PM Deal HandSpring Visor $110

[Bilbo777]

Tough choices.

After having a Palm IIIe for six months ( been discontinued in under a year of production and its on sale now at many places ) I found that I wished I had gotten one with more memory. IIIe and m100 are entry level and they served its purpose - lower cost exposure to the platform.

If you start syncing and getting web pages/mail for your palm unit, you need more memory.

Now.. from all the discussions - I'd hit the V Deluxe over then plain 2 meg Handspring Visor. But $249 is a little high but it has the expansion feature that's important to keep the life going for the future as mentioned. Prices will have to fall before I jump in.

However, I also have seen the V, V Deluxe, IIIxe, IIIc and my own IIIe in florecent store lighting... I think the V have a slight edge in quality in black and white comparison.. but the IIIc I liked the most over all of them in color. I also looked at the HP Jornado 540 series pocket pc - too bad no keyboard yet but nicer screen and nice apps. Seemed brighter.

You know.. you'd think they'd design it like a PC.. want more memory... pop it open and insert memory. When memory is under a buck a meg, the Visor jumps from 180 to 240.. 60 bucks! for 8 megs? There's gotta be some gouging there...

 

[av1998]

The RAM issue is certainly a big factor. Seeing that my PC just got a new slab of 256MB RAM for under $100. That's less than $0.40 per MB. If the PDA devices follow that same pricing structure, the Visor Deluxe should only cost around $3.00 more !!! However, the problem might lie in the fact that cheap memory comes mostly in the form of DIMMs and not CompactFlash Memory or any other format of memory modules. With that in mind, you will need to be thankful that HandSpring sells add-on memory modules so that at least there's the opportunity to grow. The Palm should in fact move into flexible modules so that someone who buys the M100 or the IIIxe can continue to grow with the times. Expandibility is a very, very important element in today's technology scene. You can upgrade your PC very easily nowadays. So, it is only reasonable that your PDA allows you that option to grow into new features every so often, although the prices may not be in tandem with the PC pricing structure.

 

[wmvink]

I totally agree with you that expandability is the issue here, but unfortunately we have to make a choice between 2 different kinds of expandability:

1) Palm IIIxe's OS is upgradable
2) Visor Deluxe has slot for Springboard Modules

Which of these features do you consider to be the most valuable?

 

[av1998]

wmvink: HandSpring Visors run on the exact same OS as all the Palms. If the PalmOS has a new release, virtually every PDA running the PalmOS can get an OS upgrade. It shouldn't matter whether you own a Palm or a Visor per se. They function pretty much in a similar fashion for the user. As such, the only concern you should have is the hardware department. Software and programs work on both devices in pretty much the same way. I really don't think you'll have any problems upgrading the OS on the Visor. On the other hand, if you have a Palm, you will need to worry in terms of hardware upgradeability.

 

[wmvink]

Thank you for your reply av1998, but you're wrong about the Visor Deluxe: it's OS is NOT upgradable. You can hack it, and apply patches etc., but you can't flash the ROM, so you're stuck with OS 3.1 forever.

The Palm IIIxe however, is upgradable by flashing the 2MB ROM.

What did you mean by that last sentence?

<< On the other hand, if you have a Palm, you will need to worry in terms of hardware upgradeability. >>



Any thoughts on whether the IIIxe or the Visor Deluxe is the better choice?

 

[Bilbo777]

You learn something new everyday.. In my own consideration for a new upgraded model, I missed the fact that the Visor cannot be flash rom upgradeable. That's a biggie.

My own Palm IIIe is stuck at a lower OS that only has one update so far.. Not that it makes a big deal since it is so limited in memory. But no flash means no latest version ever.

 

[Mule]

From wmwink:


<< Don't wanna buy something now that will be outdated in 6 months >>


Good Luck with that! LOL

 

[av1998]

wmvink: I believe the Visor Deluxe uses ROM instead of Flash Memory. The PalmOS for the Visor will be upgradeable through SpringBoard modules and patches. However, you won't be able to completely switched over to a completely new PalmOS version. I can't think of any reasons that you would need to completely rewrite the PalmOS version 3.1 that is installed. The table on this page:
http://www.handspring.com/products/visordeluxe/compare.jhtml
shows a lot of vital information comparing 3 popular PDAs. However, since it's a HandSpring comparison, there might be some bias towards their own product. If I have the cash, I'd definitely go for the Compaq iPaq PDA. It's about $400. Since money is an issue for me, I've settled for the basic Visor. I have faith that the HandSpring model will prove to be more flexible because of the SpringBoard module. The Palms will always be the best-seller without doubt, because of its identity. People know the Palm as a household name. And deservingly so since they're the pioneer company. But the future comes down to better quality products and services, not historical facts. I think the PocketPC platform (Compaq iPaq) will be huge simply because Microsoft is behind the revolution. HandSpring Visors would be my pick for a PalmOS device. The Palms need to put in more effort to battle the problems of obsolete technology and obsolete devices. That's what consumers care most.

 

[wmvink]

Thanks for the URL. Yes, the Palm OS will be upgradeable through Springboard Modules, but once you take out that module to insert your indispensable GPS module, you loose your OS and are back to OS 3.1. And patches are just patches, not a complete upgrade. But that?s basically what you just wrote. BTW why do you see no reason to ever upgrade the OS?

I just wonder if these Springboard Modules are really that useful. Do I really need to be able to play MP3s with my PDA? How many times will I really need a GPS device in my back pocket? Only that backup module seems to be of any use to me. Any opinions on this from Visor users?

Since we?re off topic anyway, I would like to ask you guys if there?s any noticeable difference between the Palm?s 16 and the Visor?s 4 shades of gray (4 bit vs. 2 bit?)?

 

[gamjohn2]

IMHO, I think that the expansion modules for the Visor are over-hyped since they offer many of the same options for my Palm Vx, such as GPS and wireless modem. Another thing that I noticed with my friends' Visor is that the screen seems to be made from a cheaper glass than the Palms. I always see scratches on the Visors' screens in the shapes of the Palm language, although it might just be a problem with the stylus that the Visors come with. I've had my Palm for over six months and not a scratch on it.

gamjohn2

 

[emonkey]

i hate to be one to sour the conversation but if you are going to higher end (palm vx, visor color etc...) then Pocket PC will look alot more appealing. i went from a visor to a compaq ipaq ($500) and its such a difference. A fantastic bright color screen (you can see clearly in sunlight)mp3, pocket map, pocket reader, pocket word, pocket excel, mpeg player, 32mb ram, full internet (not that trimmed down crap. you can go to anandtech on it) compact flash cards, etc. This thing is a damn computer for only $100 more than a Vx or $50 more than a Visor Color.

But on the realistic end, for me im heavily contemplating returning it for a palm Vx. The cool features i mentioned are indeed cool, but during my week long trip away the thing ran out of batteries on me twice (10hrs only...) and i didnt once use the mp3 or internet. For most people looking only for an super organizer then get a palm. For a lightweight full function computer the pocket pc are definitely gonna kick palms bootie. I only need an organizer...

 

[DealSpreeDotCom]

what kind of power source does the ipaq use, is it a lithium battery, something you can keep a spare of or what....just wondering...?

 

[GremlinLFE]

one more vouch for the handspring visor deluxe. it isn't as chic as the late model palms, but the features for that price is pretty much unparalleled. go for it, it'll unclutter your cluttered life.

 

[poqsaq]

Here's my experience.

I've owned a Palm IIIe for several months. It's useful to the point of being invaluable.

It also has a glass screen.

I've cracked it twice.

The first time I cracked it, I called Palm and was informed that it'd cost me $100(!) to replace it -- screen cracks aren't part of the Palm's warranty. Seeing as how I purchased the IIIe for around $160, I balked... finally, the guy on the phone said that he'd be able to have it replaced for $50. Relenting, I decided to go for it. Service was quick. (They'll either ship you a remanufactured one and have you ship yours back, or simply repair yours)

The second time I cracked it (and believe me, it's quite easy to crack the screen... just drop the IIIe about five inches on anything other than a mattress...), seeing as how it cost an insane amount of money to replace the screen, I decided NOT to do so.

Instead, I sprung (bad pun, I know) for the Handspring deal mentioned above. I've yet to recieve my Visor and thus can't comment much on my particular one, but my friend owns one and is very happy with it. Apparently, their warranty DOES cover a one-time repair for the cracked screen!

I'm debating whether or not to spend around $250 in the future to add the mp3 option to the Visor... with the MiniJam player, not only can you store mp3s -- you can also have the unused memory (64 mb) store programs and data!

Call me a convert.

 

[dafatha00]

the handspring visor looks really nice, i think ill jump on this deal

 

[Lex Luthor]

I got in on one at Staples too.

It's really nice so far, just got it yesterday.

I might also get a Handspring Deluxe using my Amazon/MCI $150 if that comes.

Thanks!
Lex

 

[Doggiedog]

I got mine from Staples too and bought some paper clips to get it above $140. Can you believe they shipped me out 2 identical boxes. One with the Visor, the other with a small box of clips.

Ridiculous!

 

[THEJUICE]

Speaking of Visors....anyone still waiting on theirs from DLJDirect? (iam)

 

[distrachi]

BTW why do you see no reason to ever upgrade the OS?

If you look at the differences between v3.1 and v3.5 of the OS, the only major difference is the support of color hardware. All other improvements can be added to the Visor with 3rd party software.

Since we?re off topic anyway, I would like to ask you guys if there?s any noticeable difference between the Palm?s 16 and the Visor?s 4 shades of gray (4 bit vs. 2 bit?)?

There's absolutely no difference since the Visor has 16 shades of grey also.

 

[tch]

Remember visor cradles are USB whereas palm is parrallel. So that's a plus for the visor.

 

[Lex Luthor]

Good question, anyone know?

Is the 16 shades of grey on the palm much better than the 4 shades of the visor?

Lex

 

[yellowperil]

It says my Visor was shipped, but my credit card statement shows they charged me full price without the $40 coupon. This is the 3rd time this has happened to me with Staples.

 

[tech405]

No need to pricematch at Staples now. They list it as 149.99 and with some rubber bands got it to the $150+ needed for the $40 off coupon. Checked their package tracking this morning, and it won't be here until 12/3......but I should get my rubber bands tomorrow!!

 

[oahawhool]

I've tried the staples 40 off 150 coupon links, but they seem to just go to the default main page of staples. have i missed out on the coupon now?

 

[oahawhool]

ah, it's just a number you enter... i get it now.
/bonk