[zafka]

I agree with the others who talk about keeping the day job while developing some ideas.

Are you dead set on a Web startup? I do embedded c in the medical industry. The company I work for now( ~250 Million in sales) was started by a surgeon in 1978.

It might be worth staying in your field, and keeping your eyes open. Then when you find the problem you can fix, leap!

[CobraKai]

Hi. Thanks very much for your input. I have indeed fiddled with the idea of working with medical devices. The main problem with starting a medical device firm is the herculean regulations that you have to overcome. Unless you have someone with deep pockets backing you up, it's hard to become the next MedTronic. At least that's my concern - correct me if I'm wrong. I'm still fiddling with my Arduino and coming up with good device ideas, though!

Either way, I feel like doing a web startup would be a good way to learn firsthand bootstrapping entrepreneurship. And the skill sets (programming, rapid iteration, etc.) would be very beneficial in working on a medical device startup down the line. You're right about one thing - problems that need fixing abound in my field. I have a Moleskine with page after page of things that need fixing in the system!

You're in a good industry. Devices, especially non-invasive things, are the new new thing. I wish you well.

[zafka]

Well, in that case, my own intuition (and about 99.9 % of pundits) says shoot for the handhelds Get an imac and learn how to program for ipads, in your other set of spare time learn android. Set up a linux server with the database of your choice. After you have all that set up and mastered....at least a few weeks :) start spitting out services for your doctor friends.

As an aside, I have friends in the embedded arena who get backed by doctors looking to invest some spare pocket cash. I think once you get hacking, your friends will bug you to let them in on it.

Most important, Have fun!