Each of the below OS allow for the use of applications, or apps,
for a variety of purposes. Programmers have developed small programs and apps, which are available for little or no cost to the user. Many of the applications built for a smartphone using a specific OS are available on a tablet with the same OS (and vice versa). Although many applications are available, most are available only on one or two platforms. There are tens of thousands of apps for each OS, with more being
added every day. Two big contenders in the tablet market are the iPad and Microsoft Surface. The Surface is a full computer with optional add-on keyboard so it can be used as a laptop. The Surface Pro costs more — near laptop range because of the added functionality, and the iPad is considered to be the better tablet although lacking laptop functions.6
As the above table shows, there are many products to
choose from other than Apple and Microsoft offerings. Operating Systems
Operating System
iOS Android
Made By SmartPhone Apple
iPhone series
Google HTC models, Motorola models and others
Blackberry Research in Motion
Windows and
Windows Phone
Classic, Leap, Passport and others Microsoft HTC models,
Samsung models, Microsoft and others
Surface, Iconia, Eee Slate and others
www.microsoft.com/windowsphone http://windows.microsoft.com/ en-us/windows-8/windows-pcs
Which device and operating system to select is a matter of
personal preference. The dominant OS tend to have more cus- tomers; therefore, they have more applications. Although Apple devices are still very popular, the Android OS leads the market over devices using iOS or Windows 8.7
Windows tablets have
the added benefit of being full PCs, able to run any application compatible with Windows 8, not just tablet apps.6
To view appli-
cations available for each OS, go to the company’s website (see operating system table) or the store application on the device. Memory and storage: The amount of usable internal memory
and the ability to add external memory to the device are other critical factors to consider when searching for the right product. Sufficient memory to run and store required software and refer- ences and to accommodate future needs is a must. Wise buyers evaluate the memory and storage requirements of the specific software to be used on the device for applications, music, docu- ments, photos, video and other content. Internal memory is built into the device and cannot be altered
after purchase. Smartphones and tablets are fairly similar although tablets tend to offer slightly more storage space. Currently, most devices have 512 MB to 2 GB of RAM (memory) for the appli- cations to use as they are running. For built-in storage, memory can be as high as 80 GB, although 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB are more common, especially for smartphones. The more music or video you want to store, the more storage needed.8,9
The storage
listed may not be what is available to use as the OS and core apps on the device do take up some of that memory.10
64 Visit us at
NURSE.com • 2016 Tablet iPad series
Samsung Galaxy, Motorola Xoom, Kindle Fire and others
Playbook Website
Storage can be built into the device or added using an add-on
card. Add-on storage cards come in many varieties, but the most common is called Secure Digital, which has several size formats to accommodate the variety of device sizes. SD cards vary by storage, space and speed. Refer to your phone’s user manual to determine which SD card will work best with your device. Some phones, or OSs, will accept only cards certified by certain manufacturers. While not all devices have an SD or microSD slot, a separate reader may be available to accommodate use of SD cards on tablets.11 Communication capability: Bluetooth technology allows in-
teractive network communication between printers or computers equipped with the same technology, and it’s not limited by line of sight. Smartphones and tablets with Bluetooth allow for the use of wireless headsets, keyboards and other gadgets.12
When
not actively using your Bluetooth functionality, you may want to turn it off in the settings as it can cause the battery to drain power unnecessarily. Wi-Fi technology, using a specialized
www.apple.com
www.android.com ww.androidcentral.com
us.blackberry.com
radio wave transceiver, is also available as a built-in or add-on feature in most devices. A Wi-Fi-enabled device makes it possible to access the Internet through wireless local area networks and to access real-time information on the go. These networks are becoming more and more popular not only in homes but also in businesses and public areas, such as coffee houses, hotels, airports and libraries. These networks are available by subscription or are offered to consumers free of charge, but can hold dangers because
your device is open to other users on the same network. Protect yourself by enabling your firewall, turn off sharing and use security monitoring software. Turn off your Wi-Fi in public if you are not actively using it. This saves the battery as well as prevents unwanted connections from other people.13 Wireless devices offer three fundamental capabilities to clini-
cians by simplifying workflow, optimizing productivity and en- abling real-time access to healthcare data anytime and anywhere. Clinicians are becoming “digital omnivores,” using different devices depending on their needs.14 Smartphones, phablets and some tablets have a cellular connec-
tion capabilities for data that allows access to the Internet when not within range of a wireless network. Speed of access varies based on the provider’s coverage area and type of network. Cellular data is a separate item within a contract and can range from a small amount of downloadable data with a charge for each additional MB up to unlimited data downloads. Consider how much you may be on the Internet or downloading applications, music or other items when selecting a cellular data plan. Items downloaded with Wi-Fi don’t count toward the cellular data charge. Many phones have an option to turn off cellular data so that it can be activated only when needed. Phones may also be turned to “airplane” mode to disable all phone communication if there’s a hospital policy against cellular use; however, PDA functions remain operational.15 Size and form factors: Usability of a smartphone can be af-
fected by the size of the screen, which drives the placement of the camera, plugs for charging or headphones. Size and placement
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