PDA Purchasing Guide

What is the difference between the Palm Operating System and the PocketPC/Windows CE System, and Why are we required to use the Palm OS?
The Palm OS, which is the operating system we are requiring, has a plethora of medical applications for use by physicians and physicians in training. Windows CE is a Microsoft Operating System Product. To date, there are not as many medical applications available for Windows CE.

We review the PDA requirement carefully each year. One of the issues we consider is whether to include the Pocket PC or not. It is very time consuming to test our Patient Log applications thru the many versions of software for each platform and the growing number is about 60 Pocket PCs. The decision to stay with the Palm OS is primarily an issue of support and overall less cost for students regarding useful software and the hardware itself.

Should I get a handheld PDA or a Smartphone (integratedPDA & Phone)?
The integrated Smartphones have been getting high aclaims by students as it is much easier to manage one unit rather then two. There is additional benefit in having everything together on one unit in that you can maintain your contact and calendaring info on both your home computer and the handheld each time you synchronize the handheld. You simply click the phone number from the contact info, and it automatically calls the number. Students who have the Smartphone are more likely to use the required software on the handheld as it is always with them throughout their day.

Weight/Size
Some units are ultra thin weighing as little as 4.7 oz. while others have more features/options and can weigh up to 6.4 oz. Consider how you will carry your PDA - in your white coat pocket or in a case that attaches to your belt? You will want to have the unit with you on the wards.

What is the difference between WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity? Bluetooth is used for Personal Area Network. This technology has a much shorter range than 802.11b and is used solely to connect devices located around the user. For example, you can print from a Bluetooth enabled PDA to a Bluetooth enabled printer, or you can use your PDA contacts to dial out on a Bluetooth enabled cellular phone. It, in most instances, cannot be used to access the internet. A possible exception to this may be through a cell phone. The best way to think about Bluetooth is as a cable replacement among peripherals

WiFi, 802.11b in this case, is a method of accessing an existing network, and thus the internet. It has a much wider range, up to 100m compared to 10m for Bluetooth.

Neither UCLA nor any of our affiliated hospitals have student applications that will use the wireless capability at this time.

What does it mean when it says that a PDA is branded?
This means that a company has purchased some PDAs and has had them marked with their company name. The unit themselves will be virtually identical to a regular store bought unit, but may come with some special software or expansions from the company.

How do I find the best deal?
To share information about good deals, post your bargains on the DGSOM Medical Student Bulletin Board .

Other resources for PDA deals include:
AMSA
ASUCLA Bookstore: Models not on the website.

To find the best price available through online retailers, try:

BuyDig (http://buydig.com/shop/home.aspx)

My Simon (http://www.mysimon.com/)

Best Price Finder   (http://bruinwalk.pricegrabber.com/index.php)
Froogle (http://www.froogle.com)

REV: 9.26.07