Handheld Devices

The desire for anywhere, anytime access to patient information is driving handheld device vendors to highlight new features such as security, integration services, and remote physician signature. Some vendors at HIMSS are showcasing a new concept of "compact" for their tablet PCs and other devices that offer more power in smaller-than-ever sizes.

Agfa's HealthCare Business Group (booth #5633) is introducing a solution that allows for access to medical images and patient information through secure wireless technology, including laptop PCs and PDAs. The patented streaming technology with built-in encryption means that only the screen image has to be distributed allowing for image and information distribution to ultra-thin clients at the point of care or wherever clinicians are located.

Citrix Systems Inc. (booth #3712) at HIMSS is introducing GoToMyPC 5, a fast, easy and secure remote access solution that enables remote or mobile workers to securely access their desktops including all email, files, applications, and network resources from any web browser. New features include drag-and-drop file transfer, a crisp true-color environment, convenient multi-monitor support, and performance monitoring and tuning.

Citrix also is showcasing new versions of its "GoTo" product line. GoToAssist 7 is a comprehensive remote assistance solution that allows for IT assistance anywhere, anytime.

Citrix GoToMeeting 2 is a convenient online meeting and collaboration solution that now offers smooth and simple meeting recording and playback, specific application sharing and drawing tools. Citrix GoToMeeting Corporate 2 has the highest level of security available - end-to-end encryption with SSL and U.S. government standard 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) ensures that log-in information and meeting sessions are always secure.

As part of its eHealthcare Architecture, Dell Inc. (booth #3418) is showcasing notebooks, mobile carts, and handhelds that give users the ability to capture and access data virtually anywhere, anytime. (See the Dell listing under EHR for more information.)
 

Fujitsu Computer Products of America (booth #4701) is demonstrating some of its newest notebooks, some incorporating the new Intel Centrino MobileTechnology Platform, Intel Core Duo processor, and the Intel Core Solo processor. For example, the ultra-portable 2.2 pound LifeBook P1500 convertible notebook is available with Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Microsoft Windows. The XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 is the industry's smallest and lightest convertible notebook that has the versatility to easily convert from a conventional notebook into a slate tablet. The LifeBook P1500 notebook is equipped with an 8.9-inch SVGA touch screen display, full PC functionality and long battery life. The newly designed lightweight LifeBook P7120 notebook combines style with productivity at 3 lbs. with a 10.6-inch LED lit widescreen display.

Motion Computing (booth #5043) is showcasing its LS800, the most compact tablet PC available running Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. The new slate tablet PC, approximately the size of a paperback book, is small enough to slip into a lab coat pocket.

Approximately half the size of most slate tablet PCs, the LS800 has an 8.4-inch display, is less than 1-inch thick and weighs 2.2 lbs. It is among the first tablet PCs with the latest generation of Intel Centrino mobile technology. The ultra-portable tablet's SVGA display provides a 120-degree viewing angle, and optional View Anywhere display technology allows for high-quality display clarity and visibility at nearly all angles indoors and outdoors.

It also upgrades to 512MB of 400MHz DDRII memory and a 60GB 1.8" hard drive. The battery offers up to three hours of continuous use. Additional batteries are warm-swappable when the unit is placed in standby mode.

Speak Anywhere technology features dual-array microphones for high-fidelity voice input, background noise cancellation and accurate voice recognition for speech-to-text transcription. Gigabit Ethernet (with MobileDock) provides faster wired network connections, and embedded Wi-Fi supports the latest standards and security protocols (802.11a/b/g) and mobility within the four walls of a work environment. Embedded Bluetooth simplifies peripheral connections and reduces cabling hassles. An IrDA port provides quick wireless synchronization with PDAs and SmartPhones. Other features include a secure digital slot for compact expansion capability and VGA connector for external displays and digital projectors.
 

PatientKeeper (booth #1218) is showcasing two new products at HIMSS. The PatientKeeper eSignatureT allows clinicians to conveniently sign clinical documents from handheld devices or using a web browser. PatientKeeper Messaging allows clinicians to easily send secure messages to providers that can include information relevant to the care of patients.