Where would we be without smartphone tethering?

Do you tether with your smartphone? I find that many people use smartphones and also carry laptops when they're traveling for business. Very few of these individuals realize that they can use their smartphone as a 3G wireless modem for their laptops. Tethering is a cost-effective way to stay connected if you don't want to pay for a dedicated 3G wireless card for your laptop.

My Thinkpad has built-in WWAN from AT&T, but I choose to tether using my smartphone since I can't justify the costs associated with paying for a dedicated wireless connection.

Tethering may not be available on the AT&T iPhone (unless you do some jailbreaking and hacking), but it can be done on Windows Mobile, Android, BlackBerry, and others.

When will the Verizon iPhone arrive?

Well, Apple didn't announce a Verizon iPhone this week, so when will this device arrive? Some have speculated that we might see an iPhone on the Verizon network in 2010. Do you still think that will happen?

My wife (who's a family physician) is eagerly awaiting a CDMA iPhone for the Verizon network. Until then, she will patiently wait, even though she qualifies for a "New Every Two" smartphone upgrade on her Verizon account.  To that point, I actually know quite a few physicians who are waiting for the Verizon iPhone.  How long will they be waiting, and will it be worth the wait? Maybe they'll experience 4G speed on that version of the iPhone.

New version of Epocrates on the BlackBerry® is now available!

Epocrates has released an updated version of its software for the BlackBerry.

Get the latest version of Epocrates on your BlackBerry device and enjoy improved performance and the most current clinical content. Click on the "Upgrade Now" for simple steps to get your free upgrade.

I have enough PDAs to create a museum

When I retire, I'm going to create a mini museum containing all my gadgets. Right now, I have enough PDAs to create a museum. Some of them were handed down to me for a variety of reasons. Plus, I have several current devices for testing purposes, so I often end up with many new and old PDAs and smartphones.

My oldest PDA probably doesn't technically qualify as a PDA. PDA means “Personal Digital Assistant” and according to Wikipedia:

The term PDA was first used on January 7, 1992 by Apple Computer CEO John Sculley at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, referring to the Apple Newton.

I have an Apple Newton for my museum. I also have a Sharp Wizard (it was called an electronic organizer) and an original Palm Pilot along with many other "first generation" PDAs. Some of my really old PDAs have dead batteries, so I don't know what I should do with them. The original Palm Pilot only required AAA batteries. The Apple Newton came with an adapter that allowed you to use AA batteries. We don't see this type of battery innovation these days, do we?

So, how many PDAs do you have and do you have enough for a museum?

Chatting with the USBMIS team (#ACME10)

It's an honor to have the chance to chat with the USBMIS team here at the Alliance for CME meeting. If you're attending the Alliance for CME meeting, make sure to swing by the USBMIS booth to speak with this group.

Save 10% on Lexi-Comp Products

Looking for some medical software? Lexi-Comp is a nice option if you're looking for a comprehensive suite of medical applications.

You can save 10% on Lexi-Comp products between now and February 15 by entering the coupon code NN110 at checkout.

Lexi-Comp offers medical apps for the following smartphone operating systems:

What's your favorite medical app? If you're currently using a smartphone running Android or webOS, then your options are fairly limited. There are still many apps for Windows Mobile and BlackBerry, but sometimes I wonder how these two operating systems will compete against the Apple iPhone and Android.

Vote for Medical Smartphones (MedGadget Medical Weblog Awards)

MedGadget is running the Sixth Annual Medical Weblog Awards sponsored by Epocrates.

MedicalSmartphones.com has been nominated under the category: "Best Medical Technologies/Informatics Weblog of 2009"

I appreciate your support! Every vote counts! Please click here and vote for Medical Smartphones!

Tarascon Primary Care for the iPhone and iPod Touch

If you're a fan of Tarascon products and you have an Apple iPhone or iPod touch, then you'll be glad to know that Tarascon Primary Care is now available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Be one of the first to use the new Tarascon Primary Care iPhone Application. This must-have app concisely covers the full spectrum of primary care medicine, allowing you to look up vital information quickly and easily right at the point of care. Numerous tables and figures as well as the ability to search by drug, class or disease allows for simple and intuitive navigation. The perfect resource for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and PAs! 12 month subscription $19.99.

Don't forget that you can also get the Tarascon Pharmacopoeia iPhone App. You can find these medical apps on iTunes or by visiting http://www.tarascon.com/

Palm Pre Plus and Palm Pixi Plus now on Verizon Wireless

If you're a customer on Verizon Wireless, you may like to know that the Palm Pre Plus and the Palm Pixi Plus are now available on Verizon Wireless for $149.99 and $99.99, respectively.

I wonder if this is the smartphone my wife will get. She's a family physician in private practice. She used to have a Sony Clie running the original Palm OS. Then, she switched to a Palm Treo and began using Windows Mobile. Now, I think she's ready to try webOS (although I'm trying to convince her to go with an Android smartphone). Given that she needs to run Epocrates right away, neither webOS nor Android are optimal for her. So, what's she going to do?  Hint: she's waiting for the Apple iPhone to arrive on Verizon.

Medical students are using the iPhone or iPod touch to study medicine

Today's medical students have access to some incredible educational resources. On the Apple iPhone and iPod touch, you can download some great apps that can help you study when you're "on the go." Instead of carrying your heavy textbook everywhere, you can use your iPod to study at the gym, on the train, etc. Instead of staring at a textbook to memorize medical information, medical students are using interactive multimedia resources to study medicine.

Some of my favorite educational medical apps include the anatomy apps made by 3D4Medical.com and you can try some of these as "free" apps. I wonder how many medical schools provide included subscriptions to these resources for their medical students.

Medical students are also using the multimedia features found on smartphones like the iPhone to view recorded video lectures and listen to audio podcasts (also lectures) while they're exercising on the treadmill or walking around a track. I wish I had these types of resources when I was a medical student.

Top 10 smartphones according to PC World (and my thoughts)

According to PC World, the Motorola Droid running Google's Android OS is the #1 "top smartphone." Surprised? The Apple iPhone 3GS is #2 and the Google Nexus One (Android OS) is #3.

• There are no Windows Mobile phones on that "top 10" list.
  
• Also, the BlackBerry Storm2 didn't make that list.
• 5 out of the 10 run Android
• 2 out of the 10 run webOS
• 2 out of the 10 are BlackBerries
• There's only one Apple iPhone
  

Speaking of the iPhone, many people will argue that the iPhone 3GS should be #1. For 2010, I could make a very compelling argument that the iPhone is the #1 medical smartphone. However, I'm also a strong believer that this could (and probably will) change over the next few years. Having said that, let me say that I still highly recommend the Apple iPhone to physicians who are interested in getting a new smartphone. Many physicians still use older devices like the Palm Treo and they're accustomed to the original Palm OS. They have a Mac at home and all their colleagues in the hospital have an iPhone. Should they get an iPhone? Yes! Should they get an Android smartphone? Not unless they're willing to wait for the release of additional medical software like Epocrates or PEPID.

If you're planning on getting a new smartphone in 2010, go with the iPhone (unless you can't switch to AT&T). If you can wait, then wait and see what happens with Android. You may also be fairly happy with webOS as long as you can wait for software, but why would you want to choose webOS over Android?

To view the PC World list of the "Top 10 smartphones," click here.

Advanced Task Killer (ATK) for Android - great little utility

If you're using an Android smartphone like the Motorola Droid, the HTC Droid Eris, the HTC Hero, or the Google Nexus One, make sure you install Advanced Task Killer or ATK. It's currently listed as one of the most popular free apps on the Android Market (app store).

What's so great about Advanced Task Killer? It's a great little utility that allows you to close (or kill) apps running in the background. On smartphones running Android, if you switch from one app to another app, the first app still runs in the background. If you're not rebooting your smartphone on a regular basis, then you may notice that your device is getting slow and sluggish. Advanced Task Killer allows you to effectively close some of those apps running in the background so that you can have access to more memory for your current app.

New drugs on Epocrates

Here are some new drugs that have been recently added to Epocrates.

* Agriflu (influenza A and B (seasonal flu) vaccine)
* Berinert (C1 inhibitor (human))
* budesonide inhaled (first-time generic for Pulmicort)
* Cervarix (human papillomavirus vaccine (recombinant))
* Influenza A H1N1 2009 Vaccine (GSK) (influenza A H1N1 2009 (swine flu) vaccine)
* ketorolac ophthalmic (first-time generic for Acular)
* lansoprazole (first-time generic for Prevacid)
* valacyclovir (first-time generic for Valtrex)
* Vibativ (telavancin)
* Votrient (pazopanib)
* Zenpep (pancrelipase)

Wow, it's hard to believe how quickly some of these drugs have gone generic. It seems like yesterday when drugs like Valtrex were approved by the FDA (this goes to show you how quickly time flies). If you're using Epocrates, make sure to keep your software current by performing regular updates.

Free Palm Pre with 3-year contract

If you're in Canada, you can get a Palm Pre running webOS for free if you sign a 3-year contract. Would you be willing to commit to a wireless provider for 3 years?

Sometimes I can't believe that I've been with Verizon Wireless for over 10 years. My wife wants to switch to AT&T to get the Apple iPhone, but everyone in our family uses Verizon. She's really hoping that Apple will announce a Verizon iPhone later this week. If it looks like the Verizon iPhone will get seriously delayed, then she may end up getting the Palm Pre Plus for Verizon.

Living in Canada? Click here to see the details about the free Palm Pre on the Bell Canada website.

Review of the QuantiaMD smartphone app for Android

Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to review the QuantiaMD smartphone app for Android. I've used QuantiaMD on the Apple iPhone and iPod touch, so I'm quite familiar with this innovative medical app. QuantiaMD also has a smartphone app for the BlackBerry, but they don't currently have an app for Windows Mobile (but you can access QuantiaMD using your mobile web browser).

The QuantiaMD interface on Android is very similar to that found on the iPhone. The main difference is that there's a small gray bar that sits on the bottom of your screen. Slide that bar up and you'll get access to the main navigation menu. Here, you can access clinical activities, educational content, communities, and much more. You'll even find a case challenge involving H1N1.


After you log in as a validated member, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the Monthly Medical Challenge. It's a great way to test your knowledge of medical trivia and earn some Q-Points. I spent most of my time in the Expert Practice Series where you can learn about clinical topics or non-clinical topics such as "coding for revenue," or "understanding and complying with HIPAA." I also enjoyed earning "Q-Points" through activities like the Expert Practice Series. You'll see a multimedia presentation of a clinical case that also includes some embedded multiple choice questions. I love the clinical photos. Some of these are creative market research activities and you can earn Q-Points that can lead to Amazon credit. Here's a brief explanation of Q-Points:

Validated members of QuantiaMD can only earn Q-Points by engaging in market research activities which offer clinical value and unique peer exchange opportunities focused on the improvement of patient care. Validated members who accrue Q-Points by participating in market research activities may exchange them in increments of 100 Q-Points for an electronic Amazon.com® Gift Card.

The QuantiaMD smartphone app also allows you to interact with a clinician-only community when you click on the "Question & Consult" section of the app. You can also go to the "community" section and access short clinical cases and other presentations that are relevant to your specialty. Once you start exploring QuantiaMD on your smartphone, you'll quickly realize that the app is unlike any other medical smartphone app. The interface is unique, the content is engaging, and you have the opportunity to interact with other physicians. It's a portal to a host of medical presentations, clinical cases, and an online physician community. Before you realize it, you'll be collecting Q-Points and you may end up with an Amazon gift card.

So, here's a summary of some of the key features you'll find on QuantiaMD:

Expert Presentations

• Leading physicians deliver multimedia presentations on the most critical clinical and performance issues in medicine. Interact and debate with peers and download and collect completion certificates.

Earn and Redeem Q-Points

• Be rewarded for contributing your valuable time by completing surveys, finishing the monthly clinical challenge, and referring colleagues. Q-Points are redeemable for Amazon.com gift cards.

Compete Nationally

• Compete for national ranking in our exciting monthly medical challenge, as well as specialty challenges.

Free CME

• QuantiaMD brings you outstanding CME from partners in an interactive and concise format you can’t find anywhere else.

100% Clinician

• Each member’s identity is verified. You can be sure that only other clinicians are commenting, posting a question, or contributing presentations

Go to quantiamd.com from your smartphone's browser and follow the download instructions.

Google Android Nexus One gets multi-touch

Google's Android operating system (OS) is an open source project. The program code is open to the public, so developers can easily create apps and even hack the OS. According to this story on Gadgetell, some developers (some may call them "hackers") have implemented a modification to the OS that allows user to have multi-touch support for the native web browser. In essence, one may think that every capacitive touch screen ought to be capable of multi-touch gestures such as pinch to zoom or two finger scrolling/panning. What I don't understand is: why don't all smartphones that utilize capacitive touch screens come with built-in support for multi-touch?

Hospital-issued PDAs and smartphones

Do hospital-based residency programs still issue PDAs and smartphones? At one time, one of the major benefits associated with certain residency programs included:

• Laptop and/or PDA issued by the hospital
  

Now that most medical school graduates are probably entering residency programs with their own laptops and PDAs or smartphones, what are hospitals doing?

When my wife was in her residency at the University of Pennsylvania, they let her use a Dell laptop for 3 years. At the end of those 3 years, she had to either "buy" that laptop or she could return it to the department. We had enough computers around the house, so she simply returned her laptop.

So what are residency programs doing these days? It would seem silly to me if they're still issuing standalone PDAs to their residents who probably already have iPhones, BlackBerrys, Androids, etc. 

Top keyword: "android vs iPhone "

Recently, the top keyword that has been driving people to this website has been: "android vs. iPhone"

Which is better? Among health care professionals today, the Apple iPhone is much more popular than the Google Android OS. However, I don't think this trend will continue forever. In fact, as more smartphone manufacturers build devices that run Android, we'll see more physicians and medical students using Android devices. Mobile carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and even AT&T will soon offer affordable Android smartphones. So, even though the Google Nexus One (made by HTC) hasn't created the same type of buzz that was generated when Apple released its original iPhone, Google will make its mark in 2010. I'm confident that we will see more Android smartphones in the hands of health care students and professionals this year.

Will Apple release different models of the iPhone that include features like slide-out QWERTY keyboards and different sized screens? Will Apple announce some new iPhones next week?

What types of information are you finding when you type "android vs iPhone" into Google or Yahoo?

Upgraded Verizon HTC Touch Pro2 (Windows Mobile 6.5) battery drain status

I have a Verizon HTC Touch Pro2 that I've upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.5 (see:  Windows Mobile 6.5 update now available for HTC Touch Pro2). After the ROM upgrade, I noticed a rapid decline in battery life (see:  Worse battery life after upgrading to Windows Mobile 6.5 on Touch Pro2. After doing some investigating, I discovered that my turning the Bluetooth off, my battery life would return to normal. (Location Service was ON)

Now, I've run a different experiment today. I turned the Bluetooth on, but I turned the Location Service Settings off. Guess what happened? My battery life is back to normal.

So now I'm confused. Is the problem in the Bluetooth or the Location Service? Are they connected? I'll need to conduct a few more experiments to see what happens. The Location Service Settings are a bit confusing. You have the following options:

• Improve location service by collecting location data at any time when device is in use (On/Off)
•  Programs that use location service
  
• HTC location service (check box) - checked
  
• Automatically decline location service in all HTC software that attempts to use location (check box) - checked

You can see that I've checked the boxes for the last 2 items. Let's see what happens. My Bluetooth is on and Location Services are "on" with both boxes checked. Will the battery be drained in a few hours?

When will we see more medical apps for Android?

Android smartphones have gained tremendous traction, but the development of medical apps for Android continues at a slow pace. When will we see more professional medical apps for Android?

Right now, QuantiaMD is on the top of my list for professional medical apps for the Android OS. QuantiaMD also has an iPhone app. If you're a medical student or resident, you may feel intimated by the need to enter an National Provider Identifier (NPI). You can still use the app if you don't enter an NPI, but to access all the benefits associated with using QuantiaMD, you'll need to enter your NPI.

I'm still waiting for Epocrates to release their app for the Android OS. They're planning on releasing something in the early part of 2010, so let's see what they have coming.

My Verizon Forum user profile

I decided to create a user profile on the Verizon Wireless forums. You can view my profile here:
http://community.vzw.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/50600

I'm using DrJosephKim as my user name on the Verizon forums. This is also my Twitter user name @DrJosephKim and you can view all my blogs here: http://www.DrJosephKim.com

Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid (big smartphone, tablet, or notebook?)

I've always been a tablet PC user. I have a slate PC and a convertible tablet. In fact, my Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC (ultra-mobile PC) is my notepad. I don't carry pens or paper when I go to a meeting. Instead, I pull out my executive case and my small little tablet.

the Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid is a novel concept and I'm very eager to get my hands on one of these devices. I think that this type of device could have many practical applications in the healthcare marketplace (both inpatient and outpatient settings) and I'd like to see how Lenovo will leverage this product in the healthcare sector. I'm sure other major hardware manufacturers will also come out with similar hybrid devices.

The IdeaPad U1 is a first generation hybrid, so unless you're a true early adopter, you're probably going to wait until the second or third generation hybrids hit the market. I'm anxious to also see what Apple will reveal when they announce their tablet (iSlate). I don't think it will be a hybrid tablet like the IdeaPad U1, but then again - maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised.

Want to learn more about the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid? Then I encourage you to visit these links below:

Official site: Lenovo
More info: TestFreaks

Will Apple announce a Verizon iPhone next week?

Next week on January 27 when Apple announces the iSlate and the iPhone OS 4.0 (these are according to rumors), will they also announce an iPhone for Verizon Wireless? Will they reveal a CDMA version of the popular iPhone? That's what my wife is hoping. I think she's dreaming.

Actually, many people seem to think that the iPhone will come to Verizon in 2010. Maybe the iSlate will come to Verizon and the iPhone will be stuck on AT&T. Let's wait and see.

Motorola Droid vs. HTC Droid Eris?

If you're on Verizon and you're thinking about purchasing a smartphone running Google's Android operating system, you may be asking the question: Motorola Droid or HTC Droid Eris? Maybe you're even planning on waiting for the Google Nexus One to show up on Verizon.

Here's how I would make the decision: consider the pros/cons and these important points:

• Remember that an average smartphone only lasts approximately 2-3 years. So, you're not investing in something that you'll be keeping "long-term." The Motorola Droid is $199 and the HTC Droid Eris is now only $79. The delta is $120 and I'm sure you could use that cash somewhere else. You could even save that towards your next smartphone!
  
• If you're dependent on a physical keyboard (or thumb board) to type and enter text, then get a smartphone that has a physical QWERTY keyboard. The Motorola Droid is the only Android smartphone on Verizon that currently has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
• If you plan to watch videos, movies, and TV on your smartphone, then get the device that has the larger screen (Motorola Droid). 
• Are you a power user? Do you need a super-fast processor? Then get the Motorola Droid.
• Want a small and slim smartphone that you can easily place in your pocket? Go for the HTC Droid Eris.
  
• Plan to use your smartphone as a GPS navigator? Currently, the Motorola Droid offers turn-by-turn navigation through Google Maps and we don't know if this feature will become available on the HTC Droid Eris. (you can always purchase third-party GPS navigation software for any Android smartphone)
  

Some people spend way too much time trying to decide on a smartphone. I think it's more important to choose your operating system wisely. If you have limited finances (e.g., medical student or resident), then I would suggest the HTC Droid Eris. If you're an attending (or you have some other source of wealth), then go with the Motorola Droid. Of course, if you're a Mac lover like my wife, then you may be waiting for the Apple iPhone to come to Verizon.

iPhone OS 4.0 and iSlate coming

According to various Apple-related rumors, we can expect to hear about the following on January 27:

• iPhone OS 4.0 (also for the iPod touch)
• iSlate (Apple Tablet)

I'm sure Apple will announce other products, changes, and enhancements, but I really don't care about the other things. I'm mainly interested in the iSlate because I want to know what Apple has up its sleeve.

Other Verizon users experiencing draining battery on Touch Pro2 upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.5

If you search the Verizon Wireless user forums, you'll quickly see that other Verizon customers who upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.5 are experiencing terrible battery life. I've concluded that it's the Bluetooth that's killing the battery. If you've loaded the Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM upgrade (MR 1 Upgrade on the PCDphones.com website file name: XV6875_MR1_Upgrade.zip)

I've written about my Touch Pro2 ROM upgrade experiences here:

Bluetooth killing my battery life on Touch Pro2 after Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade

Worse battery life after upgrading to Windows Mobile 6.5 on Touch Pro2

Flashing the ROM on my HTC Touch Pro2

Windows Mobile 6.5 update now available for HTC Touch Pro2

Get $100 to trade in your old smartphone for an HTC Tilt2

HTC and AT&T are offerring a trade-in program for customers interested in purchasing the AT&T Tilt2 (also known as the GSM version of the HTC Touch Pro2).

To qualify for the promotion you must trade-in a working smartphone made by BlackBerry®, an Apple® iPhone, a Palm device by Palm, a Nokia smartphone or any device running on the Windows Mobile® or Android operating system. Program start date begins November 18, 2009. Purchase a new HTC TILT2 and trade-in your qualifying smartphone by January 31, 2010. Package and send in all of the below items postmarked by February 28, 2010.

More details can be found here:  http://www.htctradein.com/att/

Epocrates giving free Premium Subscriptions to clinicians heading to Haiti

Epocrates is giving free Premium Subscriptions to clinicians heading to Haiti. If you're a health care professional and you're heading to Haiti to provide relief support, contact Epocrates to get a free Premium Subscription to Epocrates.

How can you contact Epocrates if you're traveling to Haiti? Here are 3 ways to contact Epocrates:

• Connect via the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Epocrates
• Use Twitter and Reply @epocrates
• Or, contact Epocrates via http://www.epocrates.com/support

Thanks to Epocrates for supporting all those clinicians who are volunteering to help those in Haiti.

Growing buzz about Windows Mobile 7

OK, I realize that many of you have given up on Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS. Recent excitement seems to surround Google's Android and Apple's iPhone. RIM's BlackBerry is being left behind, and Microsoft's Windows Mobile seems practically dead. Palm's webOS has a small loyal following, but even some of them are defecting to Android.

What's really disappointing is that Windows Mobile 6.5 was a really poor upgrade over Windows Mobile 6.1. As a result, many customers have lost faith in Windows Mobile 7. Will this be another major disappointment? Instead of getting our hopes up, I think that many people are simply abandoning Windows Mobile to use Android.

As the Android OS becomes more popular and ubiquitous in the health care industry, more physicians and other health care professionals will get drawn to Android. What will compel users to choose a Windows Mobile device? Will there be any advantages or benefits for health care professionals?

I haven't had a chance to play around with any beta or leaked versions of Windows Mobile 7 so I really can't write about this OS. However, we seem to be hearing enough rumors that Windows Mobile 7 will get released in 2010, so let's see what Microsoft releases this year.

New Verizon voice and data plans begin today (January 18)

Today, Verizon will start some new voice and data plans:

Beginning Jan. 18, customers may sign up for a new Nationwide Unlimited Talk plan that allows customers to call anyone in the United States for $69.99 monthly access or a Nationwide Unlimited Talk & Text plan to call and send text, picture and video messages to anyone in the country for $89.99 monthly access.

Nationwide Family SharePlans® will also have new unlimited options. Nationwide Unlimited Talk Family SharePlans will be $119.99 monthly access while the Nationwide Unlimited Talk & Text Family SharePlans will be $149.99 monthly access. All Family SharePlan pricing includes the first two lines of service. Standard text message rates will apply for customers on the Nationwide Unlimited Talk plans who do not sign up for a text messaging bundle.

On a Family SharePlan, it currently costs $69.99 for 700 minutes and you can double those minutes to 1400 minutes for an additional $20. So, $119.99 for a family plan that includes 2 lines and unlimited talk may sound nice, but here's the catch: each additional line is $49.99 instead of the standard $9.99. How many lines do you have on your Family SharePlan?

Use Skyscape Reward Points to help Haiti

I got this from Skyscape and I wanted to share it with those of you who have Reward Points with Skyscape. It's great to see that some companies are leveraging creative ways to provide relief efforts to Haiti. Here is a personal note from Skyscape's CEO:

Dear Friends:

As reports and photographs stream in to our lives from Haiti, we all realize the enormous task at hand for that small island. We want the people of Haiti to know that health care professionals from all around the globe will do whatever it takes.

It occurred to me that if our 1.3 million Skyscape health care professionals were to simply donate as little as one dollar, we could be a mighty part of recovery and healing.

We are working to help you help Haiti.

We've created a special web page for you at www.skyscape.com/HaitiHelp. There you can convert your Skyscape reward points to a donation, give money directly to the exceptional charities we are aligning with, and volunteer your services.

We hope you will join us with your thoughts and prayers, your hearts, your skills, and your wallets -- whatever it takes.

Thank you,

Sandeep Shah
CEO, Skyscape

Mobile MedlinePlus

Question: Is there a mobile version of MedlinePlus?

Answer:  Yes, there is a mobile version of MedlinePlus available at http://m.medlineplus.gov/.

* Mobile MedlinePlus includes a subset of content from the full Web site. It includes summaries for over 800 diseases, conditions and wellness topics as well as the latest health news, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, and information on prescription and over-the-counter medications.

New Breast Cancer Mobile Resource Center from Epocrates

Epocrates is pleased to announce the availability of the Breast Cancer Mobile Resource Center. After downloading, access the Breast Cancer Mobile Resource Center by tapping on breast icon in the black bag tab or selecting BreastCancerRC in the "my" tab.

The Breast Cancer Mobile Resource Center is a convenient handheld resource that can help you stay current in your practice. You'll save time and effort with access to the most relevant clinical news and latest research on breast cancer. The articles are carefully selected and commented upon by Contributing Editor Ruth M. O’Regan, MD, Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine and Director of the Breast Cancer Translational Research Program at the Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Breast Cancer Mobile Resource Center features the following:

* Recent conference highlights, scientific abstracts, and clinical news articles updated every two weeks
* Expert commentary by Ruth M. O’Regan, MD, providing unique insight and analysis
* Star ratings based on the clinical significance of the information
* Helpful resources for you, your patients, and their caregivers

Be sure to sync your device every two weeks to stay current with the frequent content updates. Learn how to update your device.

The Breast Cancer Mobile Resource Center is a valuable tool to have at your fingertips — download it today for free. Get it here: http://www.epocrates.com/products/mrc/

Apple vs. Google (iPhone vs. Android)

Although Apple and Google may be competitors, they also rely heavily on each other for success.

On the Apple iPhone, who doesn't have a Google app?

• Who doesn't use Google Maps or YouTube on the iPhone?
• How about Google Sync? Almost everyone I know has a Gmail account.
  
• Google Earth is the top free app in the Travel section of the Apple App Store.
• Google Mobile App is the top free app in the Reference section of the App Store.
• How about Google Voice?  Why did Apple reject Google Voice?
  

Apple depends on Google for these critical apps. Where would Apple be if Google somehow restricted access on these important apps? I don't think Google would ever do that, would they? Apple depends on Google for its iPhone and iPod touch, but does Google depend on Apple for its Android OS?  Let's take a look:

• Do we have iTunes for Android? No
• How about QuickTime for Android? No
• Has Apple released any mobile apps for Android? I don't think so. 
• Will Apple release some type of desktop syncing software for Android? I don't think so. You'll have to use "The Missing Sync"
  

So, does Google's Android depend on Apple for its success and survival? At this point, I can't say that it does.

Google Nexus One dropping in price

The Google Nexus One has dropped its upgrade price for T-Mobile customers. Instead of paying $379, you'll only have to pay $279 (and if you paid $379, you'll get a $100 rebate).

New T-Mobile customers can get the Nexus One for $179 if they sign a 2-year contract. Speaking of the Google Nexus One running Android, it's coming to Verizon and Vodafone this spring (Spring 2010). If you're on Verizon and you can't wait, then you always have the option of getting the Motorola Droid or the HTC Droid Eris.

Epic releases iPhone app called Haiku (Electronic Health Record)

According to this story on Healthcare IT News:

Electronic health record vendor Epic has just released Haiku, an iPhone application that provides authorized users with secure access to schedules, patient lists, health summaries, test results and notes.

The app is a free download on iTunes, but the user must belong to an organization that licenses Haiku and is currently on Epic's Summer 2009, according the the product description on iTunes.

What other Electronic Health Record (EHR) vendor has an iPhone app?

• Allscripts has one. 
• NextGen will be releasing an EHR Mobile app for the iPhone. 
• eClinicalWorks will be coming out with eClinicalMobile 2.0, an iPhone app. 

I'm sure we'll see other EHR/EMR vendors come out with iPhone apps in 2010. Where are the Android apps? 

5 things I would change about the Apple iPhone

The Apple iPhone is a great smartphone, but it's not perfect. The latest version (3GS) adds considerable functionality with the increased speed and improved video capabilities, but I'd like to see Apple make some drastic changes to future models. Otherwise, the iPhone 4G will look just like the 3G (or 3GS).

If you had a chance to change the Apple iPhone, what changes would you make?

Here are the five things I would change:

1. Removable battery. I'm still bothered by the fact that an average consumer can't replace the internal battery on the iPhone.  Once you offer a removable battery, consumers can choose between a standard battery vs. a thicker extended capacity battery. Right now, you're stuck using an external battery pack or a battery booster.
   
2. Offer an iPhone Pro with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Give users the option to choose a "Pro" version that's thicker and that includes buttons. I think most will still choose the thinner version that lacks a physical keyboard.
3. Expand beyond GSM. I know that Apple is talking with Verizon about releasing a CDMA version, but when will this happen? Will it also be available on Sprint?
   
4. Offer a smaller size option. Call it the iPhone Mini, the iPhone nano, or the iPhone junior. The current iPhone is a nice size, but a slightly smaller version would be ideal for many users who want something a bit more portable.
5. Add a microSD slot. This way, if users want to expand storage space, it's easy! You can add a 16GB card (and soon we'll have 32 GB microSD cards).
   

This is obviously not meant to be an exhaustive list, but these are 5 things I would change. How many of these will Apple implement in the near future? Probably only two (my guess would be #3 and #4). Hence, I continue to wish and dream.

10 minutes on QuantiaMD

I'm currently reviewing QuantiaMD's smartphone app for the Apple iPhone and Google Android. I'll be posting some updates over the next few weeks. In the meanwhile, I wanted to refer you to this short YouTube video titled, "What can you do in 10 minutes on QuantiaMD?"

A physician community improving the quality and safety of healthcare by engaging in world-class interactive CME, education, and cases on smartphones and the web. http://quantiamd.com

32GB microSD cards announced by Samsung

Right now, the largest microSD card you can buy is 16GB. That's quite a bit of storage space!

Well, Samsung has announced the development of 32GB microSD cards and you can expect to see them fairly soon. It's hard to know how much these will cost.

What's the limit on a microSD card? How "big" will these tiny memory cards get? Will we see these tiny flash cards holding over 100GB? How about 500GB?  1TB?

Read more at Engadget.

Bluetooth killing my battery life on Touch Pro2 after Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade

Well, it appears that Mike (who left a comment in an earlier post) was correct about the Bluetooth stack killing the battery life on my upgraded HTC Touch Pro2 on Verizon.

I upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.5 and everything seemed OK, but I noticed that the battery life was draining very quickly. So, I performed a hard factory reset, and things seemed fine. However, I also noticed that the Bluetooth was "off" by default. I tested it for a few days with the Bluetooth off and my battery life seemed normal.

Then, I turned the Bluetooth on. I didn't pair with anything yet, but I immediately noticed a rapid decline in battery life. My Wi-Fi is off, so I know that's not the culprit.

So, is this why Verizon hasn't officially announced the Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade for the HTC Touch Pro2? I really hope that this bug gets fixed soon so that I can stay with Windows Mobile 6.5. Otherwise, I'll be going back to Windows Mobile 6.1.

Wired vs. wireless tethering (USB vs. Bluetooth)

When you use your mobile phone or smartphone as a wireless modem for your laptop, this is called tethering. Some carriers have specific names for this (Verizon calls this Mobile Broadband Connect), but we'll just call it tethering.

So, if you don't have access to Wi-Fi, you can pull our your smartphone and get online with your laptop. You can do this either by connecting your smartphone to your laptop via a USB cable or by using Bluetooth wireless technology.

The benefits of using a USB cable include:

• Generally a much faster connection
• Generally a more stable connection
• Preserve battery life in your smartphone

The benefits of using Bluetooth include:

• No need to carry a USB cable
• More mobility if you're moving around while tethered

When I tether, I almost always use a USB cable. I rarely use Bluetooth to tether because the connection speed is significantly faster when I use USB. Also, I can keep my phone charged while I'm using it as a modem. 

Here are some tips and suggestions if you tether:

• Turn off your Wi-Fi to preserve battery life on your notebook
• Always carry a spare USB cable since you never know when you'll need to tether
• Don't have Bluetooth on your laptop? Get a tiny USB "dongle" so that you can have access to wireless tethering when you need it.
• Check out PdaNet and TetherBerry.
  

Windows Marketplace for Mobile needs some help

One of the new features found in Windows Mobile 6.5 is called "Windows Marketplace for Mobile." This is the Microsoft version of the App Store found on the Apple iPhone. It's designed to make it easier for consumers to find and install apps. Compared to the traditional way of installing apps via ActiveSync, this is a considerable improvement. However, there's room for Microsoft to take things to the next level when they release Windows Mobile 7.

Installing apps on Windows Mobile can be quite cumbersome. It's not nearly as easy or simple as installing apps on the iPhone or on Android. Uninstalling apps is another complex story. If you're used to the concept of installing and uninstalling applications on your Windows PC, then you may be more comfortable with the entire process.

So, are there any good apps on Windows Marketplace for Mobile? Not right now. If you click on "Categories," there are very few relevant categories for health care professionals. There's no "Medical" or even "Health" category. Under "Reference," we only have 28 apps. If you perform a search for Skyscape or Epocrates, you won't find anything. I hope that Microsoft will invest some significant resources to improve Marketplace. Otherwise, it will become the laughingstock of the year.

Right now, some of the "most popular" apps are:

• Mobile Manager for Netflix
  
• Associated Press Mobile
• MySpace for Windows Mobile
• Bing
• Skyfire Mobile Browser
  
• Facebook for Windows Mobile
  

Google Nexus One having some 3G connection problems

This is embarrassing. The Google Nexus One smartphone (made by HTC and running Android) is having some 3G connection issues on the T-Mobile network. Here's what we currently know:

Google and T-Mobile are investigating this issue and hope to have more information for you soon. We understand your concern and appreciate your patience.

You can learn more and contribute to the solution by participating in this T-Mobile forum found here.

Verizon HTC Droid Eris updated OS

Verizon has released an Android operating system update for the Droid Eris. No, it's not Android 2.1. It's actually a minor update unless you've been plagued by this problem. I know several HTC Droid users who were experiencing issues with this "bug."

Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a new software enhancement for your Droid Eris by HTC smartphone. The Droid Eris software version ROM: 1.17.605.1/ Radio: 2.32.40.11.09 update includes the following update:

Rare instances where the display locked or
appeared to be in an out-of-service state when
attempting to wake up the DROID ERIS from
screen saver mode no longer occurs.

http://support.vzw.com/information/droid_eris_upgrade.html

When will we get Android 2.1? 

The Best Windows Mobile Phone Yet

According to PC World, the HTC HD2 may be the "best" Windows Mobile smartphone yet. Wow! That's quite a statement. In fact, the editors at PC World include the HTC HD2 as part of the "Best of CES 2010." This is how they describe the HTC HD2:

superslim design, a 4.3-inch display, and a powerful 1GHz Snapdragon processor.

With a screen size of 4.3" and a slim form factor, this is almost like an Apple iPhone that has been stretched a bit. So, if you don't need a physical QWERTY keyboard and you really like the Windows Mobile platform, then you may want to get your hands on an HTC HD2. Make sure you have large pockets because this phone may be thin, but it's bulky in a different way because the device is so tall and wide.

Engadget describes the phone like this:

The massive, full touchscreen device boasts impressive specs: a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, a generous 4.3-inch, 800 x 480 capacitive WVGA touchscreen display, a 5 megapixel camera, GPS, and lots of other bells and whistles.

We're not used to seeing large smartphones like the HD2, but maybe 2010 is the year where we'll see a wide range of sizes so that each user can choose his/her optimal size. Some may prefer the smaller form factor, while others may prefer larger font and larger screens.