Some of you may have figured out that I use a Macintosh. Now, I'm not into Apple as a religion or anything, but I definitely prefer the Mac's user experience over Windows. So, to me, it's worth the occasional (admittedly rare) hassles with software or file compatibility issues. Yes, I realize that the Mac has something around five percent (or less) marketshare, but I've always suspected that the Mac enjoys a greater marketshare among medical professionals than it does among the general public. Unfortunately, I've never been able to find any statistics on the subject, so it's more of an observation.
For that reason, it really frosts my cupcakes when a popular medical Palm OS application uses an installer or a desktop conduit that isn't compatible with the Mac. Among the companies currently on the "Naughty List": Skyscape (Windows-only installer; also, they don't offer a Mac OS version of their SmartUpdate conduit, so programs like ARTBeat won't work with the Mac); Diagnosaurus (Windows-only installer and conduit); Compendica (Windows-only installer); mobilePDR (Windows-only installer); PocketMedicine (Windows-only installer); BackupBuddy (three years after the debut of Mac OS X, still no Mac OS X version). Note that when a company only offers a Windows-based installer (an .exe file), this essentially locks out all non-Windows users. This is especially annoying (and unnecessary) when the installer does nothing more than put a bunch of .prc and .pdb files into the Install Tool and tell you to HotSync. These programs could just as easily have been distributed using a .zip file, which would ensure compatibility not only with the Mac, but other OS's such as Linux.
Of course, it wouldn't be appropriate to just throw stones without giving some kudos to the companies that do recognize the importance of the Macintosh to healthcare professionals. In some cases, the compatibility may not be 100%, but it's better than nothing. Among the companies who have taken the time to make their products Mac-friendly (the "Nice List"): ePocrates (Rx Pro is available for the Mac); JournalToGo (a Mac OS X version of their conduit is in beta testing); Sanford Guide (offers a Mac installer); Tarascon (although you can manually install the Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia Deluxe, you can't use their AutoUpdate feature, meaning you have to manually redownload and reinstall it when it starts nagging you); Johns Hopkins Antibiotic Guide (partial compatibility, allows installation but lack of a Mac conduit necessitates manual updating); Lexi-Comp (partial compatibility, lack of a Mac conduit necessitates manual updating); Clinical Pharmacology On-Hand (offers a Mac installer and conduit); HanDBase (offers a Mac version of the HanDBase Desktop); iSilo (offers a Mac version of their iSiloX converter).
I'm sure there are others. Feel free to comment if you've had the same problem, and let me know of any other Palm OS applications (medical or otherwise) you've encountered that aren't Mac-friendly, or those that are. Together, we probably won't make a difference, but at least we can get it off our chests. :)
posted by Kent 9:11 AM |
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