<p>Current pharmacy students, residents, pharmacists, and tech-savvy people:</p>
<p>My school is giving us a certain amount of money to put towards a device that will run Facts and Comparisons, the electronic drug data and clinical information web-based software (not a downloaded app like LexiComp). I am undecided between an iPod Touch (what they previously gave P1s) or putting a bit of extra money into an iPad2. It seems like an iPod Touch would be more practical since it fits in your pocket and everything, but since it's web-based software it seems like typing and overall web connection would be better on an iPad2. Do they have nifty carriers for iPads that would make it more practical for using in practice? I really have no experience with either product besides fiddling around with them in stores.</p>
<p>I don't have a smartphone, I have an mp3 player, and I have a laptop... if that makes any difference. </p>
<p>My issue with iTouch (and I’e had one for 3 years now) is its small screen size. Makes it difficult to see a whole webpage at once. And blowing up the typeface so you can read really cuts down on the amount you can see at once.</p>
<p>Also the input (i.e. the onscreen typing) has tiny, tiny keys which makes it tough to type with accuracy. You have to one-finger type. And since the touchscreen is heat activated you cannot use a stylus to type. PITA.</p>
<p>While I do use my iTouch as ereader, I really like the iPad better. (D1 has one–required by her med school.) Easier to read and input. (I’d buy one, but I just bought a new laptop and really have no reason to buy a iPad except for the new toy factor…)</p>
<p>BTW, an iTouch is sealed and you cannot replace the battery yourself without cracking open the case and then it has to soldered closed. Which voids your warranty. If you take to Apple to replace the battery, you won’t get your old iTouch back–you get a refurbished different unit.</p>
<p>Not sure how the battery replacement works in the iPad.</p>
<p>iPads have nifty smart covers which when you cover the screen, puts the unit to sleep to save your battery. There are all sort of iPad carriers made from all sorts of materials. D1 carries hers in her purse.</p>
<p>I would definitely go for the iPad due to the relative ease of typing, and the larger screen. Also, there are blue tooth keyboards that you can use with the iPad to make typing much easier. I can type more quickly on my iPhone than on a keyboard, but I can not keep up the pace for over a few minutes. The only advantage of the ipod touch is, like you said, that it fits in your pocket.</p>