Do you need a device that holds all of the exact same information as in the book? How many pages? Text only or graphics too? Is this function mission critical? Will you be in trouble if the book is not at hand if the device should have a problem?

azinoh- I just want to be a little more 'current'! I feel like a dinosauer with my small paperback book when I know there are newer things out there. No, I wouldn't be any any trouble if pictures didn't show- I really just want medication info and lab values. The doc's use smart phones. I know several years ago the info was on a PDA, but I haven't worked for a few years and want to know what is the current way to access this info. I really don't want to use a phone, because when you work in a hospital everything you use is 'dirty'. I would rather have a seperate, small hand held device that I can download (upload?) info onto. Besides- if I accicidentally leave it in a room or somewhere I won't be leaving my phone at the same time, if that makes sense.

PDA's have all but gone the way of the dinosaur. HP still makes one but there aren't a lot of other choices. If you don't want a smartphone, the next most logical device is a tablet of some sort. The iPad is the most recognizable tablet but there are plenty of others. Perhaps the Pandigital Novel that many here like. They're not horribly expensive and may meet your needs.

mike- that's what I thought- a PDA was old/no longer used. I Googled the iPad and it seems to be about 7 inch screen? I really want something small that will fit in my scrub pocket- but it looks like I might have to do a smart phone- ugh-(because of the contamination/potential that I leave it somewhere...) issue. Are Blackberry's still in todays world?? thanks

Obviously I didn't read your message carefully enough and didn't realize the device needed to fit in your pocket. An iPad has a ~10" screen and won't it in a pocket (or at least most pockets). How about a iPod Touch? Pretty much the same as a iPhone without the phone and the associated monthly bill. Should run any app that the iPhone does. Invest in a good case, like those from Otterbox, to protect it

The other advantage to a smartphone is a cellular data connection if you need additional information from the Internet. But if you have access to WiFi at work, then you don't need the cellular data.

You might want to think about asking your co-workers what they are using and if they like (or dislike) their device.

mike- Yes! that looks like something I had in mind. I Googled it- it if I understand it correctly it isn't a phone, but you could 'talk' to someone if they also had one, because you would really be using the internet- Safari?? If someone else had a smartphone could I contact them the same way? Just curious about that part. I can't ask any coworkers because I am not working yet- hope to do a refresher course in the next couple months. Also- I guess I would also have to have a 'computer server' in order to use the face thing? Thanks!

The iPod Touch is not a phone. The current generation includes Apple's Facetime which is a video chat application but it only works with other 4th generation iPods and iPhones and you need a WiFi connection. I believe there are other voice applications, like Skype, for the iPod as well but again you need a WiFi connection for those to work. In other words, it's possible to "talk" to someone but there are some restrictions it's not going to be as simple or easy as just dialing a number as with a cell phone.

In a work environment you would have to have access to your employer's wireless network. Most hospitals today seem to have those for patients so that shouldn't be a problem.

Maybe a small Android based tablet would fit the bill?

There are a couple of Android based devices that are smaller in size.

I found some at Tiger Direct. I sorted by price low to high and a couple of the top results are smaller (2.8" to 5" screens).

I tried linking to the sorted results, but when I submit, the link gets modified. Click the link below and sort by price low to high.

Android tablets at Tiger Direct

bpgreen- YES! I think this is what I see others using...I looked at the Tiger site and looked at the Achos (sp), and that seems like it would be exactly what I am looking for. I will see if I can find one in San Antonio. Thank you!

Glad I could help. Let us know if you get one and then let us know how you like it.