Siemens rolls out ultrasound-equipped MacBook Pro

We've seen MacBooks re-purposed for various uses in the past, but never quite like Siemens new "P50" laptop, which takes a standard issue (if slightly outdated) MacBook Pro and outfits it with some ultrasound equipment to accomodate doctors that just can't be tied down. Apparently designed specifically for cardiology and vascular applications, this one boasts an "array of transducers," along with an integrated stress echo function and a range of cardiology application packages which, Siemens says, "considerably simplifies and accelerates the workflow in echocardiography and vascular diagnosis." Mac fans may not want to boast too much about this one, however, as it seems that Siemens has opted to use Windows as a basis for the platform.

[Via The Raw Feed]

[Matthew Hilario @ Nov 26th 2007 11:44AM]

what is this picture of? ultrasound of fat bastard? GIT IN MY BELLLLY!

[Flashpoint @ Nov 26th 2007 11:55AM]

it was implanted in her chest whilst she was in cryosleep.

[Thunderbuck @ Nov 26th 2007 11:46AM]

MacBook, but running Windows, sure THAT makes sense.

So they picked the MacBook for... cosmetics? It sure does look cool, but if that was the main consideration, I'm dubious.

[DWells55 @ Nov 26th 2007 11:52AM]

Yeah, seriously. Don't get me wrong, I like OS X, but there's no way I'm spending the extra money for a Macbook if I'm not going to run OS X. It doesn't make sense to pay extra for a laptop that only has one big feature over other laptops and then not use that feature.

[Eric @ Nov 26th 2007 12:19PM]

Yeah, it couldn't be that what we Mac users have been saying for years is actually true. That to get a PC laptop that actually competes with Mac laptops, you have to pay nearly as much or more!

No, that's not possibly the reason Siemans, a very well established company that doesn't do things for mere aesthetic reasons, would go with MacBooks. Could it be they've smartened up and have a Mac version coming? Maybe they decided to go with one hardware platform that supports all their customers regardless of their choice of OS in their office? Nah, that couldn't be it either.

It has to be looks. Because that's the only thing compelling about Macs. Right, and Siemans is rife with such wildly careless business decisions all the time.

[Tony @ Nov 26th 2007 12:23PM]

Or maybe, it's a prank by Siemens. This is an extremely cheap looking product. It looks like they just taped some generic ultrasound device under a MacBook—how much would you pay for that?

[Syndication @ Nov 26th 2007 1:00PM]

Siemens = a company producing a business product.
Windows = an operating system that excels in a business environment.

Any questions?

I may use both platforms, but Windows has always been way ahead of the game when it comes to any business implementation.

Businesses do not want to retool their office equipment everytime a new computer comes out. There's a reason why legacy ports exist, so me, joe sixpack or corporation x don't have to upgrade if we don't want to at this point. Apple tends to throw off ports on their machines at random. The first rev macbook pro (the original conroe processors) didn't even have firewire 800. I don't know about you but shouldn't there be some consistency here? Powerbooks G4 Al had Firewire 800 --> then missing in the next rev?. I know I know they've solved the problem now, but there is clearly a reason why most corporations will never switch to an all apple lineup.

Windows may not be perfect, but when you want to maintain compatibility, you give up some stability and that's basically just what Windows is. Now we always get the random linux guy in here who says linux is ready for primetime, so I guess I'll get this out of the way.

Linux is great for servers, has rock solid stability, is supported by millions of people around the globe but lacks in the UI department. There are too many people in the linux community who want to preserve the archaic way of gpedit xconf.org (to get dual monitors working or another resolution) or randomly pasting commands to get other things working. I've talked to many linux zealots and the one fundamental flaw that exists in their arguments is just because they can open up the terminal and can get stuff working, well that grandma should and can do that too.

People want simplicity, but don't want to be locked down to one company that controls the hardware and pricing

People want flexibility, but don't want to be confused and be told to RTFM or look up the answer on a forum.

Windows isn't the best operating system, but it lands between two extremes in the computing world.

[getz76 @ Nov 26th 2007 1:28PM]

Actually, high-end Macbook Pros are competitively priced with higher end notebooks from Dell, IBM, Sony, etc, especially with an education or not-for-profit discount. Power + Size/Weight + Ports : Price is pretty good, actually.

I considered them when I was looking for a new notebook to replace my Dell Latitude x1 and I am a Windows user. I ended up with a Fujitsu because I decided to go tablet (the mouse-stick/button helped, too), but the MBPro was second on the list with a Dell third.

Apple does have a future selling Windows-based notebooks, especially if that OS of theres ever sputters out. I am not making judgments, I am just observing; often a rival product that is perceived to be superior but without the user-base or cost advantage will eventually lose out.

[ssuk @ Nov 26th 2007 3:35PM]

We're not complaining that a Siemens uses a OS which is best suited for the job at hand... But... Uhm, why use an over-priced MacBook when you can easily make a decent Windows laptop of similar spec for about half the price of a MacBook.

[Spirit @ Nov 26th 2007 11:48AM]

"Hey! You have triplets! Have fun!

...oh, by the way, doesn't this MacBook look so pretty?"

[kristofer brozio @ Nov 26th 2007 12:00PM]

but it looks really cool....

[dj1809 @ Nov 26th 2007 12:10PM]

That's a parasternal long axis shot of the heart. You can see the left atrium, mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve and right ventricle. The left atrium looks a little big, but it might be because it's cut at an oblique angle.

[Paul @ Nov 26th 2007 12:36PM]

Hehe, and who are we to argue with that?

[Jagannath A @ Nov 26th 2007 12:32PM]

eh whats up doc ?

[mikey @ Nov 26th 2007 2:15PM]

so am I pregnant or not?

[mhj @ Nov 26th 2007 4:14PM]

Someone with knowledge on engadget? There is a first time for everything....

[webon @ Nov 26th 2007 11:40PM]

the Dude's right, the shot is off by very little.
Both valves (mitral and Ao) should be in the same vertical plane to be able to measure LV contraction.
must be a neewb.

[farfisa @ Nov 26th 2007 12:13PM]

Man, when I heard "ultrasound" I was thinking it was some kind of wicked audio setup. I mean, you got your jog-wheel, faders, looks sweet...

[ssuk @ Nov 26th 2007 3:38PM]

Yeah, I kind of envisioned a MacBook with some huge subwoofers taped to the bottom of it. I then suddenly realised what an ultrasound was and was very disappointed as my WiFi sluggishly loaded the page.

[joe @ Nov 26th 2007 12:14PM]

Let's see how it holds up after the keys get covered in ultrasound jelly. That stuff gets everywhere.

[HektikLyfe @ Nov 26th 2007 12:21PM]

Use a Siemens device to confirm successful deposit?

...oh noes!

[JP @ Nov 26th 2007 4:30PM]

gross, macbook pro = waaay overpriced. if its windows based just buy a dell/hp/toshiba or something, waaaay cheaper when u compare hardware vs macbook pro

[Michael LaFramboise @ Nov 26th 2007 4:51PM]

See sir, when a company such as Siemens shows off its latest product, they need it to look good in ads and such. Now just imagine how it would look w/ a 2" thick brick strapped to the top of it...

It's no wonder that Macs/iPods/iPhones are used in most ads/movies - whenever there's a computer in sigh.

[JP @ Nov 26th 2007 10:37PM]

true, Apple does look better in general. I'm more about functionality/price per performance. But thats my business degree talking to me, find the cheapest way most effective way of doing it. lol.

Apple has done a wonderful job of marketing their product. I think that people are paying more for the brand name rather than the performance of the product. Apple is pretty cool, but I'm more about performance. But thats just me, I may have that bias because spend alot of time in Adobe Premiere/After Effects and play team fortress 2. I built my own computer for 2200 (hardware & software) and my computer hardware wise outperforms a Mac Pro. Although I can't have two quadcores, the majority of the users out there couldn't milk 8 cores at 100%. but yeah, its all good apple PC everyone is happy

[Victor @ Nov 26th 2007 12:57PM]

The ultrasound part beneath is definitely a couple of times more expensive than the laptop itself.

[tintin @ Nov 26th 2007 1:15PM]

So, when I'm using this 'laptop' on my lap, what image shows up in the ultrasound?

[wesg @ Nov 26th 2007 1:29PM]

You'd be surprised.

[Greg @ Nov 26th 2007 1:31PM]

Meh, at least they're using the right brand of PC x_X

[mik @ Nov 26th 2007 1:40PM]

get midi out on that thing and it would sell like hot cakes with mobile dj's/producers

[BigDaddyM @ Nov 26th 2007 2:12PM]

There are not many laptops that are thin and has a big screen, so the Apple hardware isn;t that funny of a decision.

You would think Siemens would just make the whole system in one box unless they want you to use the laptop seperatly. Maybe you can use the MacOS, just not part of the intended operation.
M

[ethana2 @ Nov 26th 2007 2:18PM]

I don't trust Windows for anything, medical applications especially.

Now, OSX I've never tried, because of the TPM(which should be illegal) and horrible hardware support, but I'd be using Linux or another Free posix implementation here.

[kL @ Nov 26th 2007 4:57PM]

Actually Apple's OS X EULA (dunno about hardware) states it is not supposed to be used in life-critical equipment, too.

[ethana2 @ Nov 26th 2007 5:45PM]

Whoa. That I didn't know. Very interesting.
That is a good tactic for avoiding lawsuits though...

I think hospitals should stick to military IT policies. The military compiles their software from source with no makefiles, to verify that _nothing_ is there that could jeopardize security. I would do the same for civilian lives.

[- @ Nov 26th 2007 4:08PM]

Maybe they chose the MBP because a good number of medical professionals are Macs users -- at least 75% of the MDs in my family and circle of friends use Macs.

[ethana2 @ Nov 26th 2007 5:50PM]

But it's not 'a Mac' anymore, besides the Trusted Platform Module *spit* without which OSX refuses to boot on the hardware.
(Apple's use of the TPM is a blatant abuse of the DMCA, designed specifically to 'protect a business model')

[kim magee @ Nov 26th 2007 5:24PM]

This would have been great while pregnant with my twin this year, but i wouldnt buy a laptop just to get the ultrasound option seeing pregancy is over so soon, not something you do often or many times, and most people cant tell what they are looking at, in saying that, it would be good to be able to hire one :)

[N30 G30 @ Nov 26th 2007 5:38PM]

I have a crazy idea, and it might just work.

How about being able to use it on BOTH operating systems?!

[andy golden @ Nov 26th 2007 9:59PM]

As a Ultrasound tech specializing in cardiac imaging I'm going to throw in my 2 cents. First, someone wanting to do garden variety computing will not be spending $100,000 for a fully decked out P50 will all probes and options. Secondly, ultrasound machines only runs the propriety software that came with the machine to scan internal organs so no games, Internet or word processors for the your $100K. Lastly the operating system does not matter for a single application unit.