Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

What I would like to see is a Springboard module that would be a mouse for use with a keyboard like GoType! and software like QED to give me a complete word processor or spreadsheet without having to take a notebook computer. Imagine notebookers' jaws drop when they see me take out my tiny Visor, tiny GoType! keyboard, and my mouse module, all at a fraction of the size and weight of what they lug around.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 151

What you need is a palm top PC like IBM's newest WinCE device (Workpad z50) which comes complete with keyboard and all the applications you could imagine.

You can get it for less than $800 and it includes a modem, 48 MB of RAM, 20 MB ROM, an 8.2" COLOR screen and a CF slot to insert more memory or even a microdrive. There's even a port for a MOUSE!

Flame me if you wish, but let's be reasonable here. Fit the innovation to the true usage. There is no reason for a mouse on a Visor except to show that it could be done.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

First, let me say that I'm a happy Windows PC user. Have been a PC user for 12 years, even have used Macs and still use Macs at work and don't like them as much.

Second, I think that Windows CE users are borderline fanatical. "Less than $800!!!!??" You've got to be kidding! Why on earth would I want to spend that much hard-earned and hard-to-come-by money? Right now I can get a GoType! keyboard for $80! I assume that a similar keyboard for the Visor would have a similar price tag. Total investment *including* a Visor would be $320!

Third, you Windows CE evangelists keep giving us this marketing baloney about "having gazillions more memory" than Palm devices. Well, my response to that is--YOU NEED IT! Just like desktop Windows apps, Windows CE apps are memory hogs. The truth is, 8MB of mem on a Palm is equivalent to much, much more MB on CE.

Fourth, you say that your IBM system comes "with all the applications [I] can imagine." Umn, have you ever looked at the Palm software libraries online? One of the reasons that Palm OS is at least 10:1 times more popular in the market place is because of the hundreds of applications available that you can imagine. (Even apps that you would never have imagined.)

Fifth, you missed the point entirely. I don't need nor want a CE. I'm a very happy user of Palm OS and with a GoType! keyboard carry around a complete word processor in a VERY small space that weighs VERY little. (The IBM has an 8.2" screen? So how do I fit an 8.2" screen into my pocket?) I just think adding a mouse would add more functionality to my word processing and would not, as you have condescendingly suggested, merely "prove that it could be done."

Listen, the color screen of CE devices is really cool. I'd like to see one on the Palm. But, I don't want to sacrifice the compact size (ALL color CE's are larger, thicker than my Palm) nor the battery life (ALL CE's drain batteries faster--much faster--than my Palm). CE's don't even come close to my Palm's battery life. I put in two batteries and after *four weeks* of very heavy daily use I put in new ones. Convenient. Worry free.

You say "let's be reasonable here." Well, I think that the premise of evangelizing CE on a forum for Palm users on a topic by a Palm user interested in enhancing his daily M.O. is being not only unreasonable, but somewhat ridiculous, too. But hey, obviously you like CE and it fits your needs. Great! Isn't it an incredible day and age we live in? I think we take this technology all too much for granted. But I'm not going to try to sell you a Palm like you have tried to sell me on a CE device. You obviously have tried both, like I have, and decided to go with CE. I guess what I'm trying to tell you is, your preaching has fallen on deaf ears.

[This message has been edited by Palm Springsboard (edited 09-30-1999).]

[This message has been edited by Palm Springsboard (edited 09-30-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Rio Rancho, NM, USA
Posts: 129

I think that one of the keyboard makers, Think Outside, had mentioned the possibility
of a mouse port for their stow-away keyboard.

I don't see it in the specs for their keyboard, but I'd love to see them add it (or a pointer-nub like on my handy Tecra8000.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Austin TX, USA
Posts: 79

Can you guys really think of a reason for having a mouse?

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Rio Rancho, NM, USA
Posts: 129

The only reason I can think of using a mouse over the stylus is if I'm using it for the reason that the original poster mentions... Word Processing and/or Spreadsheets.

In truth, I might be more inclined to just use the keyboard, then edit a document using the stylus after I'd finished. I tend to write in a stream-of-consciousness and do any corrections after my little brain has dumped the info. Also, if I'm taking notes, I really don't want to stop to edit, just to be sure I don't miss information.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

Actually, now that I've been using my GoType! keyboard with QED for a week, I see no need for a mouse. I withdraw my suggestion.

I really like my keyboard, BTW. I can't believe that QED is the only Palm wordprocessor out there. Would like more features.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 151

Palm Springsboard:

Did you even take a single moment to consider that I might be a VERY experienced Palm user who examined your request, thought carefully about it, and recommended what he considered to be the best technological response to your expressed need? Isn't that what you were looking for when you posted your thoughts on this board? Or were you just looking for a bunch of "sure", "yep", "I agree", kind of responses to reaffirm your own thoughts of the superiority of your idea?

I've used the GoType!, I've used most of the DOC and spreadsheet programs available for the Palm platform, and I've worked with the Palm platform almost since the first PalmPilot arrived on the scene. And BTW, I STILL use my Palm III, and plan on upgrading when Handspring introduces a Visor with the V slim form and made of metal rather than plastic.

I wasn't being sarcastic when I said, "what you need is the Workpad z50." Part of my professional life is spent analyzing a customer's needs and recommending the technology they should use to meet them. So based on your expressed need, I offered my advice to you, realizing however that it would probably not be understood or appreciated.

I'm not even going to bother explaining my reasoning to you, since it's obvious that you've already figured out why I said you didn't need a mouse with a Visor. But next time, before you jump to conclusions, please realize that most IT professionals are not CE zealots or Palm zealots, we tend to be focused on finding the right tool for the need, no matter who manufactures or develops the device!

But I will tell you, that with the bulk and weight of your Visor, keyboard, mouse, and module, while it would weigh about 16 oz less than the Workpad z50, it would be clumsier and bulkier with less functionality.

On QED, there is another doc app for Palm OS out there that allows on-screen editing. It's called SmartDoc, it costs less than QED and it's got 4 fonts rather than 2. However, it does carry a 110 k size rather than the 24 k of QED. Maybe this advice will be useful for you.


[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 10-08-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

Whoa, Mr. Jackal,

So sorry to have stepped on your ego. (But after all, you DID say, "Flame me if you wish.")

I appreciate your efforts to help me out. However, you accuse me of wrong or inadequate assumptions when you did the same. If you really wanted to give me good advice, you would have asked me what my needs were. Upon asking, you would have realized that anything with an 8.2" screen just doesn't fit the bill.

As far as getting pat answers and response to my "superior suggestion," no, I was not looking for that. Were you in yours? I don't have such an ego. As a matter of fact I did publicly post saying that I no longer saw any reason to go with a mouse, thus concurring with your opinion, right? And this was after viewing others' discussion about the topic. Isn't that what this forum is all about?

The very fact that this and any BB exists is to elicit discussion, not bragging rights. I really don't care if you are the Palm God of the Universe (which by the tone of your reply seems to suggest that you think that of yourself) nor do I care if another person has only used a Palm for 3 days. Everyone has a perspective and brings value to a discussion. That's what makes BB's useful and helpful. So no, I didn't stop to "take a single moment to consider that [you] might be a VERY experienced Palm user." Why in the world would anyone do such a thing? I value everyone's opinion.

As far as your suggestion of SmartDoc--thanks! That's useful. I'll check it out. (But just to let you know, QED does support 5 fonts.

So, sorry that you took offense, but no offense was intended. I merely was reacting to what I thought was another CE zealot.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 151

Peace man, no ego here. I've never claimed to being the God of anything. Just like I riled you with the suggestion of a CE device, your accusations sparked my temper.

My philosophy is to keep it simple, which is why I really struggle with folks who try to complicate a very simple device.

All this over a mouse? LOL, man how they can roar sometimes...