Epocrates have released their iPhone version as a downloadble, installable application. This means that you no longer need internet access to use ePocrates on the iPhone:

Epocrates Rx software for iPhone is now available for download for FREE!
Epocrates Rx allows for instant access to drug Information, pill ID,
drug Interactions and reference formulary Information - all without the
need for Internet connectivity!

This launch is due in large part to the overwhelming demand and passion
of Epocrates users like your readers! We sincerely thank your coverage
for driving Apple’s decision to support our development and even feature
Epocrates in the App store for the Health & Fitness category!

We designed our software specifically for the sleek and user-friendly
interface of the iPhone platform taking advantage of the innovative
interface and computing power. Be one of the first to see it at
http://www.epocrates.com/products/rx/iphone.html.

Demo of Epocrates running on the iPhone:

Walt Mossbery has said the iPhone will be going 3G in 60 days.

The iPhone should really have been 3G from day one. The entire strategy evolved around the use of the browser for 3rd parties (like ePocrates) to develop apps. But the GPRS and EDGE networks are too slow to run Web 2.0 style apps in the browser, hence the outcry and demand for the Apple SDK.

The release of the SDK and the lack of iPhone apps could have been avoided if the iPhone was 3G from day one. Perhaps time was a factor getting everything sorted for 3G from the get go. Perhaps they thought the phone networks didn’t have enought 3G coverage at the time of the official iPhone launch - do they now?

With a 3G iPhone - will you still want a non-browser version of ePocrates? Do cell phone bans mean that you sill want a non-browser version? Or is it really all about speed…