Wow, I have been wildly upgrading software for my PDA!

I took advantage of a recent sale on 5 Minute Clinical Consult at Unbound Medicine. . The new version has again nearly doubled the size of the database (6.2 Mbytes) and has added an auto update feature so that changes made to the material during the year will get automatically added. So far, I have not received any updates, so I cannot comment on how smooth the process will be.

The application has a new editor at the helm, and is now emphasizing evidence-based medicine. There are expanded drug therapy sections with increased coverage of alternative medicine to help one evaluate the full range of therapeutic options. Updated evidence-based algorithms are also included.

The newest version also included Roni Zeiger’s Diagnosaurus, which is now in version 2.0. The package is now tightly integrated with 5 Minute Clinical Consult with links from diagnoses in the differential list right to the information in 5MCC.

The package is currently available at an introductory price of $64.95 through Unbound Medicine, http://www.unboundmedicine.com/.

Blue Nomad has also upgraded their program, Backup Buddy, now available as version 4.0.2. The system which allows one to backup of everything on a PalmOS device to a memory card, has now added continuous backup which allows you to keep your important files continuously backed up as you use your device. For example, if you add an entry to your Address Book and switch away from Address Book or power off your device, the file will be backed up immediately. Other improvements include highly accurate backup/restore progress meters, a significantly more responsive Cancel button and changes so that your handheld will now stay on to finish backup irrespective of its auto-off time. The full package is available for $24.95 and users of earlier versions can get a reduced upgrade price. More information is available at: http://store.yahoo.com/bluenomad/backupbuddyvfs.html.

Finally, UpToDate, which is still available only for pocket PC’s running either Windows Mobile 2003 or Windows Mobile 5, has upgraded the graphics in all of their versions including the Pocket PC version. The images are considerably more detailed and clearer, a big improvement for all settings. The Pocket PC application also now better supports Windows Mobile 5 which used to require a special patch program form UpToDate to allow the application to run. I am awaiting word on whether there are still plans to release UpToDate on the PalmOS platform. The PDA version is available (at no charge) to any subscriber to UpToDate. Information is available at http://www.uptodate.com/.

Hope everyone has a prosperous New Year.