PDA and WIRELESS DEVICES

·         Desktop Computer VS Smartphone

                                -  a desktop computer is too heavy to hand carry, has a larger display,

                                    processing power measured in gigahertz (GHz), memory capacity up

                                    memory capacity up to gigabytes (GB), storage capacity up to GB,

                                    and does not have an internal battery power

                                  - a smartphone is a hybrid device combining wireless telephone, email,

                                    Internet access and PDA organizer functions

 

·         Notebook/ Laptop VS Tablet VS PDA

                                 - a notebook or laptop is light enough to hand carry, has a slightly

                                   smaller   display, and slightly less processing power and storage

                                   capacity than a desktop computer

                                 - a tablet computer is a small light notebook computer with the ability to

                                    Provide input using a stylus

                                 - PDA also known as personal digital assistant, is a mobile device that functions

                                    as a personal information manager

·         Battery Life

Mobile Devices

•      Portable Device – any computer system that can be hand carried or rolled around

•      Mobile Devices – computers that are small and light weight enough to be hand carried

                                                 - non-bulky display

•      Handheld Device – a computer that can be held in the palm of one hand and used with the other hand

 

PDA Generic Functions and Their Application to Clinical Practice

•       Address books – an always-alphabetical list that has fields of names, address, phone number, organization, e-mail, and other data

•       Calculator – basic mathematical operations

•       Date book -  allows the nurse to keep track of his/her schedule, from a daily, weekly or monthly perspective

•       Memo pad – provides a place to compose memos, which can be synchronized with another computer

•       Note pad – useful in jotting quick notes

•       To do list – allows the nurse to create multiple lists and keep track of tasks to be done

v  Infrared sharing of information enables transmission of information or files from a PDA to another device without the use of cables