One of my classmates showed me his Palm Pilot which he had downloaded the epocrates drug list.  I "borrowed" my Wife's Palm IIIxe (which she hasn't used since I got it for her birthday in January) and downloaded the Prescription info and Infectious Dz info.   It looks like it will be quite handy for looking up Meds, etc.

I will eventually have to give it back to my wife, so will need to start looking for one of my own.

The Rx and ID software is only about 2 megs (out of 8 in the IIIxe).  I don't doubt that more info will be available shortly (I am a Podiatry Student) in the Medical Field, and one of my Surgery Instructors said that his hospital is starting to do charging from the Dr's Palm notes (which will probably become the norm at some point).  

What kind of Palm devices do you suggest?  Or, wait as long as I can before getting one for myself (yes, I know the prices will come down, and the features improve as time goes by, but there is also something to be said for having your own device to learn on, and store info on)?

When I bought the IIIxe, I bought the cheapest 8 meg unit I could find, and really didn't do much research.

What features to look for?  What is coming in the near future that might be worth waiting for?

Thanks for any info!

AFARR  

As a Palm IIxe owner / user myself, I think you have the best bang for your buck at this time. I don't know any user of the more expensive machines that really uses any of those features they paid for. Color seems a bit frivolous (unless you want a game machine) and wireless internet, etc. is just a bit much. I also like using AAA batteries. I often go weeks without synching - and I don't like having to worry about keeping batteries charged. Heck, my cradle has been packed up now for two months!! (Hope the Palm don't crash). I can go to the field and not have to worry about setting up a charging station like I do for my ^%&#@ mobile phone.

The only feature I wish I had is the ability to record voice like on some of the Handsprings.

If you have not already, try to get the software that allows you to write straight on the screen - it's the next best thing to voice recording and allows you to scribble quick first and enter neatly later.

The only issues I have had is one time when it was really cold the dang thing didn't want to turn on. 'Course it was an early February morning in Korea and well below freezing - not sure what would have worked - amazingly it began working again within a minute or so. It is still more reliable than markers or pens, which freeze up at even higher temperatures and force you to write with grease pencils!

Adam

added: I just remembered you had to give the IIIxe back to the wife - can't buy them anymore, so all I can recommend is don't give in to the fancy features you will never use. BTW, the new ones all have built in software to allow you to scribble straight on the screen.

I use a Palm IIIC, and it has been immensely helpful. Not only is it great for keeping track of everything, but there is 3 programs I downloaded onto it that I use pretty often. FlyByNav for aviation route planning and navigation. Airport Insight, which replaces my Airport Facility Directories. E6B which is an electronic version of the E6B flight computer. My Palm goes everywhere with me and definitely makes things easier. Having a color screen is nice too.

AFARR,
I have a sony palm m505 that is in color and rechargable.  I got it when I graduated from school and I have loaded some software (epocrates, qID, Lytemeister, and etc.) on it but never carried it.  I tried to sell it laast month but the guy backed out.  This thing is basically new except for me adding the software to it and charging the battery.  Look around see what you like and give me a shot if you want it for $300.  I am selling it because I have one just like it that I bought 3 months before I got this one(didn't know we were getting them).

Iso

Depends on your needs.  If color's your thing, and you don't mind using external batteries, III's are ok.  I carry a V, and my dad has a Vx.  They're smaller, and have the internal rechargable battery (which has its own set of pros and cons).

If you're happy with the IIIxe, then run with it.  The biggest advantage of the V is its size.

Viper Out

Palm Vx everything in the world is made for it...

I use a Palm Vx (8 megs memory).  Just purchased the new Palm OS software.  Have not received the software yet, but from advertisements, it should be a nice addition.  The Palm Vx has all the features that I need, and probably more than I will ever use.

Where did you get the aviation software downloads?  Thanks.

I just looked on Ebay and there are a good number of Palm IIIxe units for sale. Might be a lower cost alternative.

Here is a listing from [url]www.mysimon.com[/url] for prices and availability of new units.
[url]http://www.mysimon.com/isrch/index.jhtml?c=pda&pgid=shop&InputKeyword=palm+IIIxe&_ttag=ksrch_top&v=2&key=UC_20011111_200147_0859066219[/url]

The Palm 505 (?) which is a fairly new color model is great.  You can even read the screen outdoors in bright sunlight.

GunLvr

I've got a IIIxe, I use QuickOffice nice, but I'm going to get the Handera 330 in a few weeks. This is a cool machine.
CompUSA in Houston has them in stock.
Check it out, [url]http://www.handera.com/[/url]

Just DON'T drop em.
SSD

I retire my wel used Palm III and got a Palm m505. If you don't use the back light often the battery will last for week. But the color screen isn't bright as the Palm IIIc or Ipaq or Sony, and the contrast isn't adjustable. It has expansion slot.... too much to explain here.
[url]http://www.palm.com/products/palmm505/[/url]

Its not cheap but I 'm sure it won't be out-dated for a long while..
P.S. It cannot be used as MP3 player (i think)

Personally, I like my Compaq Ipaq handheld.  It's closer to a real computer - has Excel, Word, a real internet browser, etc.  But if all you want to do is keep track of appointments, notes, synchronize with your desktop, etc., the Ipaq is probably overkill.

AH! Something I can comment on...

I love my Vx- though if I could justify the expense I'd get the M500.  Alot of the new software is HUGE, especially if you want to do silly things like play video clips or show pics of your dogs. The 500 is essentially the Vx with a faster processor and has the memory expansion slot. Nice.  Color is unnecesary for most people, I think. The rechargeable battery is very nice, as you should be hot-syncing to back it up every night anyway.  It's just a fire-and-forget operation: stick it in the cradle, press the button, go take a leak, come back it's done.

The best feature of the Vx/M500 series is the size. All the others are pretty big, and I really like having the little booger in my front shirt pocket, ready at a moment's notice.  It tracks appts, the evergrowing list of phone numbers and addresses, events into the next two millenium (avoid those "Did you remember our anniversary is next tuesday, dear?" situations), lists, lists, more lists, Quicken checkbook, and so on.

I usually run:
ePocrates and Medscape's Pharmacopeia (OK, a little redundant...) www.medscape.com
Datebk4 (MUCH improved Date Book) http://www.pimlicosoftware.com/
Backup Buddy (essential!) and WordSmith (MUCH improved Word-compatible doc reader and To do/Memo substitute in one) http://bluenomad.com/

Oh, and my current fun game: Bubblet  www.oopdreams.com

There are currently (and going to be many more) apps for the medical field, including wireless order and prescription functions, E&M coding in the palm of your hand, billing programs, etc.  Many medical professionals have them, which makes networking easier ("Beam me your business card, man!"), letting you do a better job of minding your business, IMO.

Just too useful, not to mention too cool not to have one with you at all times.

Good luck on your decision!

Oh, and I'd get it ASAP so you get up to speed quickly. They're changing all the time anyway, why wait?

I prefer Palm, I think it's the standard. but then I'm also a Colt kind of guy (not to stir things up or anything...)

:)

Buy a visor...the handspring port alone makes it better than the Palm...In my shop we have 3 visor users and one palm....and everyone else (including the palm guy) want a visor.


No_Expert

with all due respect, I think the Visor is just too bulky, and they have those goofy covers tht takes two hands to remove.  Plus your front shirt-pocket just ain't big enough for one of those bruisers.  Besides, what do you *really* use the port for?

Backup?
Camera?
Phone?
Porn storage?  

The last one I can understand. :)


There are better options for almost all of those functions than a port.  It's still a novelty, if you ask me.  If you need a port, get the M500 at $260+. Otherwise, a Vx is less than $200 these days.

Whatever you do, have fun! [:)]

Palm Rules! [:)]

"U.S. Medical Colleges Dump Bulky Reference Books as Palm Handheld Trend Grows"

[url]http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=153400&TICK=PALM&STORY=/www/story/10-15-2001/0001591809&EDATE=Oct+15,+2001[/url]

If they'd just put cell phone compatible headset attachments to them, then every peasant and his brother could have encrypted cell phones.

Thanks for the info!  I checked out the Handera 330 and read reviews on the web, and was so impressed that I went out and got myself one a couple of days ago.  I am [u]very impressed[/u] with it.  I have the Adobe Acrobat Palm Reader (a pun is waiting to be born there) and have downloaded my tech manuals to it.  Shweet!

Now I just need to find some gun related Palm apps.  Ballistics tables?  Score keeping apps?  A shooting journal?  Ideas, anybody?

I am a Palm-o-phile. I do not carry a pen. I take all notes from client's, meetings, whatever in that thing - pages at a time. I walk and write, drive and write whatever - it is an extension of my body.

I say get the cheapest palm you can. It is going to break within 18 months anyway. The way things are moving inside of two years we will have Windows CE based handhelds that do more than they currently do and FAR more than a Palm

respect noted and appreciated...but my visor is no bigger than the palm my friend has...and the new color visor line (the Edge model) are thinner as the sringboard slot is removable for when you don't need it. the case by wife has her's in makes it the same size as mine but it's like an armored case! opens like a book.

I use the port for my backup module (which has saved me a few times), GAMES, and my buddy uses the eye module to take pictures and uses his color visor to show off digital pictures of his kid.

to each his own...but as far as options and expandability...visor beats out palm. IMHO-YMMV

No_Expert

I have an iPAQ and like it.  It is compatible with Outlook/Word/Excel.  Like "Houston" said, it is a real computer.  It is nice to be freed up from your desktop and, for many purposes, it kind of obviates the need for a laptop.  There is not a ton of software out for it yet, but I figure it and other Pocket PCs are going to be the wave of the future because they use a MS operating system.  The black and white one I got my wife only cost $150 after rebate.

Just wait for the xybernaut wearable, to come down in price next year, it'll blow away pda's


WL

I just got a Palm Pilot Vx for $150 at Staples it came with $300 of accesories. I was looking at different ones and there is a new generation of handhelds that are PCs. It didn't make sense to spend $600 when $150 will do for a few years.

The Vx has been discontinued so theres some great deals to be had. If you missed them the Sony Peg-S320 is roughly $160.00, good or better than the Vx (IMHO screens much better on the Sony), although without the free stuff Palm was offering. I cant supplant my laptop with a PDA, so all Im looking for is a organizer.

For me it boils down to form factor. Toughest, smallest, lightest, within reason. These things can get to damn small - got a motorola tic-tac box phone like that. Great to carry, not so easy to manipulate. Waiting to see the Sony-T415 (hi-res monochrome) or the 600 (color). Wouldnt be replacing my Palm III if the battery door would stay on.

Luck
Alac