Registered: May 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 87

quote:

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From the Handspring Deluxe FAQ
Q. What about a Flash OS?
A. The Handspring Visor Deluxe supports upgrades to the operating system (OS) via Springboard modules and software patches.

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Regards,
Jim Nurcombe
[email protected]

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Monroe, Michigan, USA
Posts: 244

If you use FireViewer, you can see images (and video!) in 16-level greyscale anyway, so that's not an issue.

The only advantage I would see is that the Platinum has a faster processor. You can overclock a Visor/Visor Deluxe if you need speed, though, as long as you don't overdo it.

Personally, I don't think the cost justifies the benefits of upgrading right now.

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"Yeah, he can talk. It's gettin' him to shut up that's the trick!"
-Shrek

Registered: May 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 87

Yeah, I do use FireViewer to see piccys and video in greyscale, but the most graphics intensive task I do is surfing with PalmScape, and it's beginning to really annoy me that I only see these black & white blobs when the hardware is capable of displaying something better.

__________________
Regards,
Jim Nurcombe
[email protected]

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 57

maybe not upgrade

Nurcombe,

My impression, after reading several Platinum-complaint threads over on VisorVillage, is that there are issues with some Platinum displays, espec. when viewing at 16-grey. Several people over there have complained about screen flicker and streaking and have returned several units only to get a new unit with same problems.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Mineola, NY USA
Posts: 161

Well, no, it's not worth upgrading to the Platinum, but it IS worth upgrading to the Prism. I bought and tried the Plat for a couple of hours,(mostly because I, too wanted 16 bit gray) but difference was simply not worth it. I was totally non-plused. Then when the $200 rebate at CompUSA came along, I sprung for the Prism. I've had a long history with PDAs starting from the old Sharp Wizards 10 years ago. The experience with the Prism is totally different.

Within the first day I decided that even if I didn't get the rebate I would stick with the Prism despite the cost. If you can possibly afford it, do it.

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-Michael-

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: washington, dc
Posts: 82

Prism for $299?
Where?
Is this the prior discussion about the CompUSA "mistaken" rebate coupon, or another source?
would love to get one.

Last edited by srwdc1 on 03-02-2001 at 07:36 PM

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Mineola, NY USA
Posts: 161

Sorry, yes it was the prior CompUSA thread. BTW, as posted there, I just got an e-mail saying that my request for the rebate is valid and being processed. As soon as it is, they said, a check will be in the mail.

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-Michael-

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: washington, dc
Posts: 82

Oh well, will have to wait for a "real" coupon.

I probably agree-- I like my VDX and would not upgrade right now. But my son just bought his first, and bought a Plat. (see other threads).

For a first-time user, I would probably say the extra $50 is worth it. I would want the extra speed to take advantage of springboards, including books etc that I keep on modules.


Steve

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Not so sunny, San Diego, CA
Posts: 51

Hacker upgrade...

After playing with the internals on my VDx, it looks like it ought to be possible to produce an after-market upgrade ot the VDx.. The ROM and CPU are both on the same daughter card.. The easiest possibility should be replacing the ROM with a FlashRom chip.. then install POS 3.5. As for upgrading the cpu.. not nearly conversant enough with potential conflict/wiring/os issues to know where to start on that one, but it seems like it ought to be possible to upgrade the CPU and keep all the rest of the hardware..
Any body brave enough/skilled enough to try something like this out and report on it? I'd be willing to put down $50+ for such an upgraded card, easy.

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"It's hard to find my guiding light with this lantern in the way..." Diogenes

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 200

quote:

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Originally posted by Tom LaPrise

The only advantage I would see is that the Platinum has a faster processor. You can overclock a Visor/Visor Deluxe if you need speed, though, as long as you don't overdo it.

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Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 219

I heard that you may be able to "trick" VDx to display 16-level gray scale by changing OS version number using a software calledPalmName. Open PalmName and change OS version from 3.1H (or 3.1H3) to 3.3, then do a soft reset. I tried this on a Visor Solo, but I can't really tell if it has really changed to 16 level gray scale because there is not enough memory to install anything with 16 level.

Try this at your own risk, and I can't take any responsibility for any adverse effects...

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Taki
<!-- Begin UMSB Link --><A HREF="http://www.ad-visor.net/UMSB/"><IMG SRC="http://www.ad-visor.net/image/UMSB.gif"ALT="UMSB"BORDER=0></a><!-- End UMSB Link -->

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Posts: 151

wow

Needless to say, if anyone actually tries Taki's suggestion and it works, let us know. I may, but I have to decide if I can overcome my fear of obliterating all of my data.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 380

won't work - the APIs don't exist in 3.1 and changing the version number won't put them there

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 216

quote:

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Originally posted by dalamar70


Just curious if anybody knows whether the Platinum drains batteries faster than the Vdx? Is the 33MHz Dragonball basically an overclocked 16/20MHz part, or does it have a different, possibly more efficient, design?

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Not so sunny, San Diego, CA
Posts: 51

don't swap the CPU..

My earlier query wasn't aimed at just replacing the cpu, as just as in PC's, you can't fit an Athlon into a super7 socket.. However, as the CPU is on a daughter card, along with the ROM, would it be possible to replace the daughter card for one with an updated CPU/ROM? Is there any physical difference between the daughter card connecter on the VDx and the Platinum?

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"It's hard to find my guiding light with this lantern in the way..." Diogenes

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 216

Re: don't swap the CPU..

quote:

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Originally posted by WorldCTZen
My earlier query wasn't aimed at just replacing the cpu, as just as in PC's, you can't fit an Athlon into a super7 socket.. However, as the CPU is on a daughter card, along with the ROM, would it be possible to replace the daughter card for one with an updated CPU/ROM? Is there any physical difference between the daughter card connecter on the VDx and the Platinum?

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