Nokia N900 Internet Tablet

The Nokia N900 is an "Internet Tablet" and a GSM smartphone. However, you'll have a really difficult time finding medical apps for this device since it does not run your "typical" smartphone operating system. You just won't find much medical software that will run on Linux Maemo. However, if you're content researching and accessing all your health content via a mobile web browser, then the N900 may end up working out for you.

I wouldn't recommend the N900 to medical students or residents because you'll be much more productive if you can load medical apps directly on your device to boost your productivity. If you're looking purely for a recreational device, then the N900 is a great little gadget "toy" for your bag or purse.

Smartphone Operating Systems

I've been thinking about current smartphone operating systems (OS). Do you know which ones run on handsets made by different manufacturers? Which ones are tied to handsets offered by the OS developer?

OS on phones made by different manufacturers:

• Windows Mobile
• Google Android
• Symbian S60 (who in the medical profession uses this?)

OS on phones offered by the OS developer:

• iPhone (Apple)
  
• BlackBerry (RIM)
  
• webOS (Palm)
  

Now, here's a bit of interesting trivia:

• Android and webOS are based on Linux
• iPhone is based on NetBSD
• BlackBerry and Android are based on Java

So will a single OS predominate within the healthcare field? When you look at the exclusivity arrangements that each mobile carrier currently has, it's difficult to predict the future. However, let's assume for a moment that most mobile carriers will have a wider selection of phones running all the major smartphone operating systems. Then, we're on an even playing field. Which OS will win? Will it depend on mobile carrier exclusivity rights?