PocketPC Advantages
Advantages of the PocketPC:
- Variety of Input methods
- Sound recording and playback
- Screen resolution
- Better MS Outlook compatibility
- Better MS Word & Excel compatibility
Sound Recording
With no additional hardware, all PocketPCs can record sound files in a digital format. The sound quality is variable but is very usable. It is worth experimenting with the settings to find the optimum sound quality for your voice but remember that higher quality recordings take up more space in memory. Simple dictated notes can be incorporated into the Notepad. This is can be used for more lengthy dictation, punctuating your commentary with short written notes and directions.
Quick notes can be created using a variety of methods - direct text entry, drawings/annotations/signatures (yes, that's my scrawl) and short dictated notes can all be incorporated into the same note.
New information: Since we started this project, one of the new devices that runs on the Palm OS platform, the HandEra 330, also supports sound files with no need for add-on hardware. This is now the device of choice for project participants who wish to run Palm OS.
Even newer information: The new PocketPC 2002 offers voice navigation and command for your device. Full voice-recognition needs a network connection but even this will change how we use these devices.
Sound Playback
A great draw for teens is the ability to play music files, such as MP3. This is obviously less attractive to a working doc but does have its uses in teaching. Demonstrations of heart sounds for med students can be given at the bedside, with the addition of a small earphone.
Video playback has also been developed - short video clips add an interesting dimension for teaching procedures and therapeutic manoeuvres.
Screen Resolution
With three times the screen resolution, the PocketPC (240x320 pixels) is clearly more readable than the Palm OS devices (160x160 pixels). For most applications, this does not make a huge difference, but there is a definite advantage when viewing more complex text or files. I managed to capture some screen shots from a Palm device to show a side-by-side comparison.
Outlook Compatibility
For users of the Microsoft Outlook PIM, there is better integration with the PocketPC. Details such as secondary phone numbers, notes about contacts, Categories, are preserved when they are synchronised with the PocketPC.
The Palm Desktop software is a weak PIM by comparison with Outlook, but for those who desire simplicity, it is easier to get to know. This situation has improved recently for the Palm OS, with the arrival of Documents-To-Go from Dataviz.
Word & Excel Compatibility
PocketPCs come with built in versions of MS Word and Excel. They are scaled down versions with limited capabilities but will do 90% of the everyday functions that users need. Excel can also be used as a quick database viewer.
There are programs that can be added to Palm OS devices that provide some compatibility with Word and Excel functions but at additional cost for most users. Some of the most recent devices have these tools included - QuickOffice by Cutting Edge works very well.
Ability to run Palm OS software
Until recently, the big draw for the medical world to Palm OS devices is that there is much greater number of medical applications available for them. This will soon be a moot point for a number of reasons - for those who are interested, you can read some more information here. For those who have not yet committed to a platform, this makes the choice quite clear. We expect that increasing numbers of staunch Palm OS users will adopt PocketPCs because they will be able to have their cake and eat it.