All these have been used, are still being used, or were tested by me at some point. Some of the review type comments are borrowed with acknowledgement from Dr. Robert Oh's Palm Medical website.
HanDBase
This is a relational database that can be easily modified by any user. JFile was
the original Palm database, but I believe that HanDBase is much more powerful
and useful in medicine. Perhaps the most useful database that can be made is a
Procedure Log to track your procedures. Because of it's relational capabilities,
it can also be made to track hospitalized patients, or be a check out list if so
desired. There are many powerful tools HanDBase can be used for, and it's
database application in medicine is only limited by your creativity. Can convert
into Access, Filemaker, or Excel documents by it's desktop version (included).
For examples of what it can be used for, check DDH Software gallery of HanDBase
files.
SD/MS? Yes (make sure you place your actual pdb database files on your PALM to
backup!)
Documents to Go
Always bummed about the memo pad not being a functional/useful word processor?
Wish you had the capabilities to view Word/Excel/Powerpoint files on your Palm?
Well, guess what, Docs To Go is just for you! Although somewhat expensive, if
you buy a new Tungsten, it will come with the latest version of Docs to Go.
Excellent program, almost a must have. Also able to read Palm .doc files. Backup
is also seamless and works on your memory card or on the Palm. Works great, may
be able to surplant need for a Doc reader in the near future!
Document Reader:
iSilo or
TealDoc
Palm docs are small documents that take up very little physical memory. However,
to read .doc files, you must have a Doc reader. There are many out there on the
market, to include Docs-to-Go, however, I also recommend you having another doc
reader, as Docs-to-Go does not have the full capablities to take avantage of
.doc files with bookmarks and certain graphics. TealDoc is good and reasonably
priced. iSilo is also a very popular doc reader and can read HTML files. Try
them both, determine which is better.
Launcher
The current Palm application launcher is not the best. Launcher III, a program
for Palm OS 4, was one of the BEST launcher programs out there. It made your
Palm a "tab-based" launcher, which makes it very quick to navigate by using one
less penstroke. With the launch of Palm OS 5, Launcher has evolved to "X". It's
expensive for a launcher, so demo it and see what you think!
X-Master
Formerly known as Hackmaster, this freeware program can be helpful for those
with Palm OS 4.0. It can add functionality if you would like a Screenshot
program to capture screenshots, or change the backlighting, or add a "pop-up"
menu for favorite programs (PhlegmHack), or increase the clipoard character
limit. Does NOT work with Palm OS 5!
Epocrates Rx
The true “killer app” of Palm PDA’s. You cannot do without this program.
Designed from the ground-up for use on a handheld, with simplicity and speed.
Truly one of the few programs that saves time for the busy clinician. I refer to
this countless times just even to “double-check” doses, especially for kids.
It's free, however, Rx Pro version is bundled with an enhanced version of Rx
(with helpful ACLS tables, etc, and an alternative medicine database), qID and
MedMath (see below). Frankly, in my opinion, don’t bother with paying $50 bucks
for these features, it’s not worth it. Updates via web, which is also the beauty
and elegance of Epocrates. Why upgrade every year, when new drugs/info can come
out daily?
SD/MS? NO
5 Minute Clinical
Consult
5MCC is probably the most useful Palm book I have used. Just like the book, it
gives bullet points of the basics, the diagnosis, and treatment of tons of
diseases. It works very well in Palm format, since you are looking at it for a
quick reference, not reading it for a long time. Interface is excellent, and
it's search capability lends itself to quick reference. Highly recommended for
any physician involved in clinical care. Several companies sell this, including
Skyscape, which can package other books/PDR
with the 5min CC; Handheldmed, and
Franklin.
SD/MS? YES
The Wills Eye Manual 3E + The Wills Eye Drug Guide for Pda
Really the only commercially available Ophthalmology programs for PDAs
but still incredibly useful for all that. A must for Ophthalmology
residents and most general ophthalmologist if not all ophthalmologists,
particularly the manual.
GAMES
Bejwelled from
Astraware
Probably one of the
most addictive games for your PDA.
Bookworm from
Astraware
A very fun word
game.
Zap 2016 from Astraware
Still one of the best arcade type games for your PDA.