A few readers have mentioned an email they received from Epocrates yesterday: The notice informs users of "older Palm and Windows Mobile devices" that Epocrates is beginning to phase out support for their devices. While the missive does not include a time line for the phasing out process, it appears that PDA users are still able to purchase Epocrates software from the company's website. As of this writing, there is no mention of the change in supported devices on the company's website either.

Some of the recipients of the email from Epocrates were particularly miffed that the company offered them a discount on their software if the user buys an iPod touch: "We want to help you get there, so we've created a great deal for you - get an iPod touch with our premium Epocrates Essentials software for just $199! It doesn't require a new carrier and is a perfect complement to a cell phone you may have already. Just enter code in the shopping cart to get the deal."

Bottomline: Who didn't know this day was coming? I think the real question is -- is now the right time to stop supporting these older devices? Epocrates has been churning out surveys related to which devices people use to access their software. iPhones, iPods and BlackBerry typically lead the pack. Is that reason enough to cut off the other devices?

I have reached out to Epocrates for more information and hope to provide more about their timeline for ceasing support for the older devices soon. Given that the company is still selling their software for these older devices, you would imagine this cease in support would not occur during the next year.

Read the full email from Epocrates after the jump:

Thank you for being a loyal Epocrates member since XX/XX/XXXX. In appreciation, we’re giving you special advance notice that we're beginning to phase out support for older Palm® and Windows Mobile® devices.

We've supported older devices for years, but are moving on to exciting, new developments to provide all our customers with the best Epocrates experience.

It means you'll need to get a new device soon to continue using our comprehensive clinical content. We want to help you get there, so we've created a great deal for you - get an iPod touch with our premium Epocrates Essentials software for just $199! It doesn't require a new carrier and is a perfect complement to a cell phone you may have already. Just enter code in the shopping cart to get the deal.

With a large-screen device that provides the fullest Epocrates experience, you’ll really enjoy the fast, easy access to our rich content. Epocrates Essentials will:

Provide you with the most reliable disease information, including crisp disease images

Show you important safety information, plus pill pictures, for Rx, OTCs, and alternative medicines

Give you a hand with lab prep, interpretation, and follow-up

Guide you to specific/empiric treatments for infectious diseases

Help identify “mystery pills” with our pill identifier tool

Don't forget! You'll need to enter code in the shopping cart to get this great deal.

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