The iPad has so far dominated the conversation in the healthcare world when it comes to mobile technology, but there are a few shortcomings being pointed out by medical professionals. Most of these shortcomings can be circumvented through planning and consideration, but these things may be opening the door for other technology providers to make their way into the medical world. For instance, if you are still using a desktop application in your clinic process, it simply will not integrate with the iPad. A hurdle of this sort can be overcome in one of two ways. You can either employ a different EMR or you can evaluate other mobile devices.

In case the iPad turns out to not be a viable option for your clinic, here are a few options for alternative mobile tablet technologies from other vendors:

Samsung Galaxy Tab
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is an Android competitor to the iPad. It is a bit smaller coming in with a 7-inch display. It has a camera and does multi-tasking well. This product seems like a great option for competition and costs about the same as an iPad. it does have an App Store but its not nearly as robust as the iPad App Store.  This product hasn't been fully integrated into the medical world just yet, and as information of user experience pours in, we'll be sure to give you the updates.

Panasonic Toughbook 1
The Panasonic Toughbook laptop was specifically designed for the medical field. What the iPad lacks in resistance to liquids and overall unsanitary environments, the Toughbook makes up for in rugged durable construction. This technology is more of a laptop than a tablet and the price does reflect that. It costs around $3,300.