Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Moved to Clie Land
Posts: 331

Looks like convergence is actually starting to happen, but it occurs to me that there is an element that has been left out. Quite possibly I missed it, but I know Bluetooth is going to start hitting the markets heavy soon and I would think that it would be necessary with the Visorphone...

Here is the problem, the Visor with the phone SB is great, it provides the wireless modem we�ve been wringing our hands about, it eliminates a additional item on our belts, provides voice communication and sms, but PHONES DROP. Just think how many times you've dropped your cell phone, but in this case, you will not be dropping a $100 cell phone, you will be dropping a minimum of $600 worth of equipment. More important is that you are exposing all the information you depend on to an element of increased risk. The simple motion of holding the unit to your face will expose the screen to more possible problems.

It would seem to me that Bluetooth could be employed with much success in this particular model. Interference would be the only possible issue. In my mind, the whole package would be much more useful with a Bluetooth enabled earphone/mic combination that would shuttle the signals to the Visor that is safely worn on the hip or carried in a purse. The screen could still be used for dialing, but you wouldn't be left holding the whole ball of wax. The thought of my Visor resting on my shoulder while I try to perform tasks with both hands worries me. Driving would also be much easier.

Anyone else have the same thoughts?

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"Stupid Handspring."

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

those are some of my concerns also, that's why when my cell phone contract runs out in january, i'm buying the nokia 8290. it has infrared and a built-in modem (among several other cool features).

i've dropped my phone (nokia 5100 series) SEVERAL times and i can't imagine how many visors i would've gone through if i had the visorphone.

besides, there plenty of times when i only want to carry my cell phone and nothing else, like when going out. who wants to lug around a pda clipped on your belt when you're out drinking (and trying to pick up women....j/k).

don't get me wrong, i think the visorphone is cool, but it just doesn't work with my needs.

on another note, can you imagine the mess a popped zit could make on you pda screen?! yeeech!

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 13

I think what I'd be more interested in seeing than the Visorphone is a relativly dumb phone with Bluetooth in it, that could be controlled from other Bluetooth devices, be it a Visor or whatever. Keep directories, call logs, whatever in the PDA, and perhaps use the phone as a modem from the PDA, minus cables.

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

But why Bluetooth? Why not just use the supposedly provided wired headset while keeping the Visor on your belt? Granted, you're dealing with wires, but I see little difference between those wires and the wires of my Diamond Rio earphones.

I'll admit that I know very little of Bluetooth beyond what it promises to do (PAN capabilities), but wouldn't adding that functionality add more price to an already costly device? Or is Bluetooth technology relatively inexpensive?

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-Richard Powell

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

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Moved to Clie Land
Posts: 331

Raptor...the problem is the wires. With Bluetooth, your Visor could sit on your desk and you would be free to roam the room with just the headset. It's not a question of if it will happen, but when. I would happily pay $50 (maybe more) for the freedom and the safety for my Visor. It is my understanding that Bluetooth is not going to be very expensive, but as in all things, it will probably be high when brought to market, then drop off.

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"Stupid Handspring."

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

After reading a small article in a recent tech magazine, I think I'm beginning to understand a bit more the draw of Bluetooth in phones. You see, I was under the initial impression that a Bluetooth headset would be just like a wireless version of the 'handsfree' kits we see today (meaning just a speaker and mic). Under that assumption, I figured one would just want to keep the Visor readily accessible at all times during a call in order to hang-up, redial, etc etc etc (which has to be done on the Visor itself). To me (personal opinion, that's all), keeping the Visor on your belt with the wires running inside a jacket/vest/shirt and up through your collar with a wired headset wouldn't be all that inconvenient.

However, if one were to include the dialing features and whatnot onto the small headset initially, THAT would be nice. Keep the Visor in a pocket, in its case, or wherever you store it, and just use the bluetooth headset to dial and talk. Something like that would be rather convenient, as one wouldn't have to constantly reach for their PDA for these mundane tasks.

My initial question was brought up just because in my own experiences wires aren't a hassle (yet).

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-Richard Powell

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

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NJ
Posts: 517

Did anybody here read the updated comdex article? It would appear that the WebGPS does exactly what everyone wants the VisorPhone to do (minus the GPS). I really can't wait until it comes out, and I would gladly pay $300 for all of that functionality.

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Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Here
Posts: 213

yes, with bluetooth, you can be a small walking "piconet". You could have a GPS, wireless phone module etc, in your pocket or briefcase or on your desk or car, but access those functions via your bluetooth enabled screen (visor). I will go for the visorphone, it will take some time for all of these devices to be bluetooth enabled I believe. It may be in the future that the only "springboard" module you will need for your visor is a bluetooth module, all others functions and devices that are carried or within the bluetooth range.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 434

Let's be careful out there

While I see alot of potential with Bluetooth, it is obviously going to have teething problems. Its proponents have been claiming that it would not interfere with wireless ethernet, and this is now proven to be a lie (as in a performance hit of up to 20% for each Bluetooth device as it enters your wireless ethernet area). This is going to hurt Bluetooth's acceptance in many businesses, where wireless ethernet's bandwidth is already an issue. For this reason alone, you can expect most corps won't have Bluetooth devices on the "approved" buy list, at least initially.

Given the lie re: compatibility with wireless ethernet, you can be sure that there will be other broken promises (e.g. cross-product line compatibility). I'm sure all will be resolved in time, but the first scout over the hill is going to catch alot of arrows (probably more so than is usual). Don't say you haven't been warned . . .