I'm testing the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet (Android)

I've owned a number of ThinkPad laptops and convertible tablet PCs running Windows. I'm now testing the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet running Google Android as its operating system. I've only had this tablet for a few hours, so these are my initial impressions so far.

This is a business tablet and so it's built with features that are important to business users.

The ThinkPad runs Android 3 (Honeycomb) which is optimized for tablets and includes touch-based navigation for all the buttons. The ThinkPad also has hardware buttons.

Unlike most Android tablets, the ThinkPad Tablet also has the ability to work with an active digitizer pen. That was one of the most appealing features to me since I'm so accustomed to pen-based computing. You have to buy the Stylus pen separately and it uses the N-Trig Duo Sense so that you can use the pen and switch to touch-based input.

Here are a few other distinguishing features:

• Full-size USB port (you won't find this on any other Android tablet)
• SD card slot (instead of a micro SD card slot)
• Mini HDMI slot
• An optional keyboard folio case that includes a built-in pointer mouse (you won't find this on most tablets)

I'm still getting used to the idea of using a mouse an an Android tablet. If you're new to tablet computing, the ThinkPad Tablet could be an easier way to transition to the world of touch-based computing. I'll continue to review this device and will write more as I take this for a spin.

Android tablets with pen-based input (N-Trig DuoSense)

There are currently only a few Android tablets that allow you to write on the screen using an active digitizer pen made by N-Trig (Dual-mode pen and capacitive multi-touch interface).  These tablets are also capable of capacitive multi-touch, so it's nice to have the ability to switch between handwriting recognition input with a pen vs. tapping with your finger.

The DuoSense® battery-powered Digital Pencil is a wireless electronic stylus that enables direct on-screen digital input. Utilizing inherent pen capabilities, the Digital Pencil complements DuoSense true multi-touch functionality for a more interactive and creative approach to computing that cannot be achieved by touch alone.

If you're looking for a 10" tablet that uses a pen, here are your current options:

• Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet (running Android) - with Wi-Fi or with optional Gobi 3G
• HTC Jetstream from AT&T (The first 4G LTE tablet from AT&T)
• Motorola Xyboard (10" model only) from Verizon on the 4G LTE network

If you'd prefer a smaller 7" tablet that uses a pen, then you can get the same HTC tablet either with 4G on Sprint, or Wi-Fi only:

• HTC EVO View 4G on Sprint (4G LTE network)
• HTC Flyer (Wi-Fi only)

Surprisingly, Samsung, Asus, or Acer do not have an Android tablet that uses this type of active pen-based input. Also, Apple doesn't have an iPad that uses a digital pen that's coupled with true handwriting recognition software.

Over the next week or so, I'll be testing the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet, so stay tuned as I take that device for a spin. I have a MiFi and I can tether using my smartphone, so I really don't need a 4G tablet. A Wi-Fi tablet is sufficient for me.

HP enters the Ultrabook market with the HP Folio 13 series

A few years ago, people were excited to go out and purchase a netbook. Now, the new buzzword is "Ultrabook."

An Ultrabook is a computer in a category of thin and lightweight ultraportable laptops, defined by a specification from Intel. The name Ultrabook is an Intel trademark.

HP is entering the Ultrabook market with the HP Folio 13 series. This computer is as thin as a dime.

18 mm thick and just 3.3 lb
Get up to 9.25 hours of battery on a single charge

6 Great iPad Apps and Resources for Physical Therapists

Author: Bethany Brewer

6 Great iPad Apps and Resources for Physical Therapists

Physical therapy assistant programs are constantly integrating newer technologies like that of computers, iPads and other devices. These new computer formats can be daunting at first, but soon many won’t know how to live without them. One such format is the iPad and iPhone applications, which can aid a physical therapy assistant and possibly make his or her work more efficient.

The following are 6 tools that may be useful in physical therapy sessions, although they are not free; most of these applications are low cost, making them affordable for even those individuals still in physical therapy assistant schools.

1.) KneeDecide, ShoulderDecide or SpineDecide Apps: These are 3D applications that offer common treatment methods used for the injury in question. The application shows 3D diagrams and in-depth information on an injury in this location.

2.) Muscle & Bone Anatomy 3D App: This application shows a 3 dimensional animation of the muscles and bones. Physical therapy assistants can show patients the animations and diagrams of the bone and muscles that are injured. The application also offers information videos they may be interested in.

3.) Pocket Body App: This works similarly to Muscle & Bone Anatomy but shows a more clinical view of the muscle and bone area. It is able to peel the skin and layers of muscle to the side to show the patient what the exact problem is. This tool works as a demonstration for patients or could be used as a reference tool for physical therapy students.

Online file storage: what are the best options in the cloud?

Author: Riley Alexander, MD, MBA

Storing your files in the "cloud" has become a mainstream activity in the last couple of years and because of this, the options to do this have really expanded. Many of these services operate on a tiered service plan with an initial allotment of storage for free and yearly subscription fees for additional gigs of space to dump files into. I have used many of these and really started to implement them into my daily usage much more in the past few months so I'll offer my opinions of what I've used.

Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/):
Without a doubt, this is the most widely-used cloud storage option...and for the most part, for very good reason. This service has been around for awhile now and the increased competition has mostly shown how good the service is. Dropbox doesn't offer a huge amount of space for free, 2 gb, but this is plenty for documents and work-type materials. You can earn free additional space for referring people who sign up as well. The big perk of Dropbox is its usability. It syncs across all devices, desktop and mobile, and has a lot of interoperability with other apps on the market that only enhance its usability. Dropbox creates its own folder on any of your computers that is the same across all devices and acts like a local drive for all intents and purposes--except for that it syncs with all your devices automatically when you add stuff. Sharing particular folders is a snap and provides a very quick and secure method to share files with friends/colleagues. The biggest caveats to Dropbox are its limited amount of free space and the rather costly premium plans compared to the competition.

iPad Catheterization Application

New Worldwide Technology - I PAD Catheterization Application
I PAD Catheterization Application

From: The Spokesman Department | Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson and Hasharon Hospitals - 28 November 2011

New Worldwide Technology used for the first time at Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson and Hasharon Hospitals) Invasive Cardiology Institute

A new advanced technology has been developed for the first time worldwide, at the Invasive Cardiology Institute, headed by Prof. Ran Kornowski, at Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson and Hasharon Hospitals) where all the pertinent information collected during the catheterization procedure is sent directly to the I PAD. This new application allows for the cardiologist to see the entire catheterization process on the I PAD screen, both for utilization with the patients and the staff. Developed in conjunction with the Mckesson Company this application allows the doctor the opportunity to sit with his patient and their family, and explain the catheterization procedure in a very simple visual matter, with clear cut high resolution imaging.
It is important to note that cardiac catheterization procedure provides pertinent significant on line information about the activities of the patients heart and the condition of the arteries which then allows the cardiologist to accurately assess the situation and carry out to best most accurate catheterization procedure necessary.
Prof. Ran Kornowski who heads the Institute of Invasive Cardiology and initiated this project: "This is only a small stone in the age of new medical technologies where now instead of just explaining the catheterization procedure to the patient and his family through words we can now use the I PAD to show them visually, in a very clear and professional manner the entire medical procedure. It is a completely different and very exciting experience which truly allows for the doctor and patient to meet at eye level, while also completely protecting the privacy of the patients. It is also a very high level professional way to discuss the catheterization with other cardiologists on line around the world. I believe that this application will pave the road for the initiation of many other imaging applications which can be downloaded on to the I PAD, opening up a new wave of useful advantageous medical technologies, beneficial to both the patient and the physician, allowing for much wider worldwide cooperation."