I'm starting to read more buzz about the mobile phone replacing the desktop computer. Web veteran Philip Greenspun blogged about it late last year, and Bill Gates talked about it in January. Although the concept still sounds a little far-fetched given the limitations of current technology, it may well be possible within a relatively short timeframe. Microsoft has begun talking about the specs for ultramobile "lifestyle" PCs and its Origami project, and at least one company, DualCor, is actually trying to make such a product.
The reason I find this discussion interesting is that I've long imagined the utility of a compact mobile clinical "information appliance" that would serve as a doctor's pager, cell phone, instant-messaging device, Web browser, wireless network client, etc. In other words, a device that would instantly connect the physician to his/her peers, patients, and to any digital information, anytime, anywhere. This sort of thing has tremendous potential to improve efficiency and the delivery of quality medical care, even if it doesn't run the Palm OS.
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