Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 23

I just got my Visor Platinum... can anyone tell me if these problems are normal or if I have a defective unit:

1. Contrast
The Visor loses contrast in some grayscale apps (Mulg, Argon V) so much that those programs are unusable. Some apps (Avantgo, ChessGenius) don't have a problem.

I took some photos showing the Platinum next to an M100, both running Argon V. In this shot, both were set to 100%. The M100 is too dark to use and the Visor is to washed out to use:

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~sher...ast_100_100.jpg

In this shot the M100 is set to 50% and the Visor is still at 100%. Notice how much darker the M100 still is:

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~sher...ast_100_050.jpg

I've read that old Visors had grayscale contrast issues due to Handspring modifications to the OS, but a patch fixed the problem. Since the Platinum runs 3.5x, why is this still happening?

(Update: Nevermind the above. I found out last week that Argon and Mulg do not work properly with the Platinum. However, there are still some contrast issues with the Platinum... some units show much more streaking than others and one unit I got is so faint, it's unusable even with the contrast cranked all the way up)

2. Backlight
It's so horrible that it's useless. I've compared the Platinum to an M100, PalmIIIe, and PalmV. The M100 is much brighter than the others. Here it is next to the Platinum:

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~sher...cklight_exp.jpg

The IIIe is *slightly* brighter than the V; both are much brighter than the Platinum:

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~sher...e_backlight.jpg

I've read conflicting reports about Visor backlighting: some say all Visors suck and others say it varies from unit to unit.

Do I have a defective unit? I hope so... I like the speed of it and I already bought a case and 8MB module. So I'd rather exchange it for another Platinum. But if this is how it normally works, I'm returning the Visor and getting a Palm unit.


[Edited by Deslock on 11-21-2000 at 05:39 PM]

Registered: Nov 2000
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Posts: 23

Appears to be a defective unit

Just a follow-up: I went to CompUSA today and compared my Platinum to one of their Visor Deluxes on display. The backlighting and contrast of the Deluxe was better than my Platinum (though the backlighting and contrast was inferior to the PalmVx next to it).

Anyway, Handspring is sending out a replacement... am hoping it isn't defective. Will post again when I get it.

Registered: Sep 2000
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Posts: 39

my backlight and contrast are much better than that. i think youve got a defective unit.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: I'm not sure, but I see lots of lights everywhere.
Posts: 1287

What does it matter? All of the current backlight systems used on Palms and Visors flat out suck! The only useful backlight that I remain a champion of, is the SONY Clie, which utilizes the "traditional" blue/green system that works under ANY lighting condition. Not just cave dwelling conditions.

As for which Visor is better at backlighting, its hard to tell. According to HS, the display in the Visor and Platinum are identical, as well as backlighting. That being the case, there are no technical differences.

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My blog: Pocketfactory

Registered: Nov 2000
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Posts: 23

How Many Platinums Will It Take?

I'm up to 3 Platinums now... I got the 1st replacement, which I call Platinum#2. Its backlighting and contrast are better than my first Platinum. However, the backlighting is still lame compared to the PalmV, Palm3e, and M100.

So, I called Handspring and asked what I should do. They suggested that they send another. They said they'd triple check this one for backlighting problems.

Well, I got Platinum#3 yesterday. Its contrast is HORRIBLE and the backlighting, while better than Platinum#1, is slightly worse than Platinum#2.

Here is a shot of all three Platinums and my coworkers Palm3e:

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~sher..._2_3_palm3e.jpg

The best of the three is #2, which I am currently using. Here it is next to the Palm3e:

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~sher...um_2_palm3e.jpg

So, I called them again. I told them that if they don't make backlighting as good as Palm, they should just say so. They are wasting a lot of money by sending me all these units. But they said that's all they can do... so they are shipping Platinum#4.

This is absurd. If it weren't for Handspring's 800 number and the fact that they are paying for shipping, I'd be pissed.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

Deslock... I think my Platinum is not up to par either. I tried your test of backlight... and although my Platinum is no as bad as yours, it is weaker backlight compared to my Visor Deluxe. The Deluxe had sharper, brighter contrast pixels than the Platinum! At least for me.

QUestion: what number do I call Handspring to ask for a replacement? Any tips on how to ask for a replacement so I can compare at least one more Platinum like you did?

[email protected]

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 23

quote:

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Originally posted by cathytowner
QUestion: what number do I call Handspring to ask for a replacement? Any tips on how to ask for a replacement so I can compare at least one more Platinum like you did?

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Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 23

4th Platinum Backlighting Is Still Lame

Well, I got Platinum#4 today. The backlighting is still lame:

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~sher...um_4_palm3e.JPG

However at least this one doesn't have contrast issues. #1, #2, and #3 all have dark contrast streaks while #4 only has faint ones (which are normal on an LCD screen like this). This shots shows #2 and #4:

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~sher...4_2_streaks.JPG

I've shipped back all the other ones and am keeping Platinum#4 for now... I haven't decided if I'm going to continue my efforts to get one with better backlighting or not...

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 1

I just got my Platinum, and am having a great deal of fun. But even at CompUSA, where i made the purchase, Platinum didn't seem to have a clearer screen than the Deluxe. When I saw the Palm V, I was very much tempted to pick that one instead but...oh well, i just stuck to the Plat.

Contarst controlon my unit is acceptable and I think I can live with that. But then i have not tested the unit outdoors yet so I shall see.

The backlighting, however, was a shocker to me. I guess I was expecting a Indiglo quality. the first time I turned the backlight on, i didn't evenknow it was on. I had to lock myself in the bathroom to see the backlight at all. Is this normal for this model? Do other PDAs use sililar scheme or is Handspring just trying to extend the battery life?