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- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- What can Springboard do that Palm cant? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=9563)

I've been researching Palm vs and Springboard and it seems that Palm has a match for every springboard attachment? Am I right or did I miss something?

I think the best reason for having Springboard slots is so you can use a modem and keyboard at the same time. ICQ and AIM for Palms must be really bad because you have to write in Graffiti.

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Originally posted by clint
it seems that Palm has a match for every springboard attachment

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__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

It's also a matter of interoperability. If I go out and buy an Eyemodule , 8MB Flash module, and the wireless modem module, I won't have to rebuy these things when I upgrade my actual unit, and I can also use it with any one of my friends' Visors.

With many Palm accessories, you're tethered to the form factor. The III series Kodak camera won't work with the V without a docking adapter that makes the V larger, I cannot have more than 8mb of memory for any Palm (that I know of), and I cannot use my III series wireless modem with my friend's IIIc (IIIc is too long).

The thing that turned me on to Handspring and their Springboards is the fact that the slot, while proprietary, will at least be kept standard. As long as whatever new Handspring unit that I upgrade to retains the Springboard slot, I will be able to use my modules.

With Palm, anyone who starts out with an m100, buys some accessories, and then chooses to upgrade a few years down the road will be forced to repurchase versions of their accessories for their new (and more than likely resculpted) Palm unit.

__________________
-Richard Powell

"Nice guys may finish last, but you know, the company's much better back here."

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Originally posted by raptor
The III series Kodak camera won't work with the V without a docking adapter that makes the V larger.

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I do NOT look wierd! I just look ... "different".

I would seriously consider purchasing a Palm Vx. I have a Visor, and am very disappointed with the whole springboard concept. There really aren't any "Earth Shattering" modules that make Handspring really worth the trouble.

A Palm Vx is much better looking, 8M memory, upgradeable OS, a working GPS unit that IS available now, a wireless modem, and a keyboard. All this from a solid company.

The Visor OS cannot be upgraded, there is no decent GPS unit available yet, some wireless modems do not work with the standard Visor Deluxe, only Prism or Platinum. There are some useless modules, like the Star Trek books, Tiger Woods Golf, some game packs, vibrating LED alarm modules, etc. The MP3 and cell phone modules have less features than a stand alone unit and cost more. Go figure...

If you ask me, the Springboard slot is more a gimmick than anything else. I mean how many modules can you possibly carry around? Most people only use 2 or 3 modules at most on a regular basis.

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Originally posted by cptncelchu
I think the best reason for having Springboard slots is so you can use a modem and keyboard at the same time. ICQ and AIM for Palms must be really bad because you have to write in Graffiti.

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__________________
James Hromadka
Old Friend

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Originally posted by dpdamour
I checked with Kodak and unfortunately they said they have no plans to make a version for the Visor.

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Originally posted by Toby

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Originally posted by dpdamour
I checked with Kodak and unfortunately they said they have no plans to make a version for the Visor.

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That's odd considering that someone who claimed to live right near their production facility claimed a friend told him they were. I suppose caution is the wiser move, though.

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heh...the pic in your sig reminds me of the bandoliers that the Handspring reps wore at Comdex, though. They were armed to the teeth with springboards.

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I do NOT look wierd! I just look ... "different".

reponse to JRR

JRR:
i'm a former palmVx owner.. when i upgraded to a platinum, my pda usage expanded. some important things that palmVx cannot do that the platinum can:

1. simultaneously have an extra 8mb module or modem module while using the pda keyboard.
2. 33mhz period.
3. usb fast hotsyncs (if set up properly)
4. built-in enhanced datebk+ (which is similar to the 3rd party replacement datebk3-4)... i dont need to waste extra ~200k for another thirdparty datebook replacementin flash memory. the built-in application is more than sufficient for me.
5. in my opinion, batteries are better than built-in lithium rechargeable cells in the palmVx. after a year of use, i found that the lifespan of the lithium rechargeables in the palmVx started diminishing. with aaa batteries, i have no need to buy travel chargers or "emergency chargers" for the pda. AAA cells are cheap, and replaceable anywhere.
6.did i mention 8mb memory module!?!? SWEET. now i can carry ALL of my reference docs and manuals with me.. and if thats not enough, i'll just buy another 8mb module and swap them on the fly..


in terms of "palm os upgradeability" issue, i dont know about you guys, but by the time Palm releases a MAJOR OS upgrade (every ~1.5-2yrs), i will have already changed PDA's anyway, or the upgrade doesnt offer much to me. Also, just look at the last major OS upgrade palm has released: 3.3 to 3.5 --> adds support for colour (doesnt affect greyscale people), a cut/paste menu (big deal, hacks like this already exist), and an active menubar that brings down the menu choices (big deal, hacks exist that do this too).

But if there are small incremental OS patches, Handspring always provides equivalent OS patches that reside on flash mem (rather than re-flashing the flashrom).

so OS upgradability is really not an issue for me.

about "jackflash" or "flashpro" that gives an extra 700k of memory. handsprings have 8MB mem, plus another optional 8mb module(s).


Ok enough palmVx bashing. i admit though, the palmvx form factor is beautiful work of art. and, i am convinced the lcd screen is of higher quality than any handspring. and lastly, its all relative: some people only need 8mb, and no need for more , so the palmVx is perfect... others just use their pda's more than just a PDA.

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Originally posted by JJR
I would seriously consider purchasing a Palm Vx. I have a Visor, and am very disappointed with the whole springboard concept. There really aren't any "Earth Shattering" modules that make Handspring really worth the trouble.

A Palm Vx is much better looking, 8M memory, upgradeable OS, a working GPS unit that IS available now, a wireless modem, and a keyboard. All this from a solid company.

The Visor OS cannot be upgraded, there is no decent GPS unit available yet, some wireless modems do not work with the standard Visor Deluxe, only Prism or Platinum. There are some useless modules, like the Star Trek books, Tiger Woods Golf, some game packs, vibrating LED alarm modules, etc. The MP3 and cell phone modules have less features than a stand alone unit and cost more. Go figure...

If you ask me, the Springboard slot is more a gimmick than anything else. I mean how many modules can you possibly carry around? Most people only use 2 or 3 modules at most on a regular basis.

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Don't forget about the :
- 8 Meg expansion module (this is great for books!)
- 8 Meg backup module. Great if you are not around a PC for hotsynching.
- dummy module that is shipped with the Visor. Great place to store a paper clip and post-it-notes.
- upcoming "build your own" flashcard adapter. Just think of an additional 64Megs of storage

Frank

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Originally posted by dpdamour
My exchange with Kodak was back in June.

Kodak has been around for a looong time. They know enough to not fall into the same trap as Innogear, that is, do not announce products that are not at least in beta testing.

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My belt is like that. The OmniSky should be here today and that will add some weight!

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I'll take a good ol' laptop computer any day to do serious work. I really don't understand how people can use a PDA for more than just reference of documents. With a tiny screen and the awkward add-on keyboards, it is just too hard to use for serious work.

People shouldn't expect their PDA's to replace a laptop. PDA's are fantastic for looking up contacts, browsing content on AvantGo, and finding the nearest dinner/movie time with Vindigo. Don't get me wrong. There are even some great applications to use. It always amuses me how all of the hype surrounding the Springboard slot has fizzled out.

I guess I need to get back to the orignal topic. Take away the Springboard slot and ask the question...Is a Palm Vx better than a Handpring Dlx? I would say yes. Put the Springboard variable back in the equation and you can argue that the majority of the most usefull add-ons for the Visor are already available for the Palm (GPS, wireless, camera (Palm III only though)). You can get a software back-up. Back-up Buddy (I think), so the back-up module is a moot point. The only real edge for Handspring is the 8M module. Everyone has different memory requirements for how they use their PDA.

All I have to say is before anyone buys a Palm OS PDA, they should seriously consider a Palm Vx over a Visor. The Visor and Springboard honestly aren't all they're cracked up to be. If you have a real need for some of those add-on modules at work or in your leisure, go for it.... I'm just expressing my personal disappointment with my Visor. I should have waited to see how the Springboard hype would pan out.



[Edited by JJR on 11-20-2000 at 02:03 PM]

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Originally posted by JJR
I'll take a good ol' laptop computer any day to do serious work. I really don't understand how people can use a PDA for more than just reference of documents. With a tiny screen and the awkward add-on keyboards, it is just too hard to use for serious work.

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Originally posted by JJR
I guess I need to get back to the orignal topic. Take away the Springboard slot and ask the question...Is a Palm Vx better than a Handpring Dlx? I would say yes. Put the Springboard variable back in the equation and you can argue that the majority of the most usefull add-ons for the Visor are already available for the Palm (GPS, wireless, camera (Palm III only though)). You can get a software back-up. Back-up Buddy (I think), so the back-up module is a moot point. The only real edge for Handspring is the 8M module. Everyone has different memory requirements for how they use their PDA.

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__________________
James Hromadka
Old Friend

I'm not sure that the Palm add-ons are as fully integrated as they are with handspring. I saw a voice recorder for the Palm and it was a replacement cover for the palm with it's own voice recorder etc. The voice recorders for the handspring integrate the processing, software, into the unit. I would "guess" that the springport would also have a robust data transfer rate for devices, like GPS,etc.

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Originally posted by JJR
You can get a software back-up. Back-up Buddy (I think), so the back-up module is a moot point.

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Jeff

OK...but

- A Palm Vx cost $379 while a Visor Deluxe cost $244 (from shopper.cnet.com...and you can get an additional $40 off either one by buying it a staples.com and using the $40 instant coupon from http://www.techbargains.com )

- The backup module does not need a laptop. You can doit anywhere and there is even a program to automatically perform the backup daily. I went on a personal trip last weekend. While on the trip, I added/changed some address and memos on my Visor. I backed it up on the backup module while on the trip and didn't have to worry about lugging a laptop around.

- Once I get a springboard modem, I'll be able to check my email/surf on those personal trips using my stowaway keyboard.

I think anyone buying a Palm OS PDA should seriously consider a Visor over a Palm Vx. It is cheaper and can do more. But if form is more important to you than function, and you have an extra $140, go for the Palm Vx. It does look nice and it is thinner.

Frank

[Edited by wilderf on 11-20-2000 at 02:42 PM]

Just to throw in my $.02. I just switched from a PalmIIIx to a Handspring specifically, and almost entirely, because of the backup module. I've had too many hard resets while away from the office, and none of the external memory devices available for a Palm seemed quite adequate. I've already managed to fill 8M, so I'm also looking at the expansion module. The other springboard modules sound cool and sexy, but are more than I need or am willing to pay anyway, so I don't really care that they're vaporware. My needs are simple, and the Visor (in this respect) fills them.

The one non-essential luxury I was willing to spring for (as it were) was color. The IIIc without external memory backup didn't quite cut it. When the Prism came out, I went a bit nuts and jumped at it, despite the price. Now I wonder if I jumped to soon, since the upcoming color Clie and the rumored next generation color Palm will have expansion slots. I wonder how the Sony Memory Stick and the Palm option will stack up against the Springboard. To wait or not to wait? I guess that's always the question.


[Edited by valodya on 11-21-2000 at 08:02 PM]

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Originally posted by valodya
Now I wonder if I jumped to soon, since the upcoming color Clie and the rumored next generation color Palm will have expansion slots. I wonder how the Sony Memory Stick and the Palm option will stack up against the Springboard. To wait or not to wait? I guess that's always the question.

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Compact Flash adapter

Jumping into the fray...

Another thing that's great about the Springboard is its versatility. I recently built two Compact Flash adapters, and am now able to use any size compact flash card, therefore can take dictionaries, maps, lots of literature etc. around with me.

Also, I have the parts to build my own voice recorder module. It won't integrate with the Visor, but can sit inside the slot so if I'm driving and want to make a note, I can do so.

Finally, the Visorphone should be a great addition. I'm looking forward to having it "all in one."