VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Don't throw away your pagers just yet (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=5065)

I know, i know, we have got to stop all this whining. But has anybody ever realized that the current Visor models can only accommodate one Springboard module at a time?

If you don't see yourself using your Visor as anything other than an MP3 player, a GPS device or a didgital camera, then worry not for you would have no need to keep the modules for such apps plugged in at all times.

But if you seriously want to use your Visor as a pager, for instance, and this is one BIG reason I'm selling my Palm III and getting a Visor, you need to have a pager module in the Springboard slot at all times. If you're waiting for an important call, you cannot unplug your phone module to listen to some Smashmouth or zap some aliens.

Until the time comes when Visors have at least two built-in slots, I won't advise anybody to dump their pagers and cellphones.

And does anybody know whether the Visor needs to be turned on in order to receive messages? I hope it would be enough to just simply switch on the module because I don't intend to spend a small fortune on batteries.

I could be wrong here, but I think the pager is being designed to work even if it's not in the visor.

Update - OK, I was wrong.

[This message has been edited by sdavida (edited 10-18-1999).]

To all techies out there, is this possible?

Innogear's InfoMitt is the only springboard pager currently being discussed around here, and it does NOT have the ability to work when it isn't plugged into a Visor. In defense of Innogear, here's a quote from VisorCentral's article on their visit to Internet World:

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When I mentioned to Innogear's Chief Engineer that people wanted it to work outside the unit, he said with -- warranted! -- exasperation, "It's just a $49 pager!"

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A two way pager that worked both in and out of the Visor would be perfect. It could have an alphanumeric diplay for small pages, but would blink "email" or something like that when a large page is received. Then you could just pop it into the Visor, check the message, and reply.

Actually, I'd go for a 2-way that just blinks when any kind of page/message is received. That would avoid the extra cost for adding even a one-line LCD display.

Ah, what the heck. Just sell me a wireless modem springboard, and I'll figure out the rest!

Just in case any developers are listening:

For the record, I would never buy a pager that had to be in the Visor to work.

As the originator of this topic pointed out, it limits the use of the Visor (and the pager) too much.

Pagers are small these days, very small and cost almost nothing so that "its only a $50 page what do you expect" statement is a joke. Now what would be cool is a springboard pager that when attached to a Visor worked as a two way pager. When detached it would just blink or beep when new messages had arrived. Then the pager/springboard could be attached and messages read or replied to...sort of like what Joe M. and Zippy are talking about.

handsprung,

Exactly how much do you think a one-way alphamumeric pager costs? Just because they're small and typically 'given away' when you join a service, don't assume you can go out on your own and pick up a dozen of them for $19.95 (USD). In any case, I feel the concept of a one-way paging springboard is a lost one.

BTW, the cost of a two-way pager springboard could easily surpass the price of a Visor Deluxe. Why do you think the Palm VII is so expensive?

Here's a simple idea for InnoGear and any other springboard device manufacturer. An alternate power supply ... Make a AAA battery springboard "slot" that the device could be plugged into when not docked. It would have a replaceable AAA battery or two and would allow the pager to get messages when not plugged in. I'm sure there would have to be some alterations to the pager like a blinking like as mentioned previously. Food for Thought

Hey Who,

I'm not sure if anyone would pick up on that idea and manufacture something around it, but it certainly is an intriguing one. Would work like the part of a cellular phone cradle that allows you to plug in another battery pack for recharge. Since the technology would be low (you're just looking to feed power to the springboard), so would the cost. I can see the use of providing such a 'power cradle' for a springboard like the InfoMitt.

I'm just talking about a slot w/ a battery that you can plug the pager into and then throw it in your pocket. added plus would be a vibra-alert like the ones contained in Nokia's vibrating batteries. but that would up the cost.

Stand-alone springboards. What will we think of next!?

BTW, I think it's a good idea.

Sounds like a good idea, but remember... more than likely, the pager springboard will use the Visor's memory and display to show messages... so the portable 'socket' would not only have to have batteries and an alert/vibrator, it would need an LCD and controls...

Sounds like you'd be moving more towards a 'springboard compatible pager' than a 'pager compabible springboard'.

Well, looks like innogear had their ears open and responded very quickly. as the news article today states. Thanks guys. plans are that the pager will somehow be able to work outside it's cozy visor slot.

It's great to know that our concerns have been taken to heart. I've been sending e-mails to Bob Fullerton , Innogear's CEO about this for a couple of weeks. I guess that having a copy of this message board sitting in his e-mail inbox convinced him to do the right thing. We should all stand back and take a good look at this. We have been able to influence the direction and design of a new product. Innogear should be commended for listening to their end users. Isn't technology great??

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Isn't technology great??

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WHoLiGaN,

Do you have a URL for that new article? Thanks!