Purchasing Guidance for Mobile Devices

Overview

This document provides guidance on purchasing devices that support ACP Tools for iOS and Android. 

Note: Please coordinate with your IS/IT team before making a choice on which device is best for your project. Careful consideration should be given to security, support, and implementation requirements.

Purchasing a Device

Not all devices are created equal. The cheapest up-front device may cost more for your team to support and lead to frustrating and inconsistent experiences for clinicians and patients. Please review the latest mobile device models and operating systems to ensure that your purchase is in compliance with your organization's security policies. In addition, also review our Minimum Systems Requirements document.

Meeting Minimum Requirements

In our experience, purchasing devices that deliver consistent, high-quality video playback experiences while honoring internal security and support standards are the best options. Please make sure your device meets our minimum requirements when considering a purchase and that you coordinate with your IT and security teams about this choice.

Device Storage

Devices with 32GB or more of storage are strongly recommended for the best possible experience. The size of our library changes as we add new content. We recommend 32GB or more on any device because many 16GB devices have only ~8GB of free space after taking system usage and other apps.

The storage size of our library changes as new content is added. Because of this, we always recommend you download only the videos you need and not the entire library. Here is a list of our most common videos with sizes for reference:

Can I upgrade the storage later?

This depends on the device. Apple device memory can not be upgraded, while some Android devices can be upgraded (at an additional cost) by adding memory cards. Please consult your device manufacturer for available options and your IS/IT team if removable storage (e.g. an SD memory card, etc.) is allowed.

Should I stream or download videos?

This depends greatly on your network conditions using Wifi or Cellular data. The ACP Tools App can use a significant amount of data to stream videos. If you are interested in conserving data, we recommend only downloading the videos you use most. The app does not require a network connection when playing a downloaded video. Please review Tips for Offline Use and Downloading Content (iOS) and Tips for Offline Use and Downloading Content (Android) for more information.

Do I need a different device depending on cellular data provider (e.g. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile)?

Your organization may have a dedicated provider for cellular data. If you plan on using cellular data, you must make sure that the device you purchase is compatible with that carrier (e.g. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). Android devices and some pre-2017 Apple iPads will require you to purchase a different device specific to the carrier. If you have questions, please contact your IS/IT team.

Are there devices that will work on any cellular data provider?

Apple's current iPads offer a feature called the Apple SIM which allows the device to work on any carrier.  Android devices may have the same flexibility.  If you have questions, please contact your IS/IT team.

Comparing Tablet Options

• Android provides a page listing popular Android tablets here.
• Apple provides a comparison of their iPad tablets here.

Any devices that support iOS 15.0 will work, but we recommend iOS 16.0 for security and performance reasons.

Accessibility for Patients

What is the best screen size?

We recommend evaluating screen size based on the needs of your patient population. Devices with screen sizes of 8 inches or larger are best for patients with low vision.

What about sound and volume?

The smaller the device, the more limited the speakers and power often are. We often recommend external speakers (either Bluetooth or wired) if a device is not loud enough for your purposes. Reach out to your IS/IT team for recommendations.

Infection Control

Before bringing devices into any clinical environment, it is important to have a strategy for infection control. There are many different products that can be used to sanitize devices and protect your patients.

It is also important to follow the device manufacturer's directions for screen cleaning so the cleaner does not damage the device. Check with your organization and compliance team to determine the right product for your needs.