iPads are everywhere here at #HIMSS11

Last year at HIMSS, the iPad was just a concept. This year, I'm seeing the iPad at almost every exhibit booth. Everywhere I go, I'm seeing someone using an iPad. Plus, a huge percentage of conference attendees are carrying iPads instead of laptops or netbooks. I'm also finding that many exhibitors are giving away free iPads to entice participants to visit by their booths and learn more about their products and services. Want to win a free iPad? Spend some time in the exhibit hall and maybe you'll get a chance to win an iPad.

Those who think that the iPad is a fad should think again. The Apple iPod wasn't a fad when it was introduced many years ago. In fact, that device revolutionized the digital music industry. As more slate devices emerge on the market, it will be interesting and exciting to see how health care professionals use these mobile computing devices at the point of care.

HIMSS11 coverage is sponsored by HP and Practice Fusion. HP’s extensive portfolio of products, solutions, services and relationships can help your healthcare organization achieve quality business practices and provide quality patient care. Practice Fusion's free EHR is the fastest growing Electronic Health Records (EHR) system in the US.