Hi Larry,

Welcome to AC!!

Regarding laptops,

http://amazingcharts.com/ub/ubbthreads.php/topics/62508/Laptop_for_EHR?#Post62508

is a recent discussion. You will notice there are not many specific recommendations. As I mentioned in my post, I have been extremely disappointed with my new Lenovo ThinkPad, both keyboard and mouse pad are very imprecise.

I think an i3 processor would be adequate, i5 would be desirable. Based on my experience, I would probably buy HP now.

I carry my laptop, I do not use a stand/cart. I turn the screen to face the patient when appropriate (to see an xray etc) and away when not appropriate.

The thread also references use of Chromebooks. Jimmie is the master of these, he has adapted these very well to his practice. When he started posting of his successes, I purchased a Chromebook. I found the screen very small, and the interface cumbersome. The work to set it up and use it seemed to outweigh the cost saving.(This is probably far more a comment on my lack of technical ability.) I would prefer not to have a larger monitor on the wall of the exam rooms. (I don't want patients to see everything that I am viewing.) So, for me, the Chromebook is an experiment, tried and failed. However, Jimmie is doing extremely well with his.


Regarding server and operating system, as you found, their are many threads about this. I have used peer to peer for the last nine years. However, due to back up considerations,HIPPA considerations, and so forth, I think it's finally time to go with server, not only hardware but also operating system. We are ordering this from Sandeep, his price is extremely competitive and he will do all the set up remotely. The server is a Lenovo TD340, Sandeep is setting it up, I believe, so that it could probably run Amazon.com or eBay.

Again, the peer to peer versus server debate is ongoing. If I were starting fresh, I would definitely go server.

Good luck!

Gene

Gene Nallin MD solo family practice with one PA Cumberland, Md