VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- big screen springboard (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=5022)

How about a springboard that has a pop up screen, sort of like a notebook computer. Maybe it could be a double fold out screen to be twice as wide. If the OS/processor would allow, similar technology could also be used to add a color screen.

With all the discussion going on around here about how the Visor should be smaller (i.e. more like the Palm V), it's interesting that a lot of the ideas for Springboards, or just improvements to the Visor in general, would only make them much much larger.

Anyway, there are some technologies out there (mainly prototype) that could make a fold-out -- actually, more of a 'roll-out' -- screen feasible. Whatever the design, the problem will be costs. You can't simply take a large LCD screen and stick a couple hinges on it. I think the better question is: how much would we be willing to pay for this? For color, unless you can then plug other modules into your "color fold-out display" Springboard, you'd only be able to use it with the software on the Visor, which AFAIK is not concerned with color output.

With all that said, wouldn't it be a little more useful to have a Springboard that allows you to plug in pre-existing peripherals, such as a 19" monitor and full-size keyboard? That to me would be more like a laptop in behavior.

Yes! That's the simplest (I'd guess) way to get to a color display like so many people have been wanting, adds functionality that would be useful (run a demonstration to an overhead projector from the Visor) and take advantage of the fact that some software would be needed to do this ... as long as the Springboard would be in there to give you the software, why not include a jack for a keyboard and a VGA connection?

I have no idea if it's possible, but it would seem to make the Palm one of the smallest and lightest "laptops" around ... while still allowing it to connect to full-sized equipment.

Or how about a Springboard projector? No cables or anythin, just point your Visor at a wall and show charts, etc.

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James Hromadka
VisorCentral.com
Personal Website: http://www.geocities.com/jehromadka