Registered: Dec 1999
Location: MO
Posts: 6

Like all of you, I read the various product reviews and drool over the excellent Visor accessories. I do have a question, however. Has anyone had any experience in using all Visor and springboard modules as a _complete_ replacement for a PC and cell phone: this means email, web browsing, Visor phone, the presentation module, the software, everything?

I didn't see this on the list of posts - if I missed it, sorry for the duplication.

Thanx!

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Glen Burnie, Maryland
Posts: 205

I don't view my VDX as a PC replacement, but as a PC enhancement. I will admit, that my laptop does sit in the corner a whole lot more these days. If I need documentation on the run, it gets loaded on my VDX. If I need to check email while I'm on the road, I use my VDX. If I need to create a presentation, I use my PC or laptop. (Don't have the presenter-to-go module yet. ) I don't do a lot of presentations, so this isn't a big deal right now. I've primarily used my VDX to get rid of the extraneous paper in my life. Since I do PC support, I frequently need to reference documentation, which is kept on my VDX. I also keep a couple of databases on my VDX to track other things. I don't think I could use it as a PC replacement though. Especially since most of my coworkers are PC bound. Keeping schedules synced with one another still requires the PC connection.

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Sven

If at first you do succeed, try not to look astonished.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

Replace This!

I haven't considered my VDX as a desktop replacement, though as I admire the sleek lines of the new Visor Edge (especially the heaving mound that is the Springboard Sled) I have been considering the unit as a potential spousal replacement.

When is the new Get-Me-Another-Beer MMC module coming out?

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 239

You know, it's funny. The whole time I have been a PDA geek (since they were created, I have a "source" at 3Com/Palm), I have been adamant about the fact that the reason that Palm has been so successful and others failed is that Palm never tried to replace the PC, just augment it. I think the Newton and WinCE devices tried to be too much like the desktop. The Palm devices were simple, easy-to-use enchancements to the desktop, and it worked. The two were meant to be used in tandem.

However, I just realized that I spent the last 30 mins connected to the Internet on my Thinmodem+, typing on my Stowaway, checking e-mail, browsing web pages, and sending ICQ messages to a friend. I agree with sdoersam, my laptop sits in the corner a lot. Are PDAs replacing the PC? While they have gained tremendously in functionality, they are still easy to use. I can have my Visor out, connected to my Stowaway, and typing in Quickword almost before my boss' laptop has finished the BIOS check.

I don't know. Screen size (regardless of color/monochrome) is still an issue for me. I don't want to work all day on a 160X160 screen that's the size of a deck of playing cards. Who knows? Maybe PalmOS 5.0 will support VGA, and someone will make a docking port to use a monitor and full size keyboard. Oh, and a mouse, too. THAT would be something.

PCs are getting smaller. PDAs are getting more powerful. It could happen.

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Soul Raven - "Sm� hjerne, stor gl�de"
Wherever you go, there you are.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

I think that what's going to get replaced are our terms for these devices. Soon they'll all just be 'puters, and their functionality will be a broad range instead of two disparate levels (pc and pda).

Now, my VDX has replaced all my data needs except my computer, which is great!

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Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

I consider my Visor an enhancement to and an extension of my PC. I agree with dietrichbohn in that the PC and PDA (and a slew of other techno-gadgets) as we know them today will ultimately converge into one device.

All together now... meet George Jetson... rut roh

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 69

I too view the PDA as an enhancement rather than a replacement. However I am getting close. With all these aps and programs: Prism, Stowaway, Quickoffice, Printboy, Omnisky, DateBk4, BCJ-55 printer, etc... - If I had the visor phone I would be complete.

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[file:///C|/eyemodule/RICOROSSI/Unfiled/Rico.jpg]

Registered: May 2000
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1429

Wow! I'm as surprised as everyone! I'm now using my Visor to type up all my documents, play all my games, send most my e-mails (offline)! THE ONLY THING use my PC for now is Websurfing, Finale, and Photoshop!

hmm. Just need Omnisky and I'll be set!


For ME, the PC is still a nesesicity, you take way my comptuer for a week, you take away half my life (sad..), but my Visor is growing! I now spend TWO hours on it every day, reading, typing etc. Only 1 more hour more a day to offset the PC..

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-miradu

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

I need to add something in defense of the PC. At the moment, I find that web surfing, while an ok experience on the Visor, is still best done from the desktop. While I have tried numerous times from the VDx, my mega-visits to VisorCentral have to be from behind my trusty keyboard and 17" monitor.

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 45

I have to admit that my OVDX is a great substitute whenever my desktop is not available. Being able to grab email with my Thinmodem and Eudora Internet Suite allows me to get away from my desk quite a bit to be able to enjoy some of the better things in life, like Survivor II. Just need a an alternative power source to AC/DC and maybe I could try my hand at winning a MIL :-)

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604

I'm very close to having my Prism act as a laptop replacement.

I prefer my desktop when I'm in the office, if only because it has a bigger screen.

But on the road, my prism with Stowaway and modem is ALMOST as capable as my laptop. The only thing that is missing is the ability to access my corporate email, which is behind a firewall (I can get my POP personal email). If they ever finally come up with a module that is truly like the blackberry, I could probably ditch the laptop altogether.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Bonn, Germany
Posts: 55

Well...

I am probably going to expiriment with having my visor be my only computer for a month or two.

I'm going to germany for a year, starting in early august, and am looking at cutting my cable modem early and shipping my computer's monitor surface freight.

Which will leave me with just my visor to handle, e-mail, typing, money management, web browsing, etc.

I am still not sure if I am going to go through with it, but it will be interesting. Ironically enough it seems the fact that I can't afford to be without the visor will make it not cost effective to rely solely on the visor, in that I'd really need to buy some manner of memory module (either backup module or memplug with 8meg) to make sure I'd be alright in case the visor got hurt. That extra cost might absorb the savings of shipping the computer versus just getting extra baggage.

I have to agree that the whole reason Palm succeeded was because it focused on being it's own product. The concept has become blurry to me about which one is the computer and which one is the accessory now though. I mean my PC is fast and more powerful but in many many ways less useful because I don't have it with me everywhere I go... The primary use of my PC these days is to sort through and create data that I will use or view on my visor, and to play games. Neither the visor nor the desktop can be done away with though.

Among other things I get so damn attached to them.

kg

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Posts: 2531

Desktop: no. Laptop: kept me from ever having to get one. Although, I wouldn't mind ditching the desktop for a laptop (esp. the PowerBook with its big screen). That's what will keep pda's from becoming desktop or laptop replacements: screen size. I don't want to watch dvd's, play games, or browse the internet on a 2"x2" screen.

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-Joshua
Abortion: Darwinism at its finest.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 152

I would get either the backup or memplug modules no matter what. I have both, and if you can only get one, get the memplug. Having a backup has saved me more than once.

I like the memplug becasue I keep a lot of stuff on my visor and have found I can move an item off if I need the space, and then move it back when I need it.

If you are going to travel, I can not imagine doing so without some sort of backup.

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Howard

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Alive and well on VisorCentral.com
Posts: 861

I initially got a Visor to avoid having to power up my (old) laptop just to check/schedule if I had free time for a meeting or just to check my to-do list.. When I got the Visor I was still using a P166 laptop and had a new P3 700 one on order (was on a waiting list for months), so just booting my laptop was a pain. Now my Visor is the "primary" entry device for such activities and my laptop is now just a "replicate" of my palm.. I couldn't imagine working without it, I also store documents and cheatsheets in it as well as several department phone number lists too as well as other bits of relevant work data, the fact it's instant access to the information I need almost negates my need for a laptop, now if I could just use my Minstrel to telnet to machines inside our corporate firewall & access our corporate e-mail I could ditch the laptop ..

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"One of the most important things you learn from the internet is that there is no �them� out there. It�s just an awful lot of �us�." -- Douglas Adams

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 501

In short:

• Agree that it isn't a PC replacement -- the 17" screen is needed at the office and at home.
  
• However, as a portable PC replacement -- something to take on the road to read e-mail, make notes, keep track of things: that's where I'm thinking of taking it. Just the thought of travelling with one less suitcase makes me swoon.

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Jeff Meyer

"And he died like he lived: with his mouth wide open."

Registered: Apr 2001
Location: Prison
Posts: 421

>>>

Here's how I predict the future:

Laptops will replace desktops. At first, I was skeptical, but Apple's new Titanium G4 made it all a reality. You can now do SERIOUS graphics-editing in a nice, small, package. The PC Laptop as we know it, which usually gets used for typing reports, taking notes, etc, will die out, and get replaced by PDA's. PDA's themselves will never replace computers, but they will move along the "step system" with them, and will allow you to take the peices of your computer you desire in your pocket. You'll never be able to edit full-quality movies on your PDA with as much success as you would say... the Titanium G4. But typing a memo, document, spreadsheet, email, getting maps off the internet, etc. can easily be done by your PDA. If you're going to replace your computer, and you want to semi-replicate your experience, I'd get the Prism by Handspring, or the sexy M505 from Palm.

This also summarizes why I think PocketPC's are contaminating the earth with an incompatible OS whose benefits are merely cheesecake.

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Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 239

Well, laptops can replace desktops as long as there are docking ports everywhere. 17 or 19 inch screens are just too nice to give up, and even if it was as thin as a laptop (hmmm, plasma screen on a laptop, interesting), I still wouldn't want to lug around a 17 inch diameter screen. And a full size keyboard. It barely fits underneath the airplane seat as it is.

Heeeeyyyyyy......what about docking ports for PDAs? Ha! A 160x160 screen spread over 17 inches....ick! Granted the CPU horsepower isn't there either, so maybe for now a terminal idea. Walk up to a terminal, slide the Visor into it's slot, and you are logged on, with all your preferences (screen colors, sounds, etc.) and off you go.

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Soul Raven - "Sm� hjerne, stor gl�de"
Wherever you go, there you are.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 23

i wanna meet a video editor or 3d graphics professional that would serioulsly consider using the g4 laptop to edit video or render animation. (maybe a home user that doenst know any better)

i hope it has a scsi disk array for the massive DV files. or a very very serious video card for rendering frames or solid models.

it may be fast but its no high end graphics workstation

not to mention you cannot upgrade it very effectivly.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Kona, Hawaii ,USA
Posts: 40

Yes, folks are editing on PowerBooks

Hey twuelfing, I have a friend that shoots digital video and edits it on his PowerBook G3 laptop (he'd love a G4 but like most folks he can't upgrade everytime Apple comes out with a new machine.

And yeah, he sometimes edits at home (that's why he has a laptop) but he has done video programs for ABC-TV on his laptop, has edited his photos for TIME, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report and other publications. With the advent of Final Cut Pro lots, and lots of pros are editing on laptops everyday. And we're talking full programs, not just 30 second commercials, mostly documentary stuff.

So be real, if you really wanted to, "meet a video editor or 3d graphics professional that would serioulsly consider using the g4 laptop to edit video" maybe you should have attended NAB in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, you would have met a ton of them.

With DV cameras and Firewire you don't need Ultra-Wide-Fast SCSI anymore. Hell, 75GB and 80GB Firewire drives are pretty cheap now, I own one, it does fine for video.

As for just using a Visor as a PC replacement if I were a writer and not a photographer I'd seriously consider just using my Visor. I used to write magazine articles on my Radio Shack Model 100 and it's screen and programs were much more limited than my Visor. So if I changed professions, yeah I might be able to do without my desktop for awhile.