VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- USB Spingboard (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=5012)

It occurs to me that the Visor really doesn't need a crade ... if Handspring had simply included a USB Springboard and compatable cable. That way, every Visor user would have had an introduction to Spingboards out of the box [creating familiarity and demand], and the "cradle" would be much more portable and functional.
I envision a simple USB-A connector [I think that's right ... the flat plug, not the square] in a Spingboard, and a USB-A to USB-A cable. This would also allow developers to build USB devices that could interface the Spingboard ... and would obviate the need for a bunch of little contacts that serve no other purpose but to sync.
Whadda think?

But what if you wanted to transfer data from a SpringBoard to your PC? I think having a separate connection is a good idea.

-Eric

Uh, the the other end of the Visor cradle will be USB. So, the USB Springboard would allow the same kind of connection. In other words, the crade's function would be replaced by a Spingboard.

If the Springboard provided the USB function and the connectivity to the PC. Then you couldn't backup Springboard data. (Since you can only have one Springboard connected at one time.)

-Eric

Hmm. What data does [could] a Springboard (SpB) hold that would need to be backed up? If the SpB is acting as flash memory, isn't it mirroring what's on the Visor [and therefore could be backed up to the PC via the sync]? If the SpB is a program [like the golf game?], does it need to backed up?
I see your point, but I'm having a hard time conceiving of a scenario that would require a PC backup of SpB data ... please elucidate.

The BackupModule is a mirror of your visors memory, so it wouldn't make sense to back it up.

The FlashModule is an additional 8meg of removable storage. You may want to back this up.

What about a digital camera springboard, you sure would want to be able to upload the pictures to your PC.

A voice recorder user may want to save the sound clips to the PC.

-Eric

If the springboard is acting as additional memory, then it is manifestly NOT mirroring the Visor's RAM! You are thinking of a backup cart I think, as opposed to a memory upgrade.

One major advantage of offering seperate connectors is that addon devices like keyboards can be connected while a springboard is in the Visor.

And...you'd want to get things from your computer into a springboard--like MP3s.

Yes, the additional memory [and the need to sync it to the PC] provided by a Springboard would preclude a Springboard "cradle".
So, the only way I'm gonna be happy would be if the Visor cradle-docking port was a standard USB port, instead of the exposed USB pin-outs. Of course, I assume there's not enough room in the form factor.
[You see, I really dislike the idea of the cradle unit itself. A standard USB connector on the bottom of the unit -- instead of a cradle/cradle port -- would be so practical and efficient. For instance, connecting my Earthmate to a Palm requires an adapter. Also, the exposed cradle port is an invitation to damage and is less then robust when an adapter is hanging out of it.]

[This message has been edited by JohnS (edited 09-28-1999).]

Data transfer might also be faster with an actual USB conn. as opposed to a springboard/USB interface... Also might be cheaper for a seperate USB rather than a springboard that transfers data through a USB. Regardless I like 'em seperate, it keeps my options open...

Maybe not a cradle springboard but springboards with a USB pass through? All the spring of the loaded board, be it memory,MP3, or GPS with the flexablity of a USB port. The type A plug will not fit into the form factor of a Type two PC card so a USB adapter (like a PC Card dongle) would need to be designed. Does the USB even have a pin out to the SpringBoard?