VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Spbrd Module that would read Cards for TRG (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=5202)

We were mulling over the pros and cons of the Visor Vs. the TRG product. My colleague who's primary job focus is hardware was all hot about the flash media. Now, I'm fairly emotionally attached to my Visor Deluxe, but the fact that there's a 32Mb flash media card for about the same price as the 8mb Springboard expansion was pretty compelling.
Then it hit me: Why not a Springboard module with a Flash card slot? It could do all the stuff that the TRG slot was doing.

Ok, so maybe I'm a nerd, but, man, I just love thinkin' about this stuff!

Winkle

Alright, So I read on, and I'm not the first to have this idea!

Still.....Cool.

Hey, that's okay. The more times we bring it up, the more chances there are for a developer to get the idea.

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Jay

PCMCIA cards are longer.

I have a PCM card right here and if I stick it into the springboard slot (not on the pins of course) there is about 1 1/2 inches sticking out the top of the Visor. That is not counting the springboard adapter. It could adapt it so the PCM card was flush with the back of the Visor and plugged up into a springboard than hung over the back somewhat but this would add bulk.

Simply would not work right.

I think Handspring maybe should have just adopted that slot to begin with. I like TRG's idea all in all but then again I like the idea of the springboards being smaller etc... I think if they compete cost wise Handspring will win and we should see lots of springboards..

If a springboard is going to be a lot more money for the same or less options then springboards may not really take off as expected.


[This message has been edited by Babylon5 (edited 01-28-2000).]

Perhaps I am confused, but I do not think that Compact Flash = PCMCIA. I believe these are two different monsters (with different dimensions).

tyler

In fact, here are some dimensions for a CF memory card mentioned on TRG's site.
http://www.delkin.com/cgi/delkin_me...mer/welcome.htm

Another issue is the need for drivers for CF cards. Gotta love the plug and play of a springboard.

tyler

_____________QUOTE_________________________
Perhaps I am confused, but I do not think that Compact Flash = PCMCIA. I believe these are two different monsters (with different dimensions).
tyler
___________________________________________


I guess I am wrong here sorry. I thought it had a standard Type II PCMCIA card slot since I remember it saying it had off the shelf items like bar code readers etc.. They are all *usually* Type II cards that work on laptops. I didn't pay attention that it was a CF slot, sorry.

Actually it may hurt the Visor a lot more than I thought since CF slots are just about the size of Springboards.

The only saving grace is these are geared toward companys and not the general public.

If with a CF reader springboard, Handspring would have both options, while TRG would have just one. Very often, technical superiority has little to do with marketplace success. By offering a CF reader, Handspring would only enhance its users' options. Those who are willing to install drivers could use CF and those who want plug and play would use springboards. Most likely, the cost difference would settle down to the value of the additional hassle of installing drivers for each CF card.