Providers' Perceptions Series: Mobility in Healthcare

Providers' Perceptions Series: Mobility in Healthcare
Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Time: 2 p.m. Eastern / 11 a.m. Pacific
Duration: 1 Hour

Providers at facilities across the US are looking to mobile solutions to improve outcomes and efficiencies across departments – from clinical to administrative and beyond. Healthcare reform deadlines and initiatives are providing implementation impetus for these types of solutions. As a result, providers are seeking out mobile technologies in their plans to participate in such healthcare models as Accountable Care Organizations, Patient-Centered Medical Homes and Health Information Exchange. This presentation will delve into the results of a hospital executive study conducted by Porter Research and Billian's HealthDATA in May 2011. In support of the research, a hospital CIO will provide details around their facility's experience. The study will examine providers’ perceptions of:

* perceived challenges and opportunities
* tangible benefits
* vendor preparedness
* impact of healthcare reform on current and future adoption of mobile technologies

Learn more here.

Check your laptop battery wear using BatteryBar

BatteryBar is a free utility that can show you the level of "battery wear" on your laptop, tablet, or netbook. BatteryBar won't show battery wear for every type of laptop, but it's free to try. I've found that it's fairly accurate in telling me that my one-year-old battery has roughly 5% wear while my three-year-old battery has over 20% wear.

Lithium ion batteries have a limited life span. They can be charged and discharged a finite number of times. Plus, age will wear them down too, even if you're not using the battery. Some of my older laptops have batteries that won't even last 30 minutes. The batteries will still charge to 100%, but they discharge at irregular rates.

Want to check the level of battery wear on your laptop? You can get BatteryBar here.

New Kindles (3G with Special Offers) and Nooks

Amazon now has a new Kindle 3G. This one includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers and it's only $164. The 3G is free and it works globally, so it's great for international travelers.

Barnes and Noble recently announced a touch-enabled Nook. The Nook has an all-new look too:

ALL-NEW NOOK

• The Simple Touch Reader™
• Easiest to use 6” touchscreen
• Most advanced E-Ink® display—crisp text, even in bright sun
• Longest battery life—read up to 2 months on just 1 charge
• Ultra-light and thin—under 8 ounces
• Largest bookstore with more than 2 million titles—get them in seconds
• Expert recommendations & fun social features

Blazing performance after upgrading to an SSD

The other day, I took a relatively old laptop and upgraded the hard drive (HD) to a solid state drive (SSD). After loading Windows 7, I saw a tremendous improvement in computer performance. It's amazing how SSDs can improve performance on an older device. The most notable improvements in performance include:

• Windows Startup Performance
• File Copy Performance
• Opening Applications
• Multitasking Performance

I also saw a moderate improvement in battery life, but this wasn't nearly as significant as the other performance improvements. 

If you're looking for ways to improve your laptop's performance, consider switching to an SSD before you upgrade your RAM. You'll notice a difference, especially if you're running Windows 7.  If you're going to purchase an SSD, make sure to get one made by a reputable manufacturer like Intel, Samsung, Kingston, Crucial, Transcend, etc.

Kindle (with advertising) for less, or original Kindle?

I've been speaking with several people who are in the market for an Amazon Kindle. You can get the Kindle "with Special Offers" (also known as advertising) for $114, or the regular Kindle for $139. Which would you get? Will all future e-Book readers include advertising?

The Kindle now offers features like book sharing and you'll soon have the ability to virtually "check out a book" from a library (library lending).

This summer, if you plan to spend a lot of time reading outside, you may find it easier to read on a Kindle than on a color screen slate like an iPad or Xoom. If you have a Kindle, don't forget that you can purchase access to these popular sites on your Kindle:

• Mobile Health Computing
• Medicine and Technology
  
• Medical Smartphones
• Non-Clinical Medical Jobs, Careers, and Opportunities
  

Anyone try the WebKit-based browser on the Kindle?

PDair book case for HP Slate 500 tablet PC

The HP Slate 500 is a great little tablet PC, but the OEM case doesn't allow you to hold the tablet up at different angles. I chose to get the PDair book case because this case allows you to hold the slate up at 3 different angles. PDair makes two types of book cases for the HP Slate 500.

I got this case from Amazon: "PDair BX2 Black Leather Case for HP Slate 500 Tablet PC"

The PDair case shipped from Hong Kong. The book case is made of high quality leather and the craftsmanship is very impressive. The case is thicker than the OEM case, but I think it's worth the extra thickness given all the functionality and extra protection it offers. The case is held closed by small magnets.  In many ways, this case reminds me of the Marware C.E.O. Hybrid iPad Case.

Here are some photos of the PDair book case for HP Slate 500 tablet PC:

HTC Flyer: An Android tablet with a "Magic Pen"

The HTC Flyer is an Android slate tablet that includes a "magic pen" that will allow you to write, draw, and "ink" more accurately than most other slate tablets (with the exception of slate tablet PCs running Windows 7).

With these smaller tablets that include both a capacitive touch screen an some sort of active digitizer, we're seeing more devices using the DuoSense Digitizer Solution from N-trig. My HP Slate 500 uses an N-trig pen and the new Fujitsu Q550 also uses an N-trig pen. The Motion Computing CL900 also uses the same type of pen. Why the movement away from Wacom?

Before you go out and purchase an HTC Flyer, check to see if the device comes with a "magic pen." Otherwise, you may be spending $30 or more to purchase a separate pen.

The HTC Flyer is a portable 7-inch tablet with a magic pen that can do more for you than you can imagine. From creating masterpieces with a stroke of a paintbrush, to taking multimedia notes or even signing digital documents, HTC Flyer puts you in control of any situation. With streaming movies at a touch of your finger, HTC Flyer turns any moment into something special.

Replacing my laptop hard drive with an SSD

It's amazing how the prices on solid-state hard drives (SSD) have dropped. I remember when it used to cost a fortune to get a 64 GB SSD. Now, you can get one for $125.

After experiencing SSD performance on a number of mobile computers including the HP Slate 500, I've decided to switch one of my laptop hard drives with an SSD. I don't need much storage space, so 64 GB is plenty. Plus, I have an SD slot and plenty of USB ports to expand storage if needed. I'm eager to see how this laptop will perform after I upgrade the drive to an SSD.

You can now place an order for the Motion CL900 Tablet PC

If you're looking for a small, rugged tablet PC running Windows 7, the Motion Computing CL900 may be the device that will meet your needs. You can start placing your orders for this tablet from a number of different resellers (I would personally recommend Allegiance Technology).

The CL900 is one of the more expensive slate tablet PCs, but it's also one of the few that is built as a rugged device. I had a chance to test one when I was at HIMSS earlier this year and I was thoroughly impressed by the build quality and the overall design of the device. Prices start at $899 and go up to $1,349.99 for this little tablet computer.

HP introduces the EliteBook 2760p convertible tablet PC

If you're a fan of convertible tablet PCs, then you may like to know that HP recently announced the next generation in their 2700p series. I currently still have a 2730p which is the 2nd generation in this series. I skipped the 2740p and now HP is coming out with the 2760p (what happened to the 2750p?).

The EliteBook 2760p is a 12.1" convertible tablet PC that closely resembles the 2740p series. At a glance, you may not be able to tell them apart.

Some of you may be thinking about the new Lenovo ThinkPad  X220 tablet PC. I have an older ThinkPad X200 tablet PC and there are a number of reasons why I prefer the ThinkPad series over the EliteBook and a host of different reasons why I prefer the HP over the Lenovo. (I'm still waiting for one company to combine my wish list of features into a single machine but I haven't found anyone willing to do that yet).

If you're looking for a great deal on the HP 2740p series, make sure to check out the HP Business Outlet. You can find some refurbished models along with a few "scratch and dent" computers that will save you hundreds of dollars.

Some Google I/O Highlights

Author: Riley Alexander, MD, MBA

Google I/O has been in full-swing for the past 2 days and a lot has been let loose. I already mentioned yesterday that one of the big announcements was that of Android's next iteration--Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 3.1). This update has been rolled out to 3G Xooms today and initial reports state that most won't notice much of a difference, but it does seem to increase performance. More importantly, Google plans for this release to be released to phones as well--a distinct difference from Honeycomb. Google made a point that this release would address some of the fragmentation that has plagued Android from the start. In addition, Google is mandating that all handset manufacturers shipping Android maintain software updatability for at least 18 months (which just so happens to be 6 months shorter than most people's cell phone contracts).

Google's other big announcement yesterday was their Google Music service. This is the second big cloud-based music service after Amazon's and promises tight integration with Android. Considering iOS won't have a proper app for either service, let's hope for us iPhone users out there that all the rumors are true about iCloud next month...otherwise, Apple stands to fall behind in the "march to the cloud."

Lifted by the Cloud: Visions of Cloud-Enhanced Accessibility

What is your vision of how cloud computing can create new opportunities for people with disabilities? Create a multimedia presentation that shows what could be possible using the computing and communication power now available via the Internet.

Visions created in response to this challenge will help to provide direction and motivation to policy makers, software developers, and members of the public who wish to empower people with disabilities toward greater independence in life, and greater integration in society.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit this challenge and vote. The winner of this voting will be recognized as "the popular choice."

Learn more about the "Lifted by the Cloud: Visions of Cloud-Enhanced Accessibility" challenge here.

A big day in the tech world: Google I/O and Microsoft purchases Skype

Author: Riley Alexander, MD, MBA

Today has shown be one loaded with tech news. The biggest news of the day is easily Microsoft's $8.5 billion purchase of Skype. This will give Microsoft control of the world's largest web-based calling service. Microsoft beat out Google in the bidding and may have severely overpaid for Skype, but look for them to tightly integrate it into Windows Phone 7, the Xbox 360 and the upcoming Windows 8. And expect Microsoft to take Apple's Facetime head-on with Skype.

The other big event today was Google's I/O conference--essentially their version of Apple's WWDC. Google had a lot of things to announce today, but much of the focus was on Android, particularly the next iteration of the mobile OS...Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 3.1).

Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Slate PC: Pre-Order

If you're looking for a slate tablet PC running Windows 7, here's one to consider. Fujitsu introduces the STYLISTIC® Q550 Slate PC, designed from the ground up to meet the rigorous demands of mobile business users.

STYLISTIC® Q550 Slate PC

•     Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 32-bit
•     Bright 10.1" WXGA LED backlit IPS display with wide-viewing angles
•     Capacitive multi-touch and digital pen support for ease-of-use
•     Unique removable quick-swap battery for all day computing
•     Advanced security: integrated SmartCard slot, Fingerprint Sensor, and TPM (select configuration)
•     Extremely light weight starting at approximately 1.7 lbs
•     Battery life up to a standard business work day

Compared to the HP Slate 500, the Fujitsu Q550 is larger and a bit heavier, but it includes a removable battery (which appears to be $129). Plus, the Q550 includes a Fingerprint scanner and a SmartCard slot.  If you don't need these types of features, then the HP Slate 500 is a nice option because it's smaller, thinner, and lighter.  I currently use the Slate 500 but I'm waiting to see how the Q550 will compare to it.

If you're working in a hospital, you may want to consider the addition of a hand strap so that you're less likely to drop the Q550 on the floor. Neither the Fujitsu Q550 or the HP Slate 500 are rugged PCs. If you're looking for a rugged slate PC, wait for the Motion Computing CL900.

Charging an HP Slate 500 tablet PC using an external battery pack

The HP Slate 500 is a great little tablet PC, but the battery is not user-swappable. So, if you run out of power, you need to find a wall outlet unless you use my solution to charge the Slate 500 using an external battery pack. The external battery pack will charge the internal battery on your Slate 500 when you're on the road (or on an airplane).

Here, I have illustrated a way to charge the Slate 500. You'll need the following:

• Tekkeon myPower All Plus MP3750
  
• myPower ALL Female Car Charger Adapter (works with the Tekkeon external battery)
• A portable power inverter (I'm using a 75 Watt inverter here, but a 175 Watt Portable Micro Power Inverter would also work)

Now, once you have all this together, you can plug your HP Slate 30W Power Adapter (QK186AA) into the Power Inverter and you'll have mobile power.

All signs are pointing to the cloud...at least for Apple, that is

Author: Riley Alexander, MD, MBA

Apple's annual WWDC is just over a month away and for the first time in years, it won't be focused on the iPhone (or at least that's what we all think). Apple's not-so-subtle title that it's "all about the software" and continued rumors that the iPhone 5 will see a release in September this year seem to validate this. So, what does that leave for WWDC? Well, it will certainly be focused on OSX 10.7, aka Lion, but we will also likely see the unveiling or future direction of iOS5....and iCloud?

Rumors have been flowing that Apple is set to completely overhaul it's current cloud solution, MobileMe, and rename it iCloud. In fact, some report it to be live and being tested already, at least internally. So what does this represent? Well, being that it appears to be worked into Lion and will certainly be a part of iOS5, it seems that Apple is making it's full-fledged, integrated assault on the cloud. And importantly, it will be free for introductory storage levels. While I've heard that MobileMe is quite good, it requires a paid subscription and with free services like Google Docs, Windows SkyDrive and Dropbox available, it makes it hard to plop down cash for it. Being free, at least for lower storage levels, is definitely important to success.

Are you using an iPad as a patient education tool?

The Apple iPad truly has been a game changer in the world of patient education. Now, physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals have the ability to educate patients using multimedia at the bedside. Plus, the touch interaction enhances that educational experience and helps your patient remember what you're teaching him/her.

So, the next time you want to illustrate a back problem, stomach anatomy, or a vascular problem, consider using a modern piece of technology to illustrate your point as you're speaking. Any tablet will do.

AirWatch Webinar: Managing iPads in Healthcare

Managing iPads in Healthcare
Thursday, May 5, 2011 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM EDT

Join Kevin Kiley, Director of Healthcare Solutions, for a free Webinar Thursday, May 5 at 11:30 AM EDT, to learn how AirWatch's highly scalable, web-based smartphone and mobile device management solution enables your healthcare organization to:

• Activate and configure scaled mobile deployments
• Ensure security and support HIPAA compliance across all mobile devices and wireless environments
• Authenticate users and secure access on shared devices
• Centrally manage both corporate and employee-liable devices
• Securely distribute internal apps through an enterprise app catalog
• Remotely configure corporate policies, settings, email, VPN, Wi-Fi and more

Learn more here.

Playing with the BlackBerry PlayBook

I had a chance to briefly see the BlackBerry PlayBook at HIMSS 2011, but then I had a chance to spend some time and play with it recently when I was at the airport. The device is small and light and my first impression was: "this is simply too small."

Keep in mind that I use an HTC ThunderBolt smartphone that has a 4.3" screen. So, when you have a slate tablet that has a 7" screen, it doesn't seem much bigger than the ThunderBolt. The Samsung Galaxy Tab also has a 7" screen, so this device is similar in size compared to the PlayBook.

BlackBerry PlayBook review roundup

Author: Riley Alexander, MD, MBA

It's been a little over a week since RIM's entry into the slate tablet market took place and I just wanted to round up some the reviews for our readers to peruse, here (TechCrunch), here (Engadget) and here (Gizmodo).

Overall, most were impressed with the internals, but felt like the device is still in "beta" form and lacks the polish (and apps) to lure the consumer. In fact, so many reviews contained a negative connotation, Blackberry's executives were even calling them "unfair." Hopefully RIM can manage to update the device and bring it to relevancy before the coming wave of Honeycomb slate tablets bump it's spot as the newest iPad competitor.

I have my doubts, though. RIM seems to be somewhat lost in how to deal with Apple and Android. They can't seem to make up their mind if they are an enterprise or consumer-focused company and are losing ground in both.