Update: Fans, Critics Launch Opinions on iPad
Less than 48 hours after Apple announced the iPad and before anyone's gotten a real hand on the thing, there are clearly defined yeas and nays.
As expected, some doctors and chief information officers are cheerleading the product for its portability. Providers can cut the desktop cord, allowing them to get face-to-face with patients once again. But that's what any tablet PC claims to do. New users are likely to stumble through some of the electronic health record apps, especially in iPad's infancy; that frustration could cloud patient-provider interaction.
If you're sick of starry eyed speculations, this post offers "9 Reasons the iPad Falls Short for Acute Care." Critics fault the iPad for being too easy to break, too hard to disinfect and lacking too many features, including a camera, barcode scanner and interchangeable batteries. But fear not: market gears are already turning. One commenter said iPad-specific antimicrobial products are in development, including a lab coat with a custom pocket to tote Apple's tablet.
So is it a worthy investment? Some doctors think so. According to a spot poll at the bottom of this article, nearly half of respondents want an iPad for their practice, while 18 percent aren't buying the hype. A third of doctors are playing it safe and holding off for reviews. [Note: percentages based on values at post time.]