Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Don't miss this mHealth webinar on Security & Privacy with @harrygreenspun

Don't miss this Fierce Fastcast Webinar: Are Your Security & Privacy Functions Prepared to Fully Leverage mHealth and Connect Data with Your Consumers?

Date: June 27, 2013 | Time: 2 pm ET / 11 am PT | Duration: 30 minutes

Learn how health reform transformation is changing security and privacy in health care and how it may impact your organization's approach today and tomorrow. Hear from Deloitte's top thought leaders on how the transformation of health care has significant implications for an organization's security and privacy.

Speakers:
  • Harry Greenspun, M.D., Senior Advisor, Health Care Transformation & Technology, Deloitte Center for Health Solutions
  • Mark Ford, Principal, Deloitte & Touche LLP
You can register for this webinar here.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Here's how to tell if your Intel Core processor is 3rd vs. 4th Gen (Haswell)

Everyone is excited about Haswell. After all, if you can extend my battery life for over 50%, then who's going to want the older product? Intel Core processors on most ultrabooks, tablets, and laptops are currently their 3rd generation processors. You can tell by looking at the number that follows the i3, i5, or i7.

Let's look at this example: Intel Core i7-3667U Processor
The 3667U indicates that it's a 3rd Gen processor. Notice the 3 in the front of the 3667U?

Here's another example: Intel Core i5-3427U Processor
The 3427U indicates that it's a 3rd Gen processor.

The older 2nd Gen processors had a number that starts with a 2. Here's an example:
Intel Core i5-2467M Processor

So, naturally the 4th Gen Intel Core processors (Haswell) will start with a 4 like this:

Intel Core i7-4765T Processor
Intel Core i7-4670R Processor
Intel Core i5-4570S Processor

We're up to 4th generation Intel Core processors and in my opinion, we're finally seeing a major leap in battery life. Intel Atom significantly extends battery life, but it does this at the expense of performance.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Feeling schizophrenic? Samsung ATIV Q comes with both Windows 8 and Android

Schizophrenia is not the same as a dual identify disorder (or multiple personality disorder). However, I like the word, so that's why I threw it in there. The Samsung ATIV Q will make you feel like you have two devices built-into one. It runs both Windows 8 or Android. So, if you love certain Android apps, you can run them on this large device.

The ATIV Q uses an interesting hinge to convert the device from a slate tablet to a laptop. Will this type of hinge design catch on and gain popularity in the convertible tablet PC space? The Acer Aspire R7 uses a similar hinge design. With this design, you sacrifice the space you'd normally have to rest your wrists and for a trackpad pointer.

The ATIV Q is a 13.3" device that comes with a keyboard with a built-in mouse pointer. The device also houses the Samsung S Pen, an active digitizer stylus pen. It also has a screen resolution that is much higher that what you will normally find in 13.3" ultrabooks. The 3,200 x 1,800 screen on the ATIV Q has a higher resolution than the 2,560-by-1,600 Retina Display found on the 13.3" MacBook Pro. Do you really need that much resolution? Maybe you do if you're a radiologist. Then again, this device is not an FDA-approved "medical device" that can be used for diagnostic purposes, but maybe radiologists will be eager to see how CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound images appear on the ATIV Q.

Since it's powered by the new Intel 4th Gen Core processor (Haswell), the device is very fast and has robust battery life. Samsung rates it for 9 hours. The big question now is, what's it going to cost? 

Samsung ATIV Tab 3 is a slim 8" Windows 8 tablet that is only 8 mm thick

Samsung just announced the Samsung ATIV Tab 3. This is an 8" tablet running Windows 8 and the device is only 8 mm thick. The iPad mini is 7.2 mm thick, so the ATIV Tab 3 is very close. The ATIV also houses a Samsung S Pen - an active digitizer stylus pen for precise inking on the screen. Traditional Tablet PC users may welcome the stylus pen option when running Windows applications.

Sounds like the Samsung ATIV Tab 3 will sell for $699 and come bundled with a keyboard case and Microsoft Office. Samsung claims 8.5 hrs of battery life on this small device.

Will this replace your iPad mini? Given that the ATIV Tab 3 will run Windows 8, that means that you'll be able to run your Windows applications on this small little pocket-sized device. That's definitely an appealing factor.

I wish this device came with an Intel Haswell (4th Gen Core) processor instead of a dual-core Atom processor. I also don't understand why these detachable keyboards lack a built-in pointer. Samsung also announced a hybrid tablet/laptop called the ATIV Q and this device runs both Windows 8 and Android. Plus, it has a keyboard that slides out and that keyboard has a built-in pointer. Shouldn't a built-in pointer be a standard feature?

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Haswell processor on the 2013 MacBook Air significantly extends battery life

I'm impressed. The new MacBook Air laptops (mid 2013) are now shipping with the new Intel Haswell Core processors (4th Gen Core i5 or i7) and the battery life figures are very impressive.
  • The 11-inch MacBook Air now lasts up to 9 hours (previous model lasted up to 5 hours)
  • The 13-inch MacBook Air now lasts up to 12 hours (previous model lasted up to 7 hours)
I think Apple is setting the bar here with 11" and 13" ultrabooks, so get ready for some new Windows 8 ultrabooks and tablet PCs powered by the 4th Gen Core processor this summer. These devices will remain thin and light, but they will offer much longer battery life. I hope their battery life specs will compare with these Apple MacBook Air laptops.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Windows 8.1 coming on 8/1, right?

Windows 8.1 should be released on August 1 (8/1), right? Clever. That would make sense. It's like having a slice of pie on March 14 (3.14).

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Why isn't the iPad 3 listed on the iOS 7 page?

I have an iPad 3. I call it the iPad 3 because it's technically the 3rd generation iPad and has the Retina display but it also has the older 20 pin connector instead of the new Lightning connector. So, it's technically NOT the "iPad with Retina display" even though it has a Retina display.

On the iOS 7 page, it indicates that iOS 7 is compatible with:
  • iPad 2
  • iPad with Retina display
  • iPad mini
So, where does the 3rd gen iPad fall on this list? It's technically not "iPad with Retina display" since "iPad with Retina display" specifically refers to the 4th gen iPad that also has the Lightning connector and the faster dual-core A6X with quad-core graphics. The 3rd gen iPad has the dual-core A5X chip and the 20 pin connector.

I'm sure iOS 7 will work on the 3rd gen iPad (right Apple?).  However, I'm disappointed that iOS 7 won't work on the older iPod touch models. Looks like iOS 7 will only run on the 5th gen iPod touch.

Speaking of older iPads and iPods, you can get some nice deals on refurbished products from the Apple Outlet.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Dell Latitude 10 reviewed by @DrJosephKim

I recently had the opportunity to spend several weeks reviewing the Dell Latitude 10 tablet PC. This is a business Windows 8 Pro tablet PC that is powered by the Intel Atom Z2760 dual-core processor @ 1.80 GHz. It comes with 2 GB of RAM and a 64 GB SSD. Overall, the device performs well and lasts up to 10 hrs (standard battery) for a mobile PC. If you need some serious computing horsepower, you'll want to get a PC powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.

The Latitude 10 comes in several different configurations:
  • Essential edition: 32GB of storage & a non-removable battery (no active stylus or HDMI)
  • Productivity edition: Includes a removable battery, active stylus and HDMI.
  • Mobile edition: Includes mobile broadband, removable battery, active stylus and HDMI.
  • Security edition: Mobile broadband, fingerprint and Smart Card readers (along with  removable battery, active stylus and HDMI).
The Latitude 10 version that I tested was the Enhanced Security version of the Latitude 10. For me, the best features of this Windows 8 tablet PC were:
  1. Removable 30Whr standard battery (up to 10 hrs) plus an optional 60Whr extended battery (up to 20 hrs). The extended battery adds some weight and bulk, but you won't run out of power all day. 
  2. Full-size SD card slot (not found on most Windows 8 tablet PCs).
  3. Added security features of the fingerprint and Smart Card readers.
Here are some other some features that I'd like to highlight about this tablet PC:

Size and Style:

The Dell Latitude 10 Enhanced Security version is one of the thicker, wider Windows 8 tablets on the market. Given that it's designed for the Enterprise environment, it's made with a reinforced magnesium alloy frame. The tablet only weighs 1.47 lbs (the iPad weighs 1.46 lbs).  The top portion of the Latitude 10 Security Edition is thicker (13.4 mm) than the rest of the tablet (10.5 mm) because of the integrated smart card and fingerprint reader. You'll want to get the  Enhanced Security Soft-Touch Case that was designed specifically for this tablet.

Wacom Active Digitizer Pen:

The 10.1" capacitive multi-touch HD display is crisp and bright. The Latitude 10 uses a standard-appearing Wacom digitizer pen for precise input and "inking," so if you're a traditional Tablet PC user, you can still go back to scribbling and jotting down notes. You won't find a silo for the pen on the tablet, so you'll need to carry the pen separately or use the case that has a built-in elastic loop for the pen.

Keyboard:

I wish that the Dell Latitude 10 also came with a mobile docking keyboard option that you 'll find on the Dell XPS 10 Tablet (which runs Windows RT). Instead, you can get the Kensington KeyFolio Expert case which has a wireless Bluetooth keyboard and hands-free stand, but this keyboard does not include a built-in mouse pointer.

Summary:

The Dell Latitude 10 is a great Windows 8 business tablet PC that gives the user flexible options with battery life and robust security features. The productivity dock allows you to connect a monitor and multiple USB peripherals so that you can have a workstation at your desk and a mobile tablet when you're walking around.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Expectations of iPad Use in an Internal Medicine Residency Program

Docs love their iPads, but are these tablets meeting the needs of busy doctors in training? Take a look at the journal article titled, "Expectations of iPad Use in an Internal Medicine Residency Program: Is It Worth the “Hype”?

The authors at the University of Chicago found that "While the use of tablets such as the iPad by residents is generally well received, high initial expectations highlight the danger of implementing new technologies. Education on the realistic expectations of iPad benefits may be warranted."

115 internal medicine residents received Apple iPads in October 2010. Residents completed matched surveys on anticipated usage and perceptions after distribution 1 month prior and 4 months after deployment.

Prior to deployment, most residents believed that the iPad would improve patient care and efficiency on the wards.

Luo N, Chapman CG, Patel BK, Woodruff JN, Arora VM
Expectations of iPad Use in an Internal Medicine Residency Program: Is It Worth the “Hype”?
J Med Internet Res 2013;15(5):e88
URL: http://www.jmir.org/2013/5/e88/
doi: 10.2196/jmir.2524
PMID: 23656727

Monday, June 3, 2013

Acer Iconia W3 First 8-Inch Windows 8 Tablet $379

The Acer Iconia W3 is the First 8-Inch Windows 8 Tablet
It is selling for $379

At a fast glance, it may resemble an iPad mini. It weighs 1.10 pounds. You can easily hold it in one hand. It's 0.45 inches thick and the 8.1" screen has a resolution of 1280 x 800. This tablet is rated for approximately 8 hrs of battery life because it's powered by a dual-core Intel Atom processor.

Will this device feel like a netbook when you use it with an external keyboard? Remember that most netbooks have an average display size that is 10" so the 8.1" display on the Iconia W3 will feel a bit smaller than a netbook. The flip side is that the external keyboard that you use with this type of device will probably have full-size keys. But, the keyboard sold by Acer does not include a built-in mouse pointer.

Rumors have it that most other major PC manufacturers will be releasing smaller Windows 8 tablets. Microsoft is rumored to be releasing a smaller Surface tablet. Will the screen be 7" or 8"? I suspect HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and others will do something similar this summer.

I'm still waiting to see if the battery life claims of the new Intel Haswell Core processors will be true. 50% longer battery life on a Core i7 tablet sure would be nice.