iPhone 4 first hands-on! (update: FaceTime video demo) -- Engadget

It's sad to say, but it truly looks like Palm's reign as the physician's trusty sidekick is coming to an end. There is just too much uncertainty about the future of Palm, which switched to a new OS (Web OS) last year and the company has just been sold to HP. The final nails in the coffin appear not only in the magnificent hardware that the new Apple iPhone version offers, but the thousands of developers of medical apps that have now replaced all my trusty Palm applications. Here are a few quotes from the Engadget review, with my take on how physicians will use these new features to the fullest:

• "As we said, it's shockingly thin."----perfect for slipping in your lab coat and assisting you with rounds or office patients. It's there when you need it and will be even less obtrusive. All of our younger faculty at UVA now have these over the old Palm devices.
  
• "The screen is truly outrageous -- you basically cannot see pixels on it. We're not being hyperbolic when we say it's easily the best looking mobile phone screen we've ever laid eyes on."----not only is this great for my aging eyes, but think of the potential for clinical documentation (e.g. pictures of rashes or cellulitis monitoring) AND for educating your patients by showing them risk calculations or going over a patient handout that you can print out.
  
• "The build quality is really solid. The home button feels much snappier, and on the whole it just feels like a tightly-packed device, but it's not heavy."-----works faster.....perfect for the point of care....who has extra time for waiting?
  
• "The side buttons are really nice and clicky."----not sure how this applies clinically, but I'm open to comments. That being said it's additional functionality that should make use in your clinic or hospital that much easier.
  
• "iOS 4 is very familiar -- there's not a lot added to fit and finish."-----this is great, no need to re-learn the interface. I hate it when a website changes it's look and I can't find the one thing I need....especially when I'm in clinic.
  
• "The general speed of the whole OS is way snappier. The camera app in particular is noticeably faster -- shots get snapped in an instant."----once again, this should enhance it's usefulness in the clinic.

For the full reviews and some video posts, check out the links below.

iPhone 4 first hands-on! (update: FaceTime video demo) -- Engadget

Gizmodo's review

And if you're really thinking about switching, try this comparison review: Apple iPhone 4 vs. the smartphone elite: EVO 4G, N8, Pre Plus, and HD2 (Engadget)