Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Boston
Posts: 4

I have been following these discussions for some time, and could use a little help myself. I will be buying a PDA for the first time and I am still a little stuck. I admit I am waiting to see the new pocket pc units before I make up my mind, but I am leaning towards palm os. I am not particularly motivated by the springboard capabilities. I just cannot see myself spending the money for the modules when and if they all come out. 8 megs is more than enough for my purposes. So, putting the springboard aside, when you line up the Palm IIIxe against the Visor Deluxe, why pick one over the other when they both have 8 meg and sell for the same price. I have read alot about whether the Visor screens are softer, the rate of resets, etc. I have also spent some time with the units side by side in the stores. I just cannot see the big difference, and where I don't anticipate buying modules, I'm not sure which to choose. The expansion potential of the Visor just isn't a selling point for me. Honestly, on a purely aesthetic level, the Visor seems a bit toyish to me. For example, the logo and the dot on the power buttom almost seem hand painted. Your (purely objective) input will be most appreciated. Thanks.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NC, Indiana
Posts: 465

Well--you were mentioning the memory factor. One thing to consider is that the Visor's cradle is USB--not serial. Which is signifigantly faster.

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-Vinny

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NC, Indiana
Posts: 465

Also--this is offtopic because it pertains to the PalmV and not the PalmIII series--but. I think my BDx has less "toy" attributes asthetically than the PalmV. I'd rather carry my conservative Blue Visor than something that is reminiscent of a Captain Proton scanning tool. No offense to PalmV users--this is a personal opionion. The Green dot on the power button. Might you be going a little obsessive? I mean you--well at least I--barely notice it. The Handspring Logo on top. It is somewhat spirited I suppose. (God forbid our PDAs be spirited) But--I can live with that. Besides, I'm glad the Visor stands out somewhat. I hope I haven't veered off topic too much. This wasn't intended as a flame. I hope you have luck finding which is best for you.

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-Vinny

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Besides the USB ability (MUCH faster than serial), the enhanced applications and tweaked OS would make the Visor a better choice. Plus, even though you may not be interested in it now, the Springboard slot will be there if you ever change your mind.

You may also want to check out this comparison chart over at the Handspring site.

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MarkEagle - Ice is nice!

[This message has been edited by MarkEagle (edited 04-15-2000).]

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 105

The only true advantage the IIIxe has over the Visor is the Flash RAM. I own a Palm V and none of the updates to the OS have shown any real improvement. Like others have said, by the time a new version of the OS comes out that makes you want to get it, you'll need new hardware anyways. I upgraded my Palm V to OS 3.5 but it slowed the Palm down so much I uninstalled it.

Really, there isn't THAT much of a difference between the speed of the serial Vs. USB if your just doing HotSynching and installing small files. If you want something like AvantGo and hope to have a lot of channels then the USB is a clear advantage.

As for looks, if your concerned the Visor looks childish why not go for a black one? I personally think this is better looking than the Palm III's shape, which always seemed made of cheap plastic, especially if you look at where the Stylus Silo is. I also find the Visor nicer to hold in my hand, since its not as wide as the Palm III.

Finally, as for Springboards, you may not want any now but that could change. Yes, the Palm III also has accessories, but they're for the most part not as good. If you want to get a modem for you Palm for instance, you have to get the modem that they've been selling since the days the Palm still had Pilot in its name. For most people its speed of 14k is too slow.


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-Matthew Nichols
[email protected]
http://www.extremebleem.cjb.net

Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 10

One thing that intrigues me about the OS 3.5 devices is that OS 3.5 supposedly has enhanced security. That is, in palm devices up to now, if a record was password protected, you might not even know that it existed, unless you enter the password or set protected items to show.
My understanding of OS 3.5 is that the record may show, but it's contents are blanked out. So I'd know that I have a memo even if I didn't enter the password.
This means a lot to me, since the reason that I have a PDA is because I am prone to misplacing things (like lists of what I need to do). However I still prefer the Visor to the 3xe (and am hoping that there will be an OS patch to address the improved security).

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Tonka Bay, MN USA
Posts: 36

The Springboard Backup module is worth it alone when comparing the two. That became evident in the brief period right after the Mac OS 9.0.4 upgrade hotsync problem and not being sure of what to do. Also, there is a lot of peace of mind when traveling and away from your desktop hotsync.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

samabari,

It looks as if you've answered your own question: if you prefer the look of the IIIxe to the Visor and don't see yourself buying any modules, you'll probably wind up buying the Palm.

But for the same price, I don't think it's a good idea. The IIIx seems like a better value to me than the IIIxe. Granted, it only has 2 mb, but it cost less than $150. The Palm III series seems to be nearing the end of the line, so I don't see any much advantage to getting the latest and greatest Palm III model.

Keep in mind that the Springboard is useful even without the modules everyone is waiting for. The backup, flash RAM and modem modules may not be sexy, but they're much quicker and easier to use than their equivalents on the Palms. Don't underestimate the Visor's expandability.