Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 9

I will be buying a Visor in the next 3 days. My girlfriend is actually the one buying it, to be fair. She has a Palm V and loves it... but I'm sold on the mere possibility of the remote, GPS, and modem springboards. Now I have a question or 2, which you have all seen too many times, most likely:

1). Is 2 MB enough? Is it enough to have 2 MB and then get the 8 MB module if I am going to be dumping in books, etc? I'm an IT nerd, so I KNOW I will be using the thing. My GF is fine with the 2 MB on her PalmV and I know I could easily just store my date on my computer, but perhaps someone could inform me of a few reasons why I'd regret this?

2). These are plastic. I've been at this board for less than an hour and I've read several accounts of people dropping and breaking them. What seems to be the most common solution (the Ti cases?)

3). On epinions, the only serious complaint I read is that the Visor screens seem to scratch easier than the Palm screens. These were mostly older reviews... have you folks found this to be the case here, or is that a bunch of BS? Should I plan on getting the covers?

I do apologize for such a long post on what is likely an overdone topic. I would be grateful for any info on any of this stuff, public or private. Thanks for your time!

chrisATdigitalrodent.com

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 63

Ok, I'll take a shot at this.

1) I have a Deluxe and I gotta say, I really like having 8 megs of memory. I'm sure if you use the Visor for its original purpose(you know, dates, address book, memo's) then 2 megs is plenty. But if you like me and you use it for dates, address book, memo's, remote control, newspapers(Avantgo), games, and documents, then your pushing your luck with 2 megs. You can do it, but it sure is alot easier to do it with 8. Ok, let me just say this about the 8 meg module. As far as I know, you can't run programs off of it(someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this, I'd love to find a way to run stuff directly off it). Secondly its like 79 bucks. Well the Visor is 179.99 with the cradle, and 249.99 for the deluxe with the cradle. Thats a 70 bucks diff. I'd rather spend 70 bucks more right away and get an internal 8 megs, than 80 bucks later to get a total of 10 (8 megs just for storage) and take up the springboard slot.

2)As for the cases, I've never owned a Palm V, but I have owned a Palm III, and the fact of life is that they are plastic, expensive, delicate electronics. I've dropped mine and been suprised to see it unscathed, but I've also seen people drop theirs on a carpeted floor and crack a screen. Basically, you need a case for it. But I don't know if it justifies the Titanium slider. That a pretty pricing option, especially if you buy a regular Visor. I'd say that most of the "regular" cases out there are pretty good, my only stipulation is I need a beltclip on my case. I have so many gadgets that I carry, I really can't keep the visor in my pocket. But a good leather case with a screen protector should protect your visor from minor skirmishes with the floor. The Ti Slider is the ultimate in protection but I think its just looks bulky and its pretty expensive.

3) Ok, I'm not sure how much more susceptible the visor screen is to scratching because i've had a protector on it since day one. I use homemade vinyl sheets from walmart on it and they do just fine. not a scatch on it. I used to use WriteRights, but 26 bucks to blur my screen, hmmm. I would seriously recommend putting a screen protector on whatever you get. One ugly scratch on the Visor's screen is a really sad thing. Especially since it can be avoided so easily. And the vinyl I use is pratically indestructable, and has a great feel to it.


So overall, these are just my opinions on the questions you asked, and obviously, many people feel differently about each issue. But I think that if you take one thing from this its to get the 8 meg Visor. It sounds to me like your someone that will most likely be inclined to cram your Visor full of all sorts of crazy programs like I do. And for the money, its a much better deal than a 8 meg card later.


-Visorholic

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal
Posts: 115

Definitely get the 8mb, there's always a new program to try out. I started with a 2mb PalmIII - it was full in no time. Everytime I wanted to try a new program I had to decide what to delete. My VDX is at 7.5mb full w/avantgo and several databases - have resisted buying the added memory but will be getting it soon.

In my opinion screen protection is a must whether you spend the $$$ for WriteRights or make your own or some combination. If you do decide to go with WriteRights, shop around there are bargains to be had. Also buy the WindowsCE version for Color units. They don't darken the screen like the Palm/Visor version.

I personally use a combination of things for screen protection, I have TapPad (requires HackMaster) which covers the graffiti area - I like the textured feel and I find it enhances my input plus all of the great features the program provides. I also use screen protection for the top part of the screen I just have to cut it to size. I've tried different homemade items, removable tape, as well as several commercial products - I keep coming back to WR's.

The right stylus can also help eliminate the scratches. I don't think HS still sends out the awful plastic ones anymore but if they do - don't use it - it will scratch and bad. Order one of the metal ones or a custom one somewhere else.

Cases - It's a very individual choice. I have different ones for different situations. About 5 cases in all. Works for me.

Enjoy you Visor and keep checking these boards there's a wealth of information here.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: McLean, VA USA
Posts: 216

Madsman,

I would also spend the additional $40 and get the backup module. It is great, pop it in, tap the "Backup" button on the screen and in just a few short minutes (depends on how full your Visor memory is) you have a complete mirror image backup of your Visor, programs and data. I have one and it has saved me twice now when errant, misbehaving programs have forced me to do a hard reset.

Definitely get the 8MB Deluxe (the backup module will backup any of the models 2MB-8MB, it will not backup the 8MB expansion module for obvious reasons). You will be glad you did once you get to experimenting with programs, ebooks, Avantgo and such.

Hope this helps.

__________________
What the Heck! It's what I want!

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 9

Thank you folks very much. I will be taking the whole situation under consideration... and I think I WILL go with the VDX. I was thinking of going with Orange, just to add to the percentage of people using the Orange color.

Seriously, that answers my questions, and I just wanted to say thanks. And of course, when I get it, I will have to become a permanent fixture/annoyance here.

- Chris

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 63

Sshhhh! Don't talk about the orange visor on the forums. I too have an orange visor and you don't know what your getting yourself into. You see, the reason not many people have the orange visor is that it's been selected by the Illuminati as their official PDA. Once you get a OVD your immediately a member of the group. It's cool at first, I mean you get to know stuff who REALLY shot JFK, the truth about the Roswell alien thing, and I get phonecalls from Elvis all the time(he can't seem to get the IRsync to work on his laptop). But once you join there is no going back.

Oh sorry gotta go, Bill Gates wants some advice on whether or not we should make the Fed raise interest rates.

-Visorholic

__________________

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 3

8 mb.

__________________
Michael


Wow look at all those DVD's
And those are cool CD's