ROM.
Desktop and DocumentsToGo
www.dataviz.com
DesktopToGo is a nifty little program developed by the folks at DataViz that essentially gives Palm OS users the ability to synchronize their contacts, calendar, to do list, and memo pad with their desktop Microsoft Outlook.
Since Pocket PC already synchronizes with Outlook, DesktopToGo has the potential of serving as a bridge between the Palm and Pocket PC operating systems (via your desktop). Downloading the trial version allows you to do the initial conversion. If you plan to continue to use both a Palm OS and Pocket PC, it is worth while to purchase the program (cost is around $30) so that you can keep all of your information (especially your calendar and contact list) up to date on both handhelds.
Palm OS Only DocumentsToGo is another DataViz product. It enables the Palm OS to view Microsoft Word and Excel files, and works seamlessly with the print application PrintBoy.
ePocrates
www.epocrates.com
FREE
qRx is an excellent and easy-to-use drug reference which includes indications, dosage, MOA, adverse rxns, medication costs, and a "multicheck" feature for interactions. Formulary information is also available (check the ePocrates website to see if your organization is participating), allowing the clinician to access formulary data including suggested alternatives, tier information, and authorization. The prescription drug database is free for Palm OS users, and is updated every time you HotSync. For quick and concise information on medications, this reference is hands-down the best.
With an annual subscription ($50), the complete version can be downloaded which also contains an alternative medicines database, MedMath (a medical calculator, also available as a separate and free download), as well as many useful tables (i.e., ACLS, vaccinations, opiate equivalents). A feature called "DocAlerts" can be activated with both versions, notifying you of new medications and updates from the USPSTF and CDC.
Pocket PC Users ePocrates has finally released Rx Pro for Pocket PC! It is every bit as easy to navigate through and use as the Palm OS version, but is missing some features (such as MedMath). Unfortunately, there is no free version available for Pocket PC, and an annual subscription is required. If you are not ready for this kind of commitment, the mobilePDR is a comparable (but not as comprehensive) drug reference that is free and compatible with both the Palm OS and Pocket PC.
Franklin
www.franklin.com
Franklin has a large library of books for both Palm OS and Pocket PC, from coding references and diagnostic/therapeutic manuels, to drug references (including the PDR) and medical dictionaries.
Gethightech
www.gethightech.com
These are handheld service/repair specialists. You may buy refurbished handhelds and accessories here. If you are trying to unload a PDA, they offer competitive prices, whether your handheld is working or broken.
HanDBase (DDH Software)
www.ddhsoftware.com
HanDBase is an excellent programming tool that requires very little computer savvy in order to design your own database for keeping track of virtually whatever you want. Build programs for keeping track of patients, dictations, procedures, etc. or download prefabricated ones from the web site. More sophisticated users will not be disappointed, as the software allows you to create very complex links between databases and perform calculations. The optional desktop application is recommended, as this will allow other users to view and share your database (i.e., patient list) through the system interface.
HandEra
www.handera.com
Here you will find hardware, software links, and accessories from the makers of TRGpro. Utilizes CF cards for memory expansion. Unfortunately, the manufacturer will be discontinuing their handheld product as of summer 2003 (click here for details).
Handheldmed
www.handheldmed.com
Partnered with @Hand Medical, this site boasts a large library of medical reference texts, including the Merck Manuel, the Five Minute Clinical Consult series, Harrison's Handbook, and many others. The Handheldmed reader is compatible with SD/MMC, CF, and Memory stick expansion card use. AMSA members receive substantial discounts (35% off on all purchases) as well as a free Merck Manual!
Handspring
www.handspring.com
Greyscale and Color handhelds, modules (MP3, GPS, digital cameras, pagers, phones, additional memory), and software links may be found here. There are adapter modules available that allow for expansion using CF and MMC/SD cards, allowing for virtually unlimited data storage.
HP/Compaq iPAQ
www.hp.com
In the market for a handheld that runs on the Pocket PC operating system? If so, it is worth your while to visit the HP/Compaq website to see their line of handheld devices. They come standard with Microsoft® Pocket Word™, Excel™, Outlook™, Internet Explorer™, and Windows Media™ Player. TFT (transreflective) screens with 65,000+ colors make them easy to view in all kinds of lighting conditions.
The iPAQ product line has something for everyone. The newest addition, the 1910, is HP's answer to the Dell Axiom and the ViewSonic V35. Priced at just under $300, it features a fair amount of RAM, an SD expansion slot, and is 2/3 the size of other iPAQs. The more expensive 3900's have faster processors and more RAM. The 5400's come with built-in Bluetooth and 802.11b (wireless) for linking with Bluetooth enabled phones, printers, PCs, and WLAN (wireless local area network).
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InfoRetriever
www.infopoems.com
Pocket PC Only This is a very nicely bundled product for the Pocket PC, and includes InfoPOEMS (monthly journal reviews), practice guideline summaries, clinical decision rules and diagnostic test calculators, dermatology photographs, and a Griffith's Five Minute Clinical Consult. Content is updated continually, and individual licenses run from $250-$350 annually. Institutional licenses are also available.
They are currently beta-testing their software for the Palm OS, and plan to have a full version available in early 2003.
iSilo
www.isilo.com
There are numerous document readers available for viewing .pdb files, but iSilo is by far the most versatile. It is available for both the Palm OS and Pocket PC, and is very reasonably priced (around $17). The full version includes hyperlinks for document internal navigation, and also displays images, which comes in handy when reading your EKG text (best viewed on high-resolution screens). It is fairly easy to convert your existing desktop documents into iSilo format, and there are lots of free iSilo applications available from the Memoware, MeisterMed, and DocPanama sites, as well as the Downloads Page on this site.
Johns Hopkins Antibiotic Guide
www.hopkins.org
FREE
This is an excellent infectious disease resource, and it is free! Published by the folks at Johns Hopkins, it is a handheld version of their on-line ABX Guide. It is updated whenever you HotSync or ActiveSync, so you always have the most recent recommendations available as of your last connection. Look up terms by pathogen, diagnosis, or antibiotic. Renal dosing is provided.
JournalToGo
www.journaltogo.com
FREE
View abstracts from your favorite medical journals for free! You may also set up your preferences to view journals according to area of interest, i.e., Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Infectious Disease, etc.
Medical Pocket PC
www.medicalpocketpc.com
Pocket PC Only There are lots of Pocket PC medical handheld applications to be found here. They are conveniently arranged by specialty, and there is a brief review of the product along with links to developer websites.
MeisterMed
www.meistermed.com
FREE
A series of clinical decision tools featuring such topics as asthma, lipid, and electrolyte management. All of the Meister series programs are free, with the exception of CodeMeister ($20) and CPTMeister ($50), which are comprehensive listings of ICD-9 and CPT codes, respectively. They are written for the iSilo reader, and are therefore compatible with both the Palm OS and Pocket PC.
MeisterMed also has a download section called the Medical iSilo Depot which contains many free and commercial medical iSilo documents arranged by category. Definitely worth checking out!
Memoware
www.memoware.com
FREE
Lots of free software!!! Originally this was a "Palm OS only" site. However, developers such as iSilo and HanDBase, which make document and database readers, respectively, changed that. Now both Palm OS and Pocket PC users can take advantage of the vast library of medical freeware located here!
If you go to the site, you will notice that different downloads suggest a variety of readers. You can usually get away with just having one document reader (either iSilo, TealDoc, AportisDoc, or Quickword - they all open .pdb files). Database programs, on the other hand, tend to be more proprietary (for example, a JFile Pro database will not work with HanDBase, and visa-versa), so you may have to do some shopping around before you settle on a database reader.
Palm
www.palm.com
The original Palm! There are several handhelds to choose from, from greyscale to color. The Tungsten series of PDAs, some of the earliest handhelds to use the new Palm OS 5.0, offers a variety of options such as Bluetooth, 802.11b, faster processor speeds with larger amounts of RAM, and wireless phone service. (Note: not all Palm software developers support the new OS yet, so you may want to let the dust settle a little before you go out and buy one.) The tried-and-true M515, which uses the older Palm OS version 4.1, is also still available.
One model in particular that is worth looking into is the Zire 71 (click here for another review). It is one of the more recent additions to the Palm lineup, and comes with 16 MB internal memory, an SD expansion slot, a fast processor, and a built-in digital camera. It is very competitively priced at just under $300.
PalmGear
www.palmgear.com
Palm OS Only Here you will find even more software, accessories, and links. Download Hackmaster, a reader that operates programs called HACKS (such as Afterburner, Crash, and AppHack). With these applications you can triple your clock speed (very helpful when opening large files like dictionaries, Merck Manual, Bible), reprogram your buttons for combinations (skipping the menu), and soft reset automatically without having to take out your stylus or find a paperclip. Use "search" to find these programs at PalmGear. To keep your screen from getting scratched, look into the WrightRight Screen Protector product (cover all of your screen or just the Graffiti box).
PalmPrint
www.stevenscreek.com
Palm OS Only This is a utility that lets you print out your memo, clipboard, schedule, and even e-mail. Cut and paste passages from the Merck or your Clinical Consult for quick presentations (printing requires access to an IR printer, which many hospitals/clinics have).
Physicians' Desk Reference
www.mobilepdr.com
FREE
This is a drug reference for both Palm OS and Pocket PC devices, and is very similar to ePocrates (thought not as comprehensive). It includes indications, dosage, MOA, adverse reactions, and has a feature which allows you to enter multiple drugs to scan for possible interactions. Content is updated frequently, and there are drug alerts and FDA announcements.
You will be prompted for a DEA# (or AAPA# if you are a PA) before you can download the free version. If you are a resident physician and don't have a DEA# yet, call the customer service department at (888) 632-9998 and they will bypass this requirement for you. I'm not sure if they will do this for medical and nursing students too, but it may be worth a call.
The PDR takes up about 4.8 MB of memory, and the current version does not support expansion card use. The developers are planning to address this in their 2003 update. If you don't have enough room for the whole PDR, you can download an abridged version (1.4 MB) for around $60 from the Franklin site.
PocketPCcity
www.pocketpccity.com
Pocket PC Only This is a great site if you want to learn more about Pocket PC. There are reviews and software downloads, as well as message boards. Hardware and accessories are also available, with links to various developer websites.
Pocket Plus
www.softspb.com
Pocket PC Only If you have a Pocket PC, you have probably noticed that once you open an application, it continues to run in the background even after you close it (unless you go to the iTask menu and close it from there). If you open multiple programs during the course of the day, you soon notice that everything grinds to a halt because all of the RAM gets used up. The folks at Spb Software House recognized this as being a problem, and made a fix for it. Their Pocket Plus utility ($10) allows you to select which programs will close and which ones will minimize, giving you more control of how your RAM is allocated. A "must have" for users opening more than just their contact list and e-mail!
Pocket SlideShow
www.cnetx.com
Pocket PC Only If you have a Pocket PC device, this is a fairly inexpensive upgrade ($20) which will allow you to view your PowerPoint presentations on your handheld. You can also rearrange, edit, and merge your slides. Click here to download the trial version.
PrintBoy
www.bachmannsoftware.com
This utility allows you to print e-mails, memos, and clipboard text. In addition, it has seamless compatibility with Pocket Word (Pocket PC), as well as Wordsmith and DocumentsToGo (Palm OS), allowing you to print out your documents and maintain formatting features such as font size, face, italics, bold, and underline.
If your hospital/clinic does not have an IR printer, the folks at Bachmann also market a portable IR adapter, which gives ANY printer infra-red capability. You must purchase a handheld printing utility such as PrintBoy for the IR adapter to work.
Rhodiana
www.rhodiana.com
Cases - undoubtedly one of the best investments for your handheld. Rhodiana cases provide protection of your screen when not in use, have extra padding in case you drop your handheld, allow for quick access, and come with an optional screen insert and a swivel belt clip. They currently manufacture cases for HandEra, as well as the older Palms, Handsprings, and the 3800/3900 iPAQs (not the new h1910). Orders are taken by phone at 1-800-338-8759.
You may want to also check out other handheld case manufacturer sites such as iProducts, Rhinoskin, DigitallyUnique, and HandheldComputerDepot. If you are uncertain which one to get, you may want to visit a local retailer such as Circuit City to "try on" cases before you buy.
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Sanford Guide
www.sanfordguide.com
Purchase and download the well-renowned and respected Sanford Guide for your PDA. The design and layout is very similar to the paperback version, with an easy-to-navigate table of contents and index. Cost is around $25 annually if you plan to update each year.
Silver Slider
www.silverslider.com
Want to get an iPAQ expansion sleeve but don't want to double your handheld's size? Then you should take a look at the Silver Slider. These are actually modified stock sleeves. There are a number of choices available, including multiple CF slots and an optional front cover (either stock or leather). For most models, the manufacturer has you mail in your sleeve for its customization.
Skyscape
www.skyscape.com
5MCC for Cardiology, Infectious Disease, Sports Medicine, ER, Orthopedics, as well as several dictionaries and drug references. Compatible with expansion cards. Pocket PC users can download Archimedes (a fairly comprehensive specialty calculator) for free.
SONY
www.sonystyle.com
Greyscale and Color SONY CLIE handhelds with optional built-in MP3 players and cameras. These devices boast lots of internal RAM as well as high-resolution screens at very competitive prices (the SJ-22 is $100 less than its Palm brand counterpart). These devices use Memory Stick® for expanding storage, which is comparable to SD/MMC and CF cards.
SupplyNet
www.thesupplynet.com
Want to surf the internet on your handheld but don't have built-in wireless capability? These folks specialize in cellular cables for all handheld computers including Palm, Handspring Visor, Sony Clie, Casio and Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC’s. The cables connect your cellphone to your PDA, and no modem is required.
Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia
www.tarascon.com
Now you can have the Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia on your Pocket PC or Palm OS handheld! Content is continuously updated. The developer is currently in the product testing phase, during which time the Pharmacopoeia will be free (estimated completion early 2003). Thereafter, it will cost approximately $25 a year. If you would like to register for the free beta-test version, go to the USBMIS website.
Toshiba
www.toshiba.com
The Toshiba line of handhelds is certainly worth looking into if you are considering a Pocket PC. Of note, their e330 (just under $300) is equipped with an Intel® PXA250® 300MHz processor as well as 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of ROM. It uses an SD slot for storage. If you are looking for a PDA which allows for even more flexibility and expansion options, the e750 (around $600) boasts an Intel® PXA255 400MHz processor, 96MB (64MB SDRAM/32MB NAND) memory, integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless capability, and both CF and SD card slots.
TUCOWS
http://pda.tucows.com
FREE
More reviews and lots of software (some free, some for purchase).
UpToDate
www.uptodate.com
Pocket PC Only UpToDate is a tremendous database of clinical information that has been written by physicians for physicians. Content is comprehensive and referenced, and is updated every four months. Current individual subscribers to the desktop edition may now download a Pocket PC version for no additional charge. It requires a 1 GB expansion card and a media reader.
ViewSonic
www.viewsonic.com
Measuring only 0.4" thick, this may be the thinnest Pocket PC device around! The V35 is impressive in other ways too. It boasts a beautiful color screen, plenty of RAM, and an SDIO slot (which may be used for data storage or a Bluetooth card). Under $300, it is very reasonably priced.
WinZip
www.winzip.com
WinZip is a program which will allow you to open programs and databases from the internet which have been compressed (i.e., put into zip format). The complete utiility will also enable you to create your own zip files for ease of data transfer for larger attachments and files. Cost is around $30.
If you just want to be able to open files which have been zipped, and don't have any need for a program which makes zip files, you can download a FREE unzip utility from the StuffIt website.
Have a favorite Handheld or other Medical Website
you think should be on this page? Let me know about it!
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