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-- Question (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=12786)

As I've been reading the threads in this forum, there's one question that has been on my mind: Is the expansion slot on the naked visor edge an expansion slot that will accomodate new, yet to be released modules with a "smaller" connector (compared to the standard springboard slot) or is it simply a connector whose only function is to interface with the backpack springboard slot add-on, or is it both? Maybe I'll just have to wait until Monday for my answer??

Marty

The general consensus seems to be that it'll be a smaller Springboard with an adaptor for the normal sized ones.

Ah - so we existing Visor/Visor Deluxe/Visor Platinum/Visor Edge will be essentially overlooked while developers look to develop these new, second-generation SpringBoards? I'm a bit surprised by this - considering that Handspring spent all the effort promoting the original SpringBoard, with a decent degree of success.

It's evident that the Edge will be backwards-compatible, allowing Edge users to use our SpringBoards, but what about making our Visors FORWARD-compatible? Will Handspring produce an adapter so we can use the newer, smaller SpringBoards in our larger SpringBoard slots?

I have to tell you folks, this development disturbs me greatly. I've invested way too much money building a pool of SpringBoards to trash them less than two years after the introduction of this new unit.

Which brings up another question - why in the world should we consumers be expected to pay a premium ($150 for eyemodule, $250 for an .mp3 player, $100 for Total Recall, etc.) for add-on products we now know have a shelf life of less than two years? The SpringBoard developers have to take this message to heart, as I'm going to be extremely wary of picking up new SpringBoards in the future.

Don't get me wrong - I'm glad Handspring is introducing the Edge, but I'm dumbfounded that they would essentially abandon their signature product line so soon.

Making comments before release

It puzzles me why people would be worried about rumored features.

The Edge have only one slot. It seems the slot is there only for one thing -- the module add on at the back. I doubt very much that it is there to accomodate anothet module. Handspring had to make a smaller slot to accomodate the add-on so that the unit remains thin.

Think about it this way.. If handspring had an intention of creating a new series of springboards, you would have heard rumors of new springboard modules for the Edges as well.

Good point, Yardie. But the Wired article (link posted elsewhere in the Visor Edge discussion section) indicates that a new SpringBoard standard is in development and that the "experts" are looking for Handspring to announce a host of Springboard developers who will support the new standard at the Monday press conference. Guess we'll wait and see...

The Springboard slot interfaces directly with the Dragonball processor, rather than at the API level. When Palm migrates to ARM, the current Springboards will be obsolete. As nonchalant as Jeff is about faster processors, he won't remain aloof to ARM once it's available. Handspring will have to migrate to a second-generation Springboard technology. I'm wondering if the base connector on the Edge will allow different types of Springboard attachments.

don't worry

Handspring had no choice but to migrate to a smaller springboard slot otherwise they would be forever tied to Palm IIIish dimensions in their devices. Part of the beauty of the smaller springboard with adapter is that developers will continue to build regular sized modules, as the new form factor is very constraining; MP3 and GPS isn't going to get that much smaller. Most likely Handspring will announce 3 or 4 modules that use the new smaller slot, just like the did when the original Visor was released. Don't expect there to be anything more than memory for a while.

Also, for those of us who are looking at retaining our Vdx's, Plats and Prisms: Even if there were a new, small slot, wouldn't the size of the modules ALSO be smaller and wouldn't it be possible to produce an adapter such that the adapter will fit our "old" Visors but allow the use of "new" Springboards. A bit like the adapters available for CF cards and MMCs.

I got a feeling an adapter might not be possible. Now that HS sees what people can do with compact flash, and smart media, and maybe soon mmc, they might want to give people more compatibility with the formats. i.e. an ibm microdrive in a visor, like a TRGPro. Current springboard design doesn't provide enough power to run a microdrive. I think HS would try to make these kinda addons compatible with the new visors. But who knows, maybe they can pull it off.

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From the Edge FAQ

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Q: Will attachments be available for the Visor Edge that attach directly to the Edge connector without using the detachable Springboard slot?

A: Yes, a few developers are working on modules that attach directly to the Visor Edge handheld through the Edge connector. This is particularly useful for modules that are used regularly or are attached to the handheld for long periods of time, such as a wireless modems or phones. Independence from the detachable Springboard slot will enable a much thinner overall solution.

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Stealth-Mod.

quote:

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Originally posted by Coyote67
I got a feeling an adapter might not be possible. Now that HS sees what people can do with compact flash, and smart media, and maybe soon mmc, they might want to give people more compatibility with the formats. i.e. an ibm microdrive in a visor, like a TRGPro. Current springboard design doesn't provide enough power to run a microdrive. I think HS would try to make these kinda addons compatible with the new visors. But who knows, maybe they can pull it off.

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