VisorCentral.com - VisorPhone Discussion

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VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- VisorPhone Discussion (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=8271)

Posted by dapink on 09-25-2000 04:32 PM:

Has anyone noticed that at least in the picture views I have seen, the VisorPhone module appears to cover the entire top of the visor? If this is so, it would appear that you would not be able to get access to your stylus (or with a stylus such as the PDA Panache, it would not go in at all).

Does anyone know if I am correct? Are there any other issues that people have seen?

Posted by LarryN on 09-25-2000 04:40 PM:

To me, it appears that the very front portion covers the entire width of the visor, but the rear portion is only springboard wide. So, I think you would be able to remove the stylus.

Look at the middle picture. It does have some room there:

Posted by everything's a blur on 09-25-2000 06:28 PM:

Just to confirm what LarryN said, the VisorPhone module does NOT cover the stylus silo. If you go to the Handspring Flash demo of the Visor and look at the Top view, you can see that the silo is not covered. I think most stylus models should fit in their unless they've got an unusually shaped head (like the old PDA Panache "Black Nail" I had with my PalmPilot Pro).

Handspring's VisorPhone Flash demo page: http://www.handspring.com/products/...one/index.jhtml

Posted by greenmonk on 09-25-2000 07:17 PM:

Phone: How to cover screen?

I think the phone is a great step, and I really have been hoping for a Palm Phone for some time, however:

Q: How can you protect the screen while the Phone module is in?

To be useful, I want to carry this thing around in my pocket and be able to answer it quick and easy. It seems the standard faceplate wont be able to be attached while the phone is inserted.... Anyone have any ideas? This subtle aspect may kill it for me, for its the little, functional details that matter in the end for day to day things like a cellphone...

Posted by gordons_m on 09-25-2000 07:21 PM:

Does the below statement (taken from the Handspring web site) mean that the VisorPhone module can not be used a with a GoType or stowaway while using Phone?

Q: While talking on VisorPhone, can I view my date book? Can I input data to other applications?

A: Yes, you have complete access to all of your other apps (except those which use the serial port) during a call. So you can view your date book, enter an appointment, write a note, create a to-do item, or enter contact information in your address book�.all while you are talking on the phone. Of course, a headset is useful when you plan on using your Visor frequently while talking. To return to the Phone application, simply press the Phone button on your VisorPhone�and you'll be back in the control screen of the Phone application.

Posted by JHromadka on 09-25-2000 07:51 PM:

I have a new poll up on the VisorPhone. Make sure you vote in it.

__________________
James Hromadka
Old Friend

Posted by John Nowak on 09-25-2000 08:19 PM:

Re: Phone: How to cover screen?

quote:
Originally posted by greenmonk
Q: How can you protect the screen while the Phone module is in?

I think the Plastic Belt Clip Holster from Handspring should protect the screen.

Posted by everything's a blur on 09-25-2000 08:28 PM:

Re: Phone: How to cover screen?

quote:
Originally posted by greenmonk
I think the phone is a great step, and I really have been hoping for a Palm Phone for some time, however:

Q: How can you protect the screen while the Phone module is in?

To be useful, I want to carry this thing around in my pocket and be able to answer it quick and easy. It seems the standard faceplate wont be able to be attached while the phone is inserted.... Anyone have any ideas? This subtle aspect may kill it for me, for its the little, functional details that matter in the end for day to day things like a cellphone...

I thought the same thing when I first saw pictures of the VisorPhone. I figure I can use a WriteRight screen protector for basic screen protection and just to keep smudges from my face off of the screen. I'm also planning on getting the Handspring Plastic Belt Clip case which would fit the Visor (including over-sized SpringBoards like the VisorPhone and MiniJam) like a holster fits a gun. Since it holds the unit backwards, the screen should be rather well protected.

My only concern with that is I'm not sure how secure the Belt Clip case holds the Visor. From the looks of James' review, it should be held rather securely because it does "clip" to the Visor. Not the standard faceplate clips though (which definitely won't work), so I'm not to certain how it will hold with the VisorPhone.

Any thoughts James?

Posted by JHromadka on 09-25-2000 08:50 PM:

I haven't gotten my hands on the VisorPhone yet, but the HS beltclip case should work with it. The beltclip works fine with the @ctiveLink, which is another oversized module.

__________________
James Hromadka
Old Friend

Posted by AndrewB on 09-25-2000 08:50 PM:

GSM coverage may be spotty

As the VisorPhone will be using GSM for it's mobile capabilities, anyone have any idea about coverage areas for GSM?

I use PacBell Wireless for my mobile phone. It uses GSM technology. There are some major US cities where I can't use my phone. I'm not sure if that's because there are no GSM providers in the area, or if PacBell Wireless hasn't made an agreement with a provider in the area.

This spottiness has led me to consider getting a CDMA phone from a national provider like Sprint PCS or Verizon Wireless. At least this way, I should be reachable all the time on one phone. But with a VisorPHone, this may be difficult to accomplish.

Posted by everything's a blur on 09-25-2000 09:22 PM:

Re: GSM coverage may be spotty

quote:
Originally posted by AndrewB
As the VisorPhone will be using GSM for it's mobile capabilities, anyone have any idea about coverage areas for GSM?

I use PacBell Wireless for my mobile phone. It uses GSM technology. There are some major US cities where I can't use my phone. I'm not sure if that's because there are no GSM providers in the area, or if PacBell Wireless hasn't made an agreement with a provider in the area.

This spottiness has led me to consider getting a CDMA phone from a national provider like Sprint PCS or Verizon Wireless. At least this way, I should be reachable all the time on one phone. But with a VisorPHone, this may be difficult to accomplish.

I find GSM coverage in major cities is pretty good. I live in Toronto and have had flawless roaming coverage in Montreal, New York City, Chicago, San Francsico, LA, and Newark. The problem with GSM support in North America is that there is only coverage in metropolitan areas, and not a lot of GSM phones are dual-mode (which I find weird).

My provider (Fido, by Microcell Solutions) provides seemless roaming coverage in major cities throughout Canada, so I can up and go whenever I want to unlike my friends and coworkers who use CDMA or TDMA phones (they've got to call their provider to tell them where they are going and get access there as well as roaming numbers). When I travel to the US, I just tell them where I'm going and they tell me who my provider will be and how much they charge. I always hated travelling with my friends' CDMA phones... =)

In the US, there are SO many providers, I guess that would explain why coverage is spotty. Check around the net to find providers for the areas you go. The only areas on Fido's US roaming map not currently serviced are St. Louis, Green Bay, New Orleans, and Mobile. Perhaps it is all just a matter of contracts between providers.

Posted by everything's a blur on 09-25-2000 09:29 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by JHromadka
I haven't gotten my hands on the VisorPhone yet, but the HS beltclip case should work with it. The beltclip works fine with the @ctiveLink, which is another oversized module.

Where does the belt clip case clip to the Visor though? From the pictures, it looks like it has two little overhanging clips to the sides of the top. If those are the clips, wouldn't they interfere with the VisorPhone which goes end-to-end across the top-front of the Visor?

Posted by JHromadka on 09-25-2000 09:48 PM:

It would be close, but I think it'll work.

__________________
James Hromadka
Old Friend

Posted by Celchu19 on 09-25-2000 09:50 PM:

The Question that I always ask: How much do I have to pay for the service, is it alot, not alot, ect. and exeaples help

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Posted by greenmonk on 09-25-2000 11:30 PM:

Clip too geeky for me...

I appreciate the comments that the belt clip should help protect the screen, but, sorry clip-lovers, Im not enough of a geek to have this thing holstered on me all the time.
When I carry the visor (and if I'd carry the phone), Im going to stick it in my pocket and go. If it cant survive easily in my pocket, its pretty damn useless to me. I'm sure other cell phone users would agree with me here on that portability aspect...

In light of this geek-factor, anyone have any ideas, how they could make this thing go in your pocket/purse without having the screen get fragged while not making it so cumbersome so that you can still answer the phone with no effort?

James-
(who wants a palm-phone, but is now thinking he's waiting until its one well-designed integrated item rather than an add on)

[Edited by greenmonk on 09-25-2000 at 06:32 PM]

Posted by everything's a blur on 09-25-2000 11:37 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by Celchu19
The Question that I always ask: How much do I have to pay for the service, is it alot, not alot, ect. and exeaples help

That would all depend on who you get your service from. Generally speaking, the cost of digital cellular service has fallen a lot, particularly here in Canada. It's a lot more affordable and practical than those Palm VII service plans... ugh..

Posted by Celchu19 on 09-26-2000 01:12 AM:

I can pay about 150 for equiptment (I may be able to talk the parents in to something if i can make a good enough case for it, and if Service providers can offer a discount on the phone later then I may beable to get it) and as far as service goes 15-20 dollars a month. I doubt that I'll be able to get it then, oh well, if someone gets in my town (st. Louis) can we meet in towergrove park by the fontun if you'll let me hold it. hehe Just kidding.

sam

Posted by Charo on 09-26-2000 03:26 AM:

Re: Clip too geeky for me...

quote:
Originally posted by greenmonk

who wants a palm-phone, but is now thinking he's waiting until its one well-designed integrated item rather than an add on

Like the Qualcomm pdQ, where the PDA is built into the phone?

Digital phone and electronic organizer in one package.
- 3COM-based (Palm III platform) Personal digital assistant (PDA) is built-in.
- Address book keeps track of names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail and website addresses, as well as other information about your personal and business contacts.
- You can make a call, send an e-mail or open Internet sites directly from your address book.
- Date book records appointments quickly and easily.
- To-Do list allows you to make a list of things to do and assign a priority level and due date for each task.
- Calculator lets you perform basic operations.
- HotSync Technology: Synchronize data between your phone and your PC.

http://e11.sprintpcs.com/learn/equipment.asp

[Edited by Charo on 09-25-2000 at 10:30 PM]

Posted by scottglass47 on 09-26-2000 07:49 AM:

belt clip and visorphone

i cant wait to get my hands on this one. i already have the belt clip and i can tell you it looks different than the pictures. the clip is much sturdier and the little tabs that you see in the picture are not really there. it should work great with the phone. as for carrying around a clunk device strapped to your hip - you already do this with a normal cell phone so whats the big deal about a visor and cell module? I'm not sure that i can wait untill november for it. hopefully hanspring isn't going to pull and innogear on this one.

Posted by Gameboy70 on 09-26-2000 04:22 PM:

Re: belt clip and visorphone

quote:
Originally posted by scottglass47
as for carrying around a clunk device strapped to your hip - you already do this with a normal cell phone so whats the big deal about a visor and cell module?

I'll wager that greenmonk, like me, does not "already" use a belt clip for his cell phone. I keep my phone and Visor in my pockets (front and back). There is a minority of people out there that find wearing gadgets on the hip a little tacky. That'll probably become a thing of the past, just as pocketwatches took a back seat to wristwatches. But for now, I wish someone would come up with a better solution to carrying these things than belt clips.

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