5 Reasons to gravitate Microsoft Surface tablet by doctors

Hardware is a very important things to a physicians. We know that still now many hospitals are using the old Microsoft style and windows explore. But Apple iPad  or Mac grave the market because of their productivity. It should not be a surprise that Physcians are not fans of Microsoft products – namely Windows and Internet Explorer. Much of this hatred is due to hospital enterprise solutions still using outdated versions of Internet Explorer.We commented last year how many Hospital IT cite physicians using the iPad at work as their biggest headache. As soon as Microsoft launched a tablet Hospitals would gravitate towards the product, no matter if it was good or not — but because of “legendary” Microsoft enterprise solutions. In an odd turn of events, their lack of hardware expertise has actually benefited them in the post-PC ear. Whereas Apple has to make sure they differentiate their hardware product lines, Microsoft does not. Apple has to make sure users purchase a tablet and a laptop, doing this by limiting the scope and functionality of iOS, along with hardware limitations — Microsoft doesn’t care.

1) Hardware

Hardware is a big deal to physicians and one of the reasons why we prefer the iPad.The feeling of a Macbook Pro confers this – just compare the aluminum unibody hardware build to the majority of plastic casing laptops – it’s a completely different experience. This type of comparison extends into the smartphone and tablet arena as well. The iPad and iPhone 4 have a clearly superior build quality than their competitors.

2) Keyboard

Having a keyboard is a necessity if you want to use your iPad in the medical arena. It is impossible to do meaningful charting of patient histories using a touch screen — especially when it takes up half your screen’s real estate. The Microsoft Surface has a keyboard that doubles as a case, easily increasing your level of productivity.

3) Stylus Pen with hand block

In the past we have discussed extensively why doctors are fans of stylus input. We have written extensive reviews of various stylus pens for the iPad. Microsoft’s inclusion of stylus pen that blocks the input from your wrist while making annotations is another boost from a productivity standpoint.  This enables physicians to write quick annotations on patient charts, and also their personal medical literature files.

4) Ports: USB 2.0, HDMI, MicroSD

While HDMI and MicroSD ports can be added on as accessories to the iPad, no one is holding out hope for USB 2.0. In the medical field USB 2.0 is essential for peripheral devices, such as ultrasound probes.

5) Full functioning OS

One of the biggest advantages of the Surface is the operating system. A mobile friendly version of Microsoft 8. Having a full functioning OS on a small form factor will increase productivity for medical professionals. Enabling us to run programs we would otherwise not be able to.  A mobile specific app or web interface is no longer required to run software.

It still remains to be seen if Microsoft can continue to impress when the Surface actually launches.