Registered: Jul 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 4

Hi: Have been wavering about buying a visor so have been reading this board for info, advice. Primary use would be organization of contacts and calender ( I use chronos consultant or Personal organizer as it is now called on my computer) and note taking.

question is using it to take note -- was reading about the new palms coming and the handwriting recognition. have not used a visor or palm so dont know if this will make a difference. is grafitti (?) quick and intuitive to write down notes. also, I use a mac so appreciate the usb serial cable with the visor vs needing a converter with a palm.

and finally, I think at times that i really don't need a visor, but keep reading how so many say that it become an integral part of their life. can anyone else attest to this-or had this feeling before buying it.

or maybe here's another way of asking this: how did you know you needed a PDA-a visor. thanks . Eric

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Beverly, MA
Posts: 125

For me, graffiti was pretty easy to learn. It's also fairly quick to write in once you learn it. The only problem is that if you do a lot of graffiti writing, when you go to hand-write something, you may get a bit messed up, since graffiti letters are formed differently from normal handwriting.

Regarding the other question, about 'really needing' a visor and having it become an 'integral part' of your life, etc. My thoughts on this are that there are plenty of pen-and-paper based equivalents to the things that a visor can do. However, this requires you to carry around several sets of paper, and can become unwieldly. A Visor integrates all of your scraps of paper and madness into one small bundle. It also lets you do things you never could have done with pen and paper alone, such as search for a name through the whole Visor database, take webpages with you, etc. Perhaps if some of us noted the things we commonly use our Visors for, that would be helpful to you.

1) At work, If I need to take notes when I'm talking on the phone, or when I'm in a meeting, or whenever I write them down in the memo pad. I can categorize the notes and see all the notes in a certain category.

2) I keep all my business/personal contacts on it - phone numbers, pager numbers, cell numbers, addresses, email, etc. I have the contacts categorized, so I can get custom lists when I'm looking for something specific (work, family, friends, church, yellowpages).

3) I keep my schedule on it. I really like the weekly view where you can see all 7 days laid side by side, with time-bars for the appointments.

4) I use AvantGo and vindigo to get local information. I have the Yahoo AvantGo channel, so if I'm out with some friends and we want to see a movie, I can check the theaters in the area, see movie listings and showtimes. I use this a lot, since I watch a lot of movies. I also use vindigo to look for places to eat while I'm in the city. This would probably only be useful if you live in or near a big city, as I live in metro Boston.

5) I use it for travel. If someone emails me with directions to some location, I copy and paste them into a memo on my PC, then sync it to the visor. Or, I can go on MapBlast or MapQuest, generate directions from them, and then sync it to AvantGo and look at it there, complete with a graphical map!

There are more things, but this should give you an idea. I never thought about using a Visor for this stuff before I got it. Initially, it was just a cool toy that I wanted, so I got it. I have had to consciously make myself *not* use paper in certain situations where I'm used to using it. Once you start doing that, it becomes indispensible and greatly helps with organization.

I also use a Mac (well, technically I use Linux on a PowerMac machine, but it's still got Mac hardware), and the USB Cradle works well (under MacOS that is. under linux it's still a work in progress).

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 434

If you want to integrate your Visor with your desktop software, make sure there is a Visor aware "conduit" for your desktop software. A conduit is software that synchronizes the contents of a desktop application with one or more databases on a Visor.

If there isn't a conduit, all is not lost. Most contact management desktop applications support exports in CSV (comma separated value) text files. The Palm Desktop software that ships with the Visor will import CSV files. This is not a good way to bounce information between your Visor and your desktop, but it is fine for occasional updates.

Other options:<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>switch to a web-based PIM that syncs with the Visor
<LI>switch to desktop software that syncs with the Visor
<LI>choose either the desktop or the Visor as your master database; and periodically export from the master database, and import into the other database (see above)
<LI>don't attempt to sync the calendar and/or address book - just manually make updates in each - there is nothing wrong with this if you don't have make many changes</UL>

Do you really need a Visor? Make a list of useful applications, and do a cost benefit analysis. To help you with your list of useful applications:<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Read more of the "my favorite application" threads here on VC (use the search feature).
<LI>Browse PalmGear ( http://www.palmgear.com/ ), be sure to study the "Top 50 Downloads", "The Essentials" and "Gear's Choice" sections.
<LI>Read one of the Palm OS device books. There are many out there, but I can recommend http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/palmpilot2/ (note that this does not cover the Visor, but almost all of the info is applicable).</UL>

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 4

thanks for the in depth replies:

been reading a lot of the postings here which have been informative: yes, there's lot you can do with this tool. and my PIM does sync with the palm os.

does avantgo work with apple? read here it does not- couldn't find any info on their website.

your comment linnuxppcguy about using it for things you never thought of is helpful, as that's the sign I believe of a well thought out piece of equipment. I use my laptop for more than I ever imagined. .. thanks again. Eric


[This message has been edited by EricDD (edited 07-25-2000).]

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Beverly, MA
Posts: 125

does avantgo work with apple? read here it does not- couldn't find any info on their website.

Hmm... not sure about this. I've never actually tried it under MacOS. Take a look at this page though. It is the requirements page for the AvantGo software. It lists MacOS 8.5 as one of the supported operating systems.

https://avantgo.com/setup/requirements.html

If you go to the actual AvantGo download page, it says that:

A Windows version is also available as a download-only option of this setup process.

This is incorrect and should say MacOS instead of Windows. The link on "Windows" actually lets you download the MacOS connect client. The link for that is below:

https://avantgo.com/downloads/AvantGo_Connect_Installer.hqx

Hope this is helpful for you in your quest for a Visor.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NYC
Posts: 287

The first time I used an electronic organizer was back in my first year of college, about 4 years ago. I started out with a Sharp Organizer of 125K Memory. I was pretty excited about it because finally I've found something where I could write down all my phone book and my calendar. I also liked the fact that it looked like a small Laptop. However, things changed and I decided to get more power and bought a Sharp Wizard of 500K Memory. I got more excited this time because I could make backups of my organizer to my PC. It had something called "PClink," which allowed me to synchronize files. Really neat and also it had more features, bigger screen, better resolution, better phone book, calendar and memo Pad, etc. I found what I was looking for and thought I was going to use it forever.

However, because of destiny my girlfriend got mad at me a throw away my Wizard 10 feet away. When I turned on, I've lost half of the screen in visibility. Even though it was almost dead, I could sync a back up of the whole memory.
Later on, because of destiny too, somebody stole my book bag from my car. And guess what? my Wizard was in there.

I spent almost 2 years without an organizer. I missed many appointments or was always late, my wallet got fatter because of all the phone numbers and cards I had, I had the need to always carry a notebook, in other words I became the most unorganized person in the world.

Later on, I realized that I must get another Wizard, but this time I wanted something better. I found a Sharp PDA that had a system called "PocketMail." I thought that was what I wanted because I could also get e-mail anywhere I go. I just needed to dial an 800 number from any payphone and voila�! You could even get your AOL mail, plus an Organizer. The price was $100, not bad.

Doubts came to me when Palm publicity became stronger. I was always wondering, "What is that thing called "Palm Pilot," Why is it so popular and why so many people are buying it? What is that thing of writing on a screen instead of typing it in? Therefore, I went to J&R in NYC to see what a Palm Pilot was and why people are buying it? I found myself among many people trying to get their hand on one of those PDAs. I also saw many people buying GoType keyboards. Then I asked for the price of a nice looking Palm V. The answer was $450. I said to my self, "What?" Then I asked if I could get e-mail on this device and they told me that I would have to buy a modem for $200. I said, "Ok thanks" and made my way out of the store saying to myself, "This is almost the price of a cheap Laptop." Therefore, I decided to buy the $100 Sharp PocketMail on my next week visit to J&R.

When I got home, I found on the mail a PC Magazine and went to my bathroom to read it. Guess what I found, "HANDSPRING, Visor Deluxe" starting at $145. I could not believe it, so I check on their website and there it was looking at me saying, "This is what you've been looking for all this days."

And that was how I became addicted to my Visor Deluxe. There is not a single day in my life without it. I think a day without it would be like a day without my brain.

Thanks Handspring for making my life much better.

Al

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Stowaway is the Visor way to go..!

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Greenwood, IN
Posts: 125

Just to add to the remarks about PDA's...

When I graduated with my M.S. degree, my sister bought me a Franklin Planner start-up kit as a present. As I entered into working on my Ph.D. the Franklin Planner became more and more useful to me until I got to the point eventually where I felt like I would simply blip out of existence if it ever got lost. I put *everything* -- literally every piece of information I came across, useful or otherwise -- into it. I have a pitiful memory and no inherent sense of organization, so I think it's safe to say I'd never have made it through grad school and through the job market circus without it.

My planner became equally helpful as I began my first professorship, with four classes a semester to manage plus research, committees, etc. But the thing is that my planner was just too bulky to carry around. I had to traverse campus with a calculus book and usually 1-2 other textbooks, markers, and all kinds of supplies, and my Franklin Planner binder was just too chunky to fit comfortably with the rest of that stuff. (Even though it was the "compact" size.)

So to make things more convenient, I shopped around and finally bought a Palm IIIx, mainly because Franklin-Covey was bundling in the Franklin PLanner software for free if you bought the IIIx. It has been revolutionary. Not only do I now have all the stuff that was in my planner on my Palm, I also have AvantGo and an RSV Bible (handy, since I work at a Christian college) and MS Money and games and other things besides, and it fits in my shirt pocket. It became especially handy as my wife and I were planning our wedding, which was earlier this month. Can't find the photographer's phone number? No problem -- just do a search. During this time I taught myself basically to carry my Palm around with me all the time, like a wallet. The Palm is to personal info what my wallet is to money and identification -- it's all there and I keep it nearby all the time.

Back when I was shopping, I considered a Visor, but those were the early days and the shipping nightmares some people were experiencing scared me off. Now I've decided to go with a Visor in the next month or so, because I realized that among the things I already have, I'd like to have wireless email (for avoiding long lines at the computers when I am at conferences) and a LOT more memory for the stuff I need. I'd like to get Quicksheet so that I can sync my students' grades with their gradesheets I have on Excel. If I were getting started now, I'd go straight for the Visor deluxe.

Hope that helps.

-bertbert

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Cary, NC USA
Posts: 14

I don't think taking notes on the Palm platform is practical if you have a keyboard unit like stowaway you could easily take text notes acurately, but because as you know a lot of note taking involves drawing pictures and graphs etc., you will be hopelessly frustrated.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 16

Eric,

If you plan to synchronize with Chronos' Consultant (now known as Personal Organizer), I suggest subscribing to the Consultant mailing list. I don't have the sign-up info. handy but it should be on Chronos' web site.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 4

thanks again for the responses-

notetaking-I envsion using it more to write notes for projects I'm working on-to outline writing projects so no drawings involved. I use a program for the mac called Ideakeeper which fwiw is excellent-need to see if that may work with the visor--it's similar I believe to brainforest.

i do subscribe to the chronoslist-seems there are syncing problems but.....

trying to decide b/w 2 or 8 mg visor-leaning towards 8 as you state also
bertbert.

thanks again.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: birmingham, al
Posts: 41

[QUOTE]Originally posted by EricDD:
I use a program for the mac called Ideakeeper which fwiw is excellent-need to see if that may work with the visor--it's similar I believe to brainforest.


BrainForest is really cool.....I'm in the film/video production biz and I use it everyday to step-plan out projects and publish project 'plans' to other folks at our shop with Vs.

Definately go with the 8meg V!!!!!!!! The Visor is going to be so flexible when the really good modules come out......if you buy something else you'll regret it by 3rd quarter 2001 when you can turn your Visor into a cell phone!

Later



------------------
Did we blow up yet?


...long hair, gun slinging, spurs hittin the floor...

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Greenwood, IN
Posts: 125

Regarding memory, I will echo the previous post and say DEFINITELY spring for 8 MB of memory rather than 2 MB. It is sort of amazing how quickly 2 MB of memory can get taken up on just routine sorts of programs. I currently have the RSV Bible on mine, which takes up about 1.2 MB, but even without that I am over 2 MB on simple "Essential" stuff like MemoPlus and Quicksheet. (Got the demo of Quicksheet the other day, and it is awesome!)

I would say that even if you are planning on using the PDA only as an address book and calendar, go for it anyway. An extra $100 for 6 more MB of memory is a bargain, and it allows you a lot more latitude in using the device. It is so frustrating to see a really useful program for the PDA and then having to figure out which other useful program you are going to delete to make room for it.

-bertbert

PS: This is what always boggled my mind about the Palm VII... only 2 MB of memory on a device that is intended for access to content-heavy stuff like email and web clips?? I think the Visor with a wireless modem is about the same price and way more roomy.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: El Segundo,CA
Posts: 374

I downloaded a program called TextPlus from smartcell.com that pops up words and phrases as you are writing, for you to choose from, to be entered as text. It cuts down on writing and acts as a spellchecker.