May 13, 2004 11:07 AM
Review: Mobile Micromedex for Pocket PC
I have been an user of mobile Micromedex for about 18 months. I have used the previous version with not a very good impression, but recently micromedex has been updated and several things have been reviewed.
Drug informationThey frequently update the drug information. I have not found a single mistake or outdated information based on my experience. Information is provided based on indication, and this seems to help.
Interface
It appears that the interface works quite well. I particularly liked the updated version that includes a history button. One thing that is bothering me is that the application does not change size when I have the Block recognizer enabled, so I do not see the search bar that is located in the lower aspect of the page. I think a better place for it would be the top of the screen. In terms of preferences there is not much to say, since the preferences are limited to (1) what area you want to go to when you first start micromedex (acute care info, drug information, drug interaction tool), (2) show scroll bars on the left and (3) remember last screen. I certainly appreciate them being mindful of left-handed people (being one myself), but I could see a few other options that could be very useful, such as: by default, show a specific section when tapping on a drug, like peds dosage, for example. Also, even though I have the left-sided scroll bars checked, bars continue to be shown on the right side of the screen.
Installation
Other than the faulty Activesync software, installation was easy. They no longer require several passwords and such. In my case my institution has a group subscription to Micromedex, and it worked perfectly. I used the previous version, and with the passwords and several steps involved in installing this app it was horrible. They must have gotten a lot of negative feedback on this issue.
Updates
Updates are delivered on a monthly basis, and are automatically installed. No problems there.
Conclusion
Even though the information is accurate and well delivered, micromedex still has some way to go. 2 bugs that I have identified signifficantly affect the way I use it. Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Publisher: Thomson Micromedex
Mobile Micromedex costs US$74.95 or 99.95 with the drug interaction tool.
Posted by leo at May 13, 2004 11:07 AM
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