VisorCentral.com - What springboards would you like made?

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VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- What springboards would you like made? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=19544)

Posted by Alslayer on 11-09-2001 05:51 PM:

What springboards would you like made?

I have two springboards that I would like to see made.

1. TV tuner springboard
2. 10/100 Network Card

Posted by LeaDxPainT on 11-10-2001 04:59 AM:

Your #1 and 2 and i'd realy like a fm radio, which they seemed to have abandoned.

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Posted by WorldCTZen on 11-10-2001 08:43 AM:

Vote E! None of the above!

A decent media module would be nice. Not InnoGear's proprietary POS.. Something running off SM or MemorySticks would be nice, with a REAL reader, not the half-finished SpeedLoser software, and true access to the media so you can use it as an expansion port. A radio tuner would be fun... but why? If it could be bundled into the MP3 player, that would be cool.. otherwise considering the size and price of AM/FM only radios, what's the advantage to having it take up the port?

What I'd like to see is a vidphone attachment, similar to the Globals in Earth:Final Conflict, with always on connectivity, and the ability to synch with online data storage..! Give the ability to take pics and send them via email, or upload them to an ftp server.. Makes how much data your PDA can hold irrelevant if you can access everything on your personal storage space from wherever you are...

What I'd REALLY like to see is a PC Command module.. Customizable interface, so that you can control a hidden household PC/domestic server (pref thru Bluetooth/802.x).. as a remote for digital audio to your stereo, movies, internet to the TV, climate control, messaging, etc.. There are some software versions of this available now, but they're not user-friendly, and they require the PDA to be docked.. Of course, this sounds like it would be better suited for the TabletPC form factor than the Palm...

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Posted by PastaGrrrl on 11-10-2001 12:42 PM:

Ooooooh. This one just hit me.
A Martha Stewart Crafts/Recipes Springboard. Maybe there could be different ones for different holidays. For people like me who are tech freaks but don't know how to boil water, this would be great. How else are you going to cook a Thanksgiving dinner?

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Posted by LeaDxPainT on 11-10-2001 01:58 PM:

a recipe module would be perfect mor me next year, going to college..gonna misss my moms cooking everyday

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Posted by In Living Color on 11-10-2001 02:32 PM:

quote:
a recipe module would be perfect mor me

There is a recipe module out:
Pocket Express Recipes
[IMG]C:\My Documents\My Pictures\mm_pocketrecipes.jpg[/IMG]

Check our the url: http://www.visor.com/products/sbmod...etrecipes.jhtml

Posted by Alslayer on 11-10-2001 09:27 PM:

I would also like combo springboards. Like mp3 players that also doubles as a sd card adaptor.

Posted by yardie on 11-11-2001 09:00 AM:

Springboard

Face it folks. The Springboard as we know it is dead. There is just no money to be made by Springboard developers. I would opine that this will be the same for all PDAs that claim expansion capabilities. The market just isn't there. It is time that we take the veil (sp) from over our eyes.

Posted by Alslayer on 11-12-2001 06:56 PM:

When I stop seeing modules coming out then I will belive you. I said coming out not announced.

I agree with you that a company cannot live off springboards alone.

Posted by dkessler on 11-12-2001 07:33 PM:

Re: Springboard

quote:
Originally posted by yardie
Face it folks. The Springboard as we know it is dead. There is just no money to be made by Springboard developers. I would opine that this will be the same for all PDAs that claim expansion capabilities. The market just isn't there. It is time that we take the veil (sp) from over our eyes.

Life isn't easy for Springboard makers, but I'm not convinced that there is no market for PDA expansion capabilities. The demand for memory expansions is strong and will remain that way (Palm's m125 wasn't an accident, and you won't see MemoryStick disappear from the Clie line). Other expansion capabilities are also in demand ... just go to any Clie forum and ask for a show of hands from all those who would like to have 802.11b for the Clie

As for Springboards, there are a lot of Visors out there and the owners will be happy to buy modules that give them real value. Look at the success of the HS backup module and all the memory expansion modules. The catch is, the module has to enhance the tasks for which they already use their Visor. Most people buy a PDA for specific reasons. Organizing, carrying data, writing, mobile communication, etc. Modules that let them do those things better can definitely be successful.

Cameras and MP3 players are cool, but they're nearly as expensive as their standalone counterparts and usually don't work as well. For some people they're great, but most users didn't buy a Visor to take pictures or listen to music. I think Springboard makers have finally turned the corner and figured out that the road to sucess is "boring" but useful modules

If we can just keep Handspring from giving up on the Springboard, it could have an interesting future ahead of it.

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<ul><li>Dave Kessler<br>President - Kopsis, Inc.</li></ul>

Posted by jradi on 11-12-2001 08:59 PM:

Expanding what we already do

Well put!

I would love to see bluetooth taken advantage of.

I would like to send and receive "business cards" on my cell phone (which I always have with me) and sync up my address book between my phone and my PDA.

I would like to be able to surf the net on my pda - so long as my phone is nearby (I don't want a bulky "phone module").

I would like my pda to automatically sync up to my home computer when it's within range.

I would like to "surf" from my pda when I'm at home - assumming I'm within bluetooth range. To be able to call up "tv guide" from the sofa - and hopefully have a bluetooth relay station to expand the range inside my house. To be able to control my computer from the pda while at home too (since it's my entertainment system now - music and video are handled by my computer).

But this requires more than just a bluetooth module, but requires software and hardware to be developed. Why hasn't bluetooth taken off? It's supposed to be USB without wires!

Maybe 802.11 can do all that - but I don't see cheap 802.11 being put in cell phones anytime soon...

Posted by KristenA on 11-12-2001 11:33 PM:

I want a Geiger counter module.

Posted by culo77 on 11-13-2001 02:33 AM:

I would like an abacus module.

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Posted by imabug on 11-13-2001 03:20 PM:

WIRED ethernet

There's only one module that isn't already available that I can think of at the moment.

A WIRED ethernet module. Wireless is useless to me and an ethernet cradle is a little much to carry around from place to place whenever I need to tap into the network.

Come to think of it, a multichannel analyzer module would be pretty cool for acquiring radioactive decay spectra or x-ray spectra. Then again, there are MCA units with serial interfaces that could probably be used with an appropriate serial cable.

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Posted by yardie on 11-14-2001 09:24 AM:

Trickle

quote:
Originally posted by Alslayer
When I stop seeing modules coming out then I will belive you. I said coming out not announced.

I agree with you that a company cannot live off springboards alone.

Most of the modules coming out are Memory Type Modules. Same applies for the other devices with expansion...except maybe the Handera (which has a special setup). The release of non-memory type modules has slowed down considerably. Some of those that has been released are dying (see SoundsGood, MiniJam, Handspring Modem, Geode to name a few).

Posted by yardie on 11-14-2001 09:35 AM:

Re: Re: Springboard

quote:
Originally posted by dkessler

, and you won't see MemoryStick disappear from the Clie line). Other expansion capabilities are also in demand ... just go to any Clie forum and ask for a show of hands from all those who would like to have 802.11b for the Clie

Yes Dave I agree with you here. But I bet any money that at least half these people who raise their hands about the 802.11b memory stick will not buy it once it is released. Why? Because it is going to cost a small fortune.

quote:

As for Springboards, there are a lot of Visors out there and the owners will be happy to buy modules that give them real value. Look at the success of the HS backup module and all the memory expansion modules. The catch is, the module has to enhance the tasks for which they already use their Visor. Most people buy a PDA for specific reasons. Organizing, carrying data, writing, mobile communication, etc. Modules that let them do those things better can definitely be successful.

Again I agree in principle. But I think memory modules will becomes less useful as Palm OS devices start to ship with more memory. I suspect that this is the last year that we are going to see high and middle of the road units shipped with less than 16 MB of memory.

I said that the Springboard in is current state is dead. What I think a Springboard II would revive the Springboard Module. Imagine a slot that can run memory sticj devices (with an adapter), SD/MMS Devices (with an adapter), regular Springboard modules and Type II peripherals (similar to the Handera). I am quite sure that this is possible and feasible. And this would put Handspring leaps and bounds over the competition. I am thinking "My Visor can do what your Clie can do plus..."

Posted by dkessler on 11-14-2001 01:55 PM:

Re: Re: Re: Springboard

quote:
Originally posted by yardie

Yes Dave I agree with you here. But I bet any money that at least half these people who raise their hands about the 802.11b memory stick will not buy it once it is released. Why? Because it is going to cost a small fortune.

True, but that still leaves half that will

The truth is that 802.11b isn't as compelling as it would be if we started to see a lot more 802.11b access points in airports, shopping malls, etc. Being able to get high-speed internet from your couch is cool ... being able to get it standing in the checkout line at WalMart is enough to make people get out their credit cards

But (he says in an desperate effort to get back on topic) the point is that there will be compelling technologies in the future that can't (or shouldn't) be incorporated into PDAs right now. Leaving some method of expansion is still very important if you want to sell PDAs to users that recognize that fact.

quote:
Again I agree in principle. But I think memory modules will becomes less useful as Palm OS devices start to ship with more memory. I suspect that this is the last year that we are going to see high and middle of the road units shipped with less than 16 MB of memory.

The Palm hardware architecture and OS isn't well suited to using large amounts of RAM. 16MB or even 32MB may be enough to keep the average PalmOS user satisfied, but it really doesn't change the what they can do with the device. An expansion card with a couple hundred meg opens a doorway to entirely new ways to use your PDA. For example, I have a CF card that I keep a big pile of reference material on. I keep the card in my pocket. When I'm at my desk and I need to look something up, I pop the card into my PC and there are all my files. When I'm away from my desk, I pop the card into my Visor and there are all my files

It's a whole new way to work. Over time you're going to see a switch from conduits that mash your data down into a form that works with PalmOS apps to new VFS enabled PalmOS apps that can handle the files in their native form right off the expansion card. Opening up new ways to be productive is what Sprinboard makers need to be focused on ... and I think most have finally figured that out.

quote:
I said that the Springboard in is current state is dead. What I think a Springboard II would revive the Springboard Module. Imagine a slot that can run memory sticj devices (with an adapter), SD/MMS Devices (with an adapter), regular Springboard modules and Type II peripherals (similar to the Handera). I am quite sure that this is possible and feasible. And this would put Handspring leaps and bounds over the competition. I am thinking "My Visor can do what your Clie can do plus..."

Why Springboard II? The Springboard slot we have can do this right now! I have adapters for CF, MemoryStick, and SD/MMC in my hand right now (it's making typing difficult

). I even have an adapter that works with CF+ modems (BTW - CF Type II is about the card thickness, not function ... CF+ is the peripheral spec). The problem with peripheral cards is driver software. Peripheral card makers need to release the death grip they keep on driver code so that third parties can port the drivers to other devices.

__________________
<ul><li>Dave Kessler<br>President - Kopsis, Inc.</li></ul>

Posted by Madkins007 on 11-14-2001 04:47 PM:

I might buy:

1. Sound module- a good speaker for louder alarms, sound effects for games, etc. IF it included either MP3, radio, or voice recorder as well, great to make it a better value, but the louder alarm would be the major point for me! (Imagine, using your PDA as a REAL travel alarm clock for sound sleepers!)

2. Media Wallet- a place to store AND READ a wide variety of text, picture, art, and other files. This would allow me to carry a bunch of photos, maps, E-books, etc. AND have built-in readers/veiwers, etc. I know that the MemPlug and FlashPlus do this to an extent- the difference would be that this module would have a more robust and flexible built-in set of readers for a wider range of formats. IDEALLY I would be able to plug the memory card into a reader on my computer and read/view the materials there seamlessly as well.

This wallet might also be the ultimate secure information storage module since it could, theoretically, be coded so it can only be read from the original Visor, and only after entering a password. remove the module for nearly perfect security!

3. Electronics Tech Module that turned the Visor into a digitial multi-meter, or even a simple O'scope, as well as having a lot of built-in programs and calculators. It would be WONDERFUL to be able to download diagnostic info on some electrnics device and then use the Visor and this module to troubleshoot it.

Other modules I would be interested in might be...

4. Travel Module- Maps, languages, history, places to go, customs, travel information, etc. Sort of an AvantGo, Small Talk, WorldMate, Mapopolis/MapQuest, Vindigo, CityGuide module in one that can be upgraded with flash memory easily before a given trip. I can also see it featuring a 'local language keyboard'- type in the symbols you see in a storefront or street sign, and it translates it for you.

5. Health module? Still thinking about what I would want for this one. Maybe a pulse sensor and 'input jack' so I can read my pulse, and, depending on other sensors, either read tire rotations for exercise or regular bikes, body temp, blood pressure, etc. I can see this module acting like a bike computer, personal/family health log and maybe even as a 'pocket medic'- give it data and it kicks out some bsic health information.

6. IR Games Module- enhanced IR, like Pacific NeoTek's OmniRemote (and mabe built on it?) that allows for games like 'lazer tag' and so forth.

7. Biofeedback module? Sensor pads and programs to record or induce biofeedback.

8. Vocabulary module- dictionary, spell-checking, thesaurus, and a lot of word games. It should interface with WordSmith, MemoPad and other programs to provide us spell-checking and thesaurus features, as well as having games like Boggle, hangman, and others built in. By being a sperate module, it can have a very large vocabulary, AND offer the chance to add a lot of words. I can easily see legal and medical modules available as downloadable upgrades.

Posted by yardie on 11-14-2001 04:51 PM:

Huh?

Hey again Dave.

I thought that the cureccnt Springboard architecture is ainadequate for the use of CF/Type Ii devices? If it is not, how comes the devices now available will not work with the InnoPocket/Matchbook Drive adapter solutions?

Posted by tee10tan on 11-14-2001 04:56 PM:

I would like to see a "dictaphone" module that will automatically transcibe my dictation to a doc file or word file, and compatible with printboy or tealprint etc.. for printing.

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