The iPad 2: Will You Upgrade?

Author: Brittany Chan

On Wednesday, March 2, Steve Jobs announced the new iPad 2. Rumors had been flying for the past few months over the new features. Here are some of the highlights:

- Front and rear-facing cameras. As expected, you can now chat with your friends using FaceTime, shoot 720p HD video, and take and edit pictures.
- Dual-core A5 processor. A faster iPad means smoother multi-tasking, movie playback, and gaming.
- Slimmer design. The new iPad is 33% thinner and weighs only 1.3 pounds, down from the original iPad’s 1.5.
- iOS 4.3. The new operating system features iTunes home sharing, improvements to AirPlay, and the ability to use your iPad as a “personal hotspot.”
- Smart covers. These covers, designed in a lighter but similar fashion to the original Apple iPad case, will protect your screen and fold over to become a stand for your device. Closing the cover will put your iPad in sleep mode, and opening it will awaken your iPad. Smart covers will also come in several colors.
- Same 10-hour battery life.

FREE for a Limited Time: Microsoft OneNote App for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

Author: Brittany Chan

As a medical student, I am always searching for better ways to take class notes on my iPad. I loved using Microsoft OneNote on my laptop, but hadn't been able to find anything comparable on the iPad.

Finally, Microsoft has created a OneNote app, and it's free for a limited time! You can sync your existing OneNote files using a Windows Live SkyDrive account. You can also create new notes from within the app. Of course, it doesn't have the full functionality of the Office program, but seems like a great alternative to lugging your PC around. And they've been cranking out the updates frequently, so the app just keeps getting better.

The display is optimized for iPhone/iTouch, so iPad users using a wireless keyboard may get a little annoyed at the ever-present on-screen keys while typing. Hopefully the developers will release an iPad-optimized version in the future.

UC Irvine Brings iPads into the Medical Classroom

Author: Brittany Chan

Upon entering medical school, the lucky students in UC Irvine's class of 2014 all received iPads to use as learning tools in their educational journey. This new program, called the iMedEd Initiative, aims to engage students in interactive learning via downloadable lectures, e-textbooks, podcasts, and of course, medical apps. The iMedEd website includes a blog where interested students at UC Irvine can post reviews about various apps they have used. The curriculum also integrates other technological advancements such as digital stethoscopes and portable ultrasound units.

As a medical student, I see this as a step in the right direction, and I predict that many other medical schools will adopt similar programs in the near future. The practice of medicine has become increasingly more digitalized, and these programs encourage students to embrace available technology in their field as a tool for learning and improving patient care. I also think that this will make studying more enjoyable and productive for many students, especially those who already love playing with electronic gadgets.