The basics:
A laptop is a fully functioning computer that is small enough to be portable. Laptops can take advantage of wireless as well as traditional networks. A laptop can easily serve as a desktop machine and can connect via a docking station to a larger monitor and a standard keyboard.
Advantages:
- A laptop has a smaller footprint and can easily be turned to allow patients to view information on the screen.
- A laptop is less obtrusive during patient interviews.
- Most have fairly long battery life and/or an A/C adaptor.
- Laptops use standard PC inputs such as keyboard and mouse and/or touchpad.
Disadvantages:
- Although laptops are portable, they can be heavy to carry, typically weighing 5 to 8 lb.
- Repairs and maintenance tend to be more expensive because laptops use non-standard or proprietary parts. You may have to send a laptop off-site for diagnosis and repair.
What your peers have to say:
"We work wirelessly with laptops. All [prescriptions] print from one central printer right outside the exam rooms. Benefits of laptop:
- Can open the note and chart before entering the room and bring up appropriate templates. Can enter the room already knowing what HM is late and what the purpose of the visit is.
- Can close the note right outside the room if you want to go ahead and have the patient leave before finishing a note.
- Can see with bifocals - no neck strain.
- Can have all my personal settings and programs handy all the time - PDR, web links, hospital links, etc.
- Can look at patient easily over the top of the laptop and can easily show patients what I'm doing.
- Touchpad is always in the same place in relation to keys -- easy to switch from it to typing or tabbing without looking. I like having a full size keyboard.
"I'm hooked on my laptop and am so accustomed to carrying it around that I don't even notice even though it is Dell's heaviest one."
-- Sue Andrews, MD, Murfreesboro, TN
