Finally, the Perfect Computer for Nursing Students

I think I finally found it: the perfect computer for nursing students, new graduates, and practicing clinicians. 

Disclaimer: I do not own this product.
Confession: I have spent countless hours at Best Buy using it.
Second Confession: I want one so so bad

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is a tablet-laptop hybrid or as the nerds call it “laplet” (who am I kidding, I’ve been calling it that for months now with a smug grin on my face). It came out in May of this year. With a 7-year-old Toshiba laptop, let’s just say I’ve been on the look out for my next computer for at least two years. Unfortunately, nothing has sparked my interest… UNTIL NOW. 

More into nursing than computers? I wrote a blog post yesterday titled “Computer Specs Made Easy” that should be helpful. But as a recap, here are the things to keep in mind when purchasing a new laptop: 

1. Processor (or CPU): Intel 4th Generation Core i5 or i7.
   
2. Hard Drive:  128 GB or 256 GB solid state drive (SSD)
3. RAM: 4 GB or more

So how does the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 hold up to these specs? Wonderfully! You can purchase an Intel 4th Generation i5 (processor) with 128 GB SSD (hard drive) and 4GB of RAM for $999. This beauty has a 12 inch screen and weighs a mere 1.8 pounds! My neck and back muscles are rejoicing. And if I could offer one tiny piece of advice to nursing students, SAVE YOUR BACK. The Surface Pro 3 is also a TOUCH SCREEN computer, and it comes with a beautiful responsive stylus (pen). Watch the video below for an excellent visual review:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiIri1bxUhQ[/embedyt]

Okay, sounds great Melissa, but why is the Surface Pro 3 perfect for NURSES??

xcellent question! Here is why I think the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is the best laptop for nursing students, new graduates, and practicing clinicians. 

First a foremost, this is a dream come true for students. The stylus is fantastic and makes taking notes in class too easy. Watch this YouTube video. You can use OneNote, or take notes directly on Word documents or PowerPoint presentations. When I (hopefully) get my dream job as a nursing professor, I would use this to edit students papers or make pen casting presentations.

It’s a laplet, which means it has the power of a laptop and the convenience of a tablet. Don’t be fooled into thinking this thing is a dinky little iPad. It is likely more powerful than your outdated laptop or desktop. This is a full blown computer with Microsoft Office. It can do everything that a laptop, desktop, or tablet can already do. To me, this is literally the productivity king. 

My first concern with this computer was how will this fit into my home workstation? I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough USB ports for my external monitor, hard drive, speakers, ethernet cable, mouse, keyboard, and flash drive. Never fear, Microsoft has thought of everything. A docking station can be purchased separately, to make the Surface Pro 3 indistinguishable from a desktop computer. 

Finally, I can imagine a million ways this sucker could enhance patient care. I can imagine providers sharing x rays with patients, and even drawing on them with the stylus to point out ares of concern. I can imagine attaching a projector or external screen to provide patient education. The screen is also easily sanitizable. The possibilities are endless for healthcare providers. I have no doubt that this will be adopted across the country in clinics and hospitals. 

Microsoft made a funky video about how a medical student can use the Surface Pro 3. Obviously, it also applies to nurses and nurse practitioners too. Watch the video below and feel free to email me or comment with questions. Like I said, I don’t own one of these, but I will answer questions the best that I can. You can also head up to your local Best Buy and play with the Surface Pro 3 yourself. Yes, that’s what I’ve been doing for months now. Enjoy!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fplz-zsVjqs[/embedyt]