The dreaded BSOD on Windows 7

You'd think that the latest version of Microsoft Windows would not be plagued with the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The other night, I was getting quite frustrated because one of my PCs running Windows 7 kept crashing with the BSOD. Fortunately, it was not a mission-critical computer, but it was still frustrating. I'm hoping that it doesn't have to do with some of the updates and patches Microsoft recently released in Windows Update (Microsoft Update).

Maybe it's time to load Linux on some of my machines so that I can have a robust system that I can always depend on. Then again, maybe it's time to switch to a Mac. I'm waiting for Mac to come out with a really thin tablet. Maybe that will be the day that I make the switch.

Office for Mac 2011 coming October 26

If you're a Mac user, you may want to upgrade to the latest Microsoft Office suite of applications. Get ready. Office for Mac 2011 is coming October 26.

BlackBerry PlayBook (slate tablet)

What do you think about the BlackBerry PlayBook? (at least they didn't call it the BlackBook).

Is this supposed to be an enterprise device or a consumer device?

The slate tablet universe is changing so rapidly that it's hard to keep up with all these new devices. Before we know it, Apple will be out there with a new iPad that will probably blend many of the features that we're seeing on these newer tablets.

iPad-based EHR: ClearPractice Nimble

ClearPractice Announces General Release of Nimble™ - a Comprehensive EMR for the iPad™

ClearPractice, a provider of innovative software solutions for physicians and medical groups, today announced the general market release of Nimble, the company's comprehensive electronic medical record application designed and developed specifically for iPad.

Adoption of electronic medical record (EMR) software has historically been slow as many traditional EMR systems often impede physician workflow costing them both time and money. ClearPractice focused on eliminating this barrier by leveraging iPad to create an app that enhances the care delivery process whether in the exam room, hospital room, or family room.

Xmarks Sync to be Discontinued

I've been using Xmarks Sync (formerly Foxmarks) for several months and I admit that I was disappointed to hear that they will be shutting down their services on Jan 10, 2011.

Fortunately, there are some good alternatives out there:

Browser	Sync Alternative	Xmarks Data Types Supported	Price
	Firefox Sync (Mozilla)	Bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs	Free
	Chrome Sync (Google)	Bookmarks	Free
	Windows Live Essentials (Microsoft)	Bookmarks	Free

I think it may be time to switch mainly to Chrome. If you're using an Android smartphone, you can use "Chrome to Phone" to share information between your desktop browser and your mobile browser.

Win an Apple iPad on HCPLive

You can win a new Apple iPad on HCPLive. All you have to do is register on HCPLive and you'll be entered to win. The contest runs until October 15, 2010, so don't wait. Click here for more information.

Targus HeatDefense Cooling Pad

I've been testing the Targus HeatDefense Cooling Pad. This accessory is not your typical cooling pad. There are no fans so it doesn't blow or suck air to keep your laptop cool. Instead, it uses crystals to keep your computer (and your lap) cool.

Here's a brief description:

The Targus HeatDefense™ for Laptops serves as a barrier that shields your office furniture and lap from high heat generated by laptops. A crystalline compound absorbs heat by turning into a soft gel, keeping the laptop running cool to help prolong battery life. Once the heat is removed, the gel turns back into crystals and is ready for use again. No fans or power are required to operate which provides a highly portable, quiet laptop cooling solution.

So, does this passive cooling method actually work? As long as you have a laptop that doesn't get too hot, the Targus HeatDefense is a reasonable option. It doesn't cool your laptop as effectively as active cooling mats that use fans, but the HeatDefense will keep your legs cool if you like to place your computer on your lap. I was able to compute for several hours using my ThinkPad X200 Tablet PC on my lap and my legs did not get warm one bit. The bottom of my ThinkPad got a bit warm, but the cooling pad did a nice job dissipating the heat and insulating my legs from the heat. I tested the HeatDefense with a few other laptops, and I experienced similar results. I was also running SpeedFan so that I could measure temperatures and I found that the HeatDefense pad was doing a nice job keeping everything fairly cool.

I generally prefer active cooling pads that use fans because I'm always trying to achieve maximum cooling, but the HeatDefense is very portable, so it's great for travel. I plan to keep one in my laptop bag when I know I'll be working with my notebook on my lap. If you're thinking about buying one, don't pay full price. You can get these on Amazon for a great price. Targus AWE45US HeatDefense for Laptops (Gray/Black)

A month testing the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z

I've now had my test unit for over a month. The M90z has truly been an innovative computing experience. I've used touch screen monitors in the past, but it's different when you have the multi-touch experience on such a large screen. The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z does a very nice job blending a high-performance PC in a space-saving design. The ultra-wide monitor has been when I've needed to open two windows side-by-side. The ThinkCentre M90z features the new 2010 Intel® Core™ i series processors with Turbo Boost Technology. The new Core i processors scale power dynamically based on your usage for optimal processing and energy efficiency.

What's also great about this device is the fact that I can easily move it around the home or office. All it requires is a single power cord. The M90z has built-in Wi-Fi and you can compute without a mouse or keyboard (although most will probably prefer to use a mouse and keyboard), so it literally is a snap to move the computer from one office to the next office. If you work at home, you may find it convenient to move the M90z from your study to your kitchen or basement.

Buy the Apple iPad at Target starting October 3

Now you have another reason to visit your local Target. Buy the Apple iPad using that old Target gift card. Starting October 3, Target will start selling the Apple iPad. They've been selling the iPod for years, and now they're expanding their inventory to sell slate device.

Don't live near a Target or Apple Store? You can also pick up the iPad at your local Best Buy. When's the iPad coming to Walmart?

A video of the HP Slate (leaked video)

Here's a video of the HP Slate. No one seems to know how this person got a hold of this HP prototype, but here you'll see the actual box with all the specs for this device. I wonder if this is an older prototype because it's running Windows 7. I thought the HP Slate was going to run webOS. Then again, maybe HP will release different versions of the Slate.

Panasonic Toughbook U1 Ultra

The Panasonic Toughbook U1 has been updated to "Ultra" status.

Toughbook U1 Ultra Offers Improved Sunlight Viewability, Windows 7 and Faster Performance

Here's a video that shows you what makes this new model better:

2010 is the year of the tablet

Last year, industry experts were predicting that 2010 was going to be the year of the tablet. They weren't necessarily speaking about tablet PCs running Windows. We all knew that Apple was going to launch a slate tablet this year. Many speculated that it was going to be called the iSlate or the iTablet. Some thought it was going to be called the iPad.

The iPad has generated a tremendous amount of buzz around the digital tablet and it has caused a number of manufacturers to jump into the slate tablet market. HP will be coming out with a slate running webOS. Dell the Streak running Android. Samsung has the Galaxy Tab runnning Android. BlackBerry has the BlackPad coming soon.

By the end of the year, we'll be surrounded by slate tablets ranging from iPads to others running Android, webOS, and BlackBerry. I have to naturally assume that Microsoft will be releasing slates running Windows Phone 7 (maybe they'll need to rename their OS).

In any case, I still wonder about the traditional tablet PC running Windows. Will these tablet PCs ever regain traction? I think we can all confidently say that ultra-mobile PCs (such as the Samsung Q1 running Windows) are dead. What will be next?

Panasonic Toughbook T8 Hand Strap

I've now had the chance to spend a few weeks with the Panasonic Toughbook T8. The more I use this touch-screen laptop, the more I've grown to appreciate some of its unique features. This is a rugged laptop that includes a passive touch screen. The thickness isn't surprising, considering that this is a rugged device. I don't know how Panasonic managed to get the new Toughbook C1 convertible tablet PC to be so thin.

The T8 is a solid performer and you'll quickly get used to the slightly smaller keyboard. I've come to appreciate the weight (3.3 lbs) and size of this laptop.

So, what's my favorite feature? It's the hand strap. A hand strap for a laptop? Yes. I see many people walking around the hospital trying to type on a laptop while they're standing. That means you're holding the laptop in one hand while you're pecking at the keys with the other hand. This type of one-handed typing isn't the most efficient way to enter data, but it works.

The hand strap on the T8 is a great feature because it allows you to securely hold the laptop in one hand. I've uploaded a video showing you the hand strap in action.

Samsung Galaxy Tab - All The Great Features

Here's an official promo video of the Samsung Galaxy Tab (running Android). You'll see that they even feature this device in the health care setting. After you watch this video, you'll really want one!



Samsung Galaxy Tab is loaded with superb cool features, and is going to give the iPad a real tough fight. The widgets interface is specifically neat!
The video shows other features, all titled under the "It's Go Time" slogan.
For more check out http://galaxytab.samsungmobile.com

Features presented:
- Widgets (probably the highlight feature of Android so far)
- Google maps navigation
- Music & Videos portal
- Emails
- 4 e-books apps (very cool)
- 32GB SD memory slot (yes! finally a freedom from storage tyranny)
- Stream to any monitor (yet another neat capability)
- 7 Hours battery life
- Front webcam for video chat
- Adobe Flash support for games and apps (well, surely that you won't have on the iPad).

Verizon wireless have just announced it will be their first tablet computer.

New iPad coming next March?

There are a series of rumors suggesting that Apple will refresh the iPad with a 2nd generation model next March. Sounds like a reasonable rumor. I'd guess that the 2nd generation iPad will include cameras (both on the front and the back so that you can participate in Face Time), a retina display, and maybe it will have a widescreen display resolution. Would you prefer to see a narrower iPad?  Maybe the next iPad will come with a built-in stylus pen so that you can draw pictures or jot notes on your iPad.

If Apple changed the physical dimensions of the iPad, then what would we do with all those 3rd party accessories?

Mobile Armor and Panasonic Partner to Provide Comprehensive and Fortified Data Protection

Mobile Armor and Panasonic Partner to Provide Comprehensive and Fortified Data Protection on Rugged Toughbook® Notebooks and Healthcare Devices

Select rugged Toughbook computers available to ship fully integrated with Mobile Armor’s DriveArmor™ data security solution; Panasonic authorized to resell entire Mobile Armor Data Encryption Suite

Secaucus, NJ and St Louis, MO – September 20, 2010 – Panasonic Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile solutions for government and commercial enterprises, and Mobile Armor, Inc., a leader in portable data encryption and mobile device management, today announced the companies have entered into a license and reseller partnership to integrate the Mobile Armor Data Encryption Solution into select Panasonic Toughbook rugged notebooks and mobile clinical assistants (MCA).

Mobile Armor’s DriveArmor is an enterprise-class solution for policy-driven control for managing data security on notebook PCs and desktop computers with FIPS certified 2.5-inch self-encrypting disk drives from Seagate Technology®. DriveArmor delivers centralized management, strong pre-boot authentication and extensive auditing and reporting capabilities for Seagate® Momentus® self-encrypting drives, designed to prevent unauthorized access to data on lost or stolen computers. Seagate Momentus self-encrypting drives and Mobile Armor DriveArmor ships fully integrated and are available today on the Toughbook 31 flagship rugged clamshell, the Toughbook 19 rugged convertible tablet and the Toughbook H1 Health, a mobile clinical assistant device developed for healthcare users.

HP Slate running webOS to be "similar to the iPad"

Here's a blurb from from Peter Helm about HP and webOS:

Now that we are officially part of HP, we are going full speed ahead with our applications initiative. Our proprietary operating system, webOS, is now the OS that will be used in HP's mobile devices. This includes mobile handsets as well as tablet-style devices similar to the iPad. We will accordingly leverage Palm's ability to innovate and the scale of HP's vast install base and distribution network previously unavailable to us.

Can't wait to see what the HP Slate looks like. I think it may be more like a Samsung Galaxy Tab than the Apple iPad.

The mHealth Ecosystem: A Workshop

The mHealth Ecosystem: A Workshop
December 9, 2010 - Chicago Airport Renaissance Hotel

Click here to register for just $195

Communication-enhanced healthcare through mobile technology is the future. Add to this the exploding fields of mobile digital tools (apps, sensors, documentation support) for patients and clinicans, and you have a disruptive change that signals the beginning of a revolution in healthcare.

You are invited to join mHealth Initiative in its efforts to explore the ecosystem, share experiences and discuss opportunities at the first of a series of mHealth workshops.

What is needed for the mHealth ecosystem?

The mHealth ecosystem includes technologies, policies, devices, systems, and standards for new communication between patients and providers, integration of apps and communication-enhanced disease management programs, colalboration and care coordination systems - and much more.

The mHealth ecosystem must take into account standards, technology, patient communications, connectivity, clinician preferences of devices and systems, wireless systems and devices, security training, interoperability, quality of service, confidentiality policies, device platforms, HIS/EMR/HIE integration, secure and intuitive email, secure texting, secure wireless transmission and integration of data, EMC, user policies, guidance in app selection, and other issues.
What must be done...

* Patient education
* Clinician and staff education
* Strategy for wireless connectivity
* Inventory of existing medical apps
* Creation of a management system for incoming emails and text messages
* Discussion of advantages of data vs voice communication
* Research and implementation of security system
* Establishment of an mHealth tam in your organization
* Evaluation of communication-ewnhanced disease management options

Click here to register for just $195

Ocosmos OCS-9 tablet

There's a company called Ocosmos that recently unveiled a slate tablet called the OCS-9 tablet. This tablet has a removable keyboard that looks like it could double as a gaming pad (for all you serious gamers out there). Thanks to Engadget for the interesting story.

Will the smartphone eventually replace our desktop?

Will the computing capability of smartphones reach the point where these mobile devices will replace our desktop?

Right now, you can get smartphones that are running 1GHz processors. That's faster than some of my laptops! So many of us are computing when we're mobile. If you're mainly checking e-mail or browsing websites, you can easily do this on a mobile device. Attach that mobile device to a large monitor and if you add a keyboard and a mouse, then maybe you'll be set!

Whether you're mainly computing on a smartphone or a slate like the iPad, you may find yourself using your desktop less and less. As this trend continues, maybe the desktop will server primarily as a storage device and less as a computing device.

MD Magazine for your iPad

MD Magazine Mobile, a “re-imagined” version of the physician’s magazine, is a celebration of the lifestyle and culture of the physician.

MD Magazine includes in-depth profiles of innovative physicians, travel, finance, family, technology, and entertainment.

Much of MD Magazine is written by physicians, for physicians, all in a format that takes full advantage of the digital medium through interactive features, videos, and slide shows.

You can get MD Magazine for the iPad from the iTunes app store. 

iPad is Medical commercial

See the Apple iPad used as a radiology device in this commercial: iPad is Medical

Where would I be without extra laptop batteries?

I recently attended the mHealth Networking Conference in San Diego and I blogged about the conference (click here for highlights from the mHealth Conference). While I went from one room to the next, I saw everyone looking for a power outlet so they could keep their laptops charged up.

Fortunately, I didn't have to worry about losing battery power because I was traveling with my HP EliteBook 2740p that included an ultra-thin battery (slice battery). This battery is super-slim and it attaches to the bottom of your notebook. The other advantage of using this battery is this: it keeps your legs cool because the battery provides some insulation from the heat (surprisingly, the battery doesn't get too warm either).

When I add this ultra-thin battery to my HP tablet PC, I can computer for almost 9 hrs without switching batteries. Thanks to all the battery power I was carrying, I didn't have to look for a power outlet as I blogged away.

If your laptop isn't providing enough power, consider switching to an extended battery. Or, you can get a mobile computer that leverage two batteries simultaneously.

Specialty Practice and ASC Efficienty Gains with iPad #mHealth

Today is the last day of the 2nd International mHealth Networking Conference. As a physician champion for the HCPLive Network, I'm excited to blog about some of the highlights from this meeting. You can also follow updates about the mHealth Networking Conference on HCPLive.com.

I attended a session titled, "Specialty Practice and ASC Efficienty Gains with iPad and Other Devices." The presenter was Josh Way, CIO of Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine/Pain Management. He spoke about the way his specialty group is leveraging mobile devices in their practice and ambulatory surgery center. They're actively using devices like the iPhone and iPad to improve efficiencies in the workplace.

Care Delivery and Mobile App Experts Discuss Future of mHealth at Mobile Health Expo

Care Delivery and Mobile App Experts Discuss Future of mHealth at Mobile Health Expo

Speakers represent patient, provider and technology perspectives while discussing innovations in the mobile and healthcare industries

AUSTIN, Tex. – September 8, 2010 – Mobile Health Expo™, the only event focusing on the convergence of mobile technology and healthcare across the entire mobile health ecosystem, today announced speakers in the conference line-up that will address care delivery and mobile applications in the growing field of mobile health, mHealth, telemedicine and connected health.

"The bottom line of any health initiative is improving care delivery. The health industry is at an important cross-roads because the rapid pace of mobile innovation is fundamentally altering how care is delivered,” said Wendy Thomas, founder and organizer of Mobile Health Expo. "We are proud of the expert speakers representing patient, provider and technology at our first event. These notable speakers will address the impact of mHealth on care delivery, in addition to new mobile applications that are changing the face of healthcare as we know it.”

Mobile Technology for Clinical Practice #mHealth

I'm now in San Diego and I'm attending the 2nd International mHealth Networking Conference. As a physician champion for the HCPLive Network, I'm excited to blog about some of the highlights from this meeting. You can also follow updates about the mHealth Networking Conference on HCPLive.com.

This afternoon, I attended a breakout session titled: "Mobile Technology for Clinical Practice." The presenters were Dr. Renee McLeod, Dean, and Dr. Mary Mays, Brandman University School of Nursing and Health Professions.  They were focusing on the ability to access the latest clinical evidence so that clinicians can practice evidence-based medicine. 

They reviewed 8 different iPad apps.

1. Safari web browser (not really an app, but it's an integral part of an iPad)
2. Papers
3. GoodReader
4. Pub Med on Tap
5. NLM Mobile
6. Unbound MEDLINE
7. mAbstract HD
8. Skyscape

Do these apps access the web to access, tailor, and retrieve medical information? I'll let you dive into each of these apps to see how they compare. These apps can help clinicians find and share important clinical articles on their mobile devices.

I want to thank Epocrates for sponsoring these blog posts from the 2nd International mHealth Networking Conference. Epocrates, Inc. develops clinical information and decision support tools that enable healthcare professionals to find answers more quickly and confidently at the point of care.

From netbooks to iPads - the search for the ultimate mobile computer

I find it interesting to follow mobile computing trends in the world of healthcare. I'm in San Diego and I'm attending the 2nd International mHealth Networking Conference. I'm surrounded by people who have Apple iPads. Has this become the optimal mobile device for conference attendees? Will the iPad replace netbooks? (we're already seeing a decline in netbook sales, so maybe slate computing is going to replace ultra-mobile laptops)

In the past, it seemed like every conference attendee had a netbook. Laptops were simply too heavy and bulky for most medical professionals. Now, the iPad is new, it's trendy, and it's very portable. That's probably why I see so many mHealth professionals here who are using iPads. Then again, this is an mHealth conference, so maybe the room is full of early adopters who have a passion for mobile technology.

2010 Healthcare Mobile Technology Symposium in San Antonio, Texas!

There's another event coming up later this month: 2010 Healthcare Mobile Technology Symposium in San Antonio, Texas. This event is for healthcare providers interested in discovering new solutions for mobile technology in their industry. It looks like they're going to have some great speakers at this event.

Sept 19-21, 2010
Hyatt Regency Hill Country
San Antonio, Texas

The Healthcare Symposium is an invitation-only event. However, you can get more information about this event by clicking here.

Speaker include:

Rance Poehler
President, Panasonic Solutions Company

Mark Blatt, MD
Director for Healthcare Industry Solutions, Intel - Digital Health Group

Jonathan Leviss, MD
Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Sentillion (a Microsoft Company)
Author of "H.I.T. or Miss: Lessons Learned from Health Information Technology Implementations

David Merritt
Center for Health Transformation
Author of "Paper Kills 2.0"

The Samsung Galaxy Tab will be replacing my Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC

I've been using my Samsung Q1 Ultra Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) for a variety of things over the past few years. It's time to replace this mobile computer with the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Why?

Although I like my Q1 Ultra, the device is slow, heavy, and it doesn't have all-day battery life. The Q1 Ultra is a full PC running Windows 7 (or Vista, or XP) and that's just not the right operating system for a mobile device.

Both the Q1 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab have 7" screens. I'd rather use a super-thin tablet that runs Android over a thick, clunky Windows 7 slate. Then again, maybe I should wait to see what the HP Slate looks like. That device will be running webOS. Will webOS be a better operating system for such a mobile device?

I'm also wondering if Apple will release a smaller version of the iPad in a 7", widescreen model. When it comes to the slate tablet form factor, Samsung has the right idea by creating something with a 7" screen. The iPad is nice, but a 9.7" screen makes it a bit too large for me. Then again, maybe 7" is too similar to a smartphone like the Motorola Droid X that has a 4.3" screen.

Samsung Galaxy Tab vs. Apple iPad

People are already comparing the Samsung Galaxy Tab to the Apple iPad. Given that the iPad is still a first generation product, we can expect that newer slate tablets released by the competition will include additional features such as cameras, USB ports, SD card readers, etc.

So, which is better? Samsung Galaxy Tab or the Apple iPad? Is this a fair comparison? Would you rather run iOS or Android? Do you need a 10" screen or a 7" screen?

Eventually, maybe we'll find people who use an iPhone will need an Android tablet so that they can run Android apps. Those who use a Droid will carry an iPad or iPod touch so that they can run iOS apps.  Someone needs to come up with a dual-boot, triple-boot, or quad-boot slate tablet that will run iOS, Android, webOS, and BlackBerry. When will we see someone hack a slate and make it quad-boot compatible?

Computing on a plane that has a working AC power outlet!

I'm on my way to San Diego for the 2nd International mHealth Networking Conference in San Diego on Sept 8-9. I'll be making a presentation is titled, "Technology and Medicine: Mobile Applications and Clinical Outcomes."

I'm sitting on the plane and I see that we actually have a standard working power outlet on our seats. I don't need an airline DC power adapter anymore. I can just plug in my standard AC adapter and use my computer.  When's the last time you flew on an airplane that had working AC power outlets on the seats? It's also great to have in-flight Wi-Fi. I can keep up with all my work and stay connected to the world as I fly across the country. What would I do without you, Gogo inflight internet?

Speaking of the mHealth conference, if you'd like to hear my presentation at the mHealth conference, make sure to catch me on Thurs, Sept 9 at 10 am.  Here's some general information about the conference:  http://www.mobih.org

2nd International mHealth Networking Conference
September 8-9, 2010
Town & Country Resort Hotel
San Diego CA

Click here to view the program and I look forward to seeing you at the mHealth Networking Conference!

Who will have the first 4G slate tablet?

Some are speculating that the Samsung Galaxy Tab will be on Sprint as a 4G slate tablet. Wouldn't that be nice? I'd actually line up for that one.

Will Apple be the first to come out with a 4G slate tablet? They weren't the first 4G smartphone. HTC was with the Evo 4G on Sprint. Now, Samsung has released the Epic 4G on Sprint. If history repeats itself, then either HTC or Samsung will be the first company to release a 4G slate. Given all the buzz around the Galaxy Tab, I'm guessing that Samsung will emerge as the winner in the 4G slate tablet market. Of course, it won't be long before we see others following with 4G devices.

This is the USB flash drive I've been waiting for...

I've been waiting for someone to manufacture a USB flash drive that's tiny like a bug. Maybe like a mosquito. Well, LaCie has finally come out with a USB flash drive called the MosKeyto (get it?)

With this flash drive, you can plug it in and leave it in without worrying about it breaking off or getting stuck on anything. It's great for those who are using mobile computers like laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultra-mobile PCs, or tablet PCs. You can order it on the LaCie website here.

Two monitors vs. one really wide monitor?

In the past, I've mainly used two monitors simultaneously so that I can read something no one screen while I'm typing on the other screen. When you have a laptop connected to an external monitor on "extended desktop" mode, you can multitask and get quite a bit done.

Recently, I've had the opportunity to test the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z that has a 23" ultra-wide screen. In fact, the screen is so wide that I can work comfortably with two windows open, side-by-side. The M90z allows you to connect a second monitor if you require it, but I've found that I really don't need a second monitor when I'm using a primary monitor that's so wide.

You can purchase LCD computer monitors that 27", 30" and even larger. Once you get something that big sitting on your desk, you can probably open 3 or 4 windows and stack them next to each other so that you can truly multitask.

Will Apple release an iTablet or iSlate?

Well, Apple announced new iPods yesterday (iPod touch, nano, and shuffle). No announcement about the iTablet or iSlate. Some had speculated that the iPad would get refreshed before the upcoming holidays (and it still could happen). However, I was hoping that Apple would release a slate tablet (iTablet or iSlate) that runs Mac OS X. Am I dreaming, or will this become a reality?

Will Apple eventually take a popular computer like the MacBook Air and convert it to a tablet?  Or, will the iPad be the extent of tablet computing that we see from Apple?

Physicians who want to run a robust EHR on a mobile device will find that the iPad may not be the right device. Touch input is fine. A 10" screen is fine. However, you may need additional CPU horsepower to keep up with some of these intense applications and the iPad just doesn't have that type of horsepower. Let's hope that the engineers and executives at Apple decide to invest in a robust tablet that will efficiently run OS X and Boot Camp (so that you can also run Windows).

Are important emails getting stuck in your SPAM folder?

I use Gmail and I think Google is doing a very nice job with their SPAM filter. However, I still occasionally find an important email that's stuck in my SPAM folder. That's why I scan through my SPAM folder every day.  I also happen to have a Yahoo account and I probably find more important e-mails in the Yahoo SPAM folder compared to the Gmail SPAM folder.

When's the last time you glanced through your SPAM or JUNK mail folder?