Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 152

Will the new mini-Springboard connector on the Visor Edge cause Springboard developers to devote fewer resources to full-sized Springboard development, and, if so, will Visor owners with "super-sized" Springboard slots be able to use these new peripherals with mini-Sprinboard connectors through an adapter Springboard?

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: NJ,US
Posts: 94

I dont think there will be a HS adapter, since the
edge connector has access to its own serial port, which the
standard SB doesnt.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 714

I worried about this originally too but I think we're going to see continued developer support for the standard Springboard slot because A) all Visors can use it and B) with all these different models out the Edge will never overtake the other Visors in market share.

Look at the Palm V, it required a different connector and there are very few things out there which support only the Palm V. Infact if you look, there are more accessories out for the Palm III series than the Palm V, which forces many Palm V users to buy a convertor which Handspring has intelligently decided to include.

One thing though, if that Tellus module comes out for the Edge before we "fat" Visor users get one I'm gonna be ticked off.

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Matt Nichols
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Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Texan in Calgary for a while
Posts: 1361

The only way module makers would exclusively make "flat" springboards is if the Edge cost <$200. As cool as the VE is, many users won't be able to afford the premium cost.

I personally like the option of having two types of modules. The biggest problem I have with the wireless modules is their size, and I want to have an Omnisky module that fits flush against the Edge like the Palm V version does.

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James Hromadka
Old Friend

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 638

I agree James. Although the VE is a great looking device, until it comes down in price, not many people are going to be buying them.

But think James, it would go great with you're new powerbook .

BEN

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Texan in Calgary for a while
Posts: 1361

quote:

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Originally posted by BEN
But think James, it would go great with you're new powerbook

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James Hromadka
Old Friend

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 638

quote:

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Originally posted by JHromadka


Yeah I can't wait to snap some photos of the two next to each other. I won't get it until Wed (Marcus has it for a few days), it's going to be a struggle deciding whether color (My VPR)or size (the VE) is more important to me for everyday use.

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Registered: Sep 1999
Location: at work...
Posts: 736

quote:

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Originally posted by JHromadka

Originally posted by BEN
But think James, it would go great with you're new powerbook

Yeah I can't wait to snap some photos of the two next to each other.

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Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 89

I don't think that Handspring will totally abandon the SB form factor, but I have a feeling they wouldn't have developed the edge connector unless it added functionality that the SB can't support. That said I don't think we'll see an adapter that lets us use edge modules with our SB slot. It's obvious to me that the SB adapter that comes with the Edge is only their so it can interface with "legacy" modules.

From a marketing standpoint companies that develop modules for the Edge probably expect to be able to make a higher profit margin just because Edge owners can afford to pay more. I'm sure we'll see some modules come out soon that will make us wish we could use them with our current Visors, but we won't be able to.

With all the money I have invested in SB modules I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 384

adaptor

If Handspring can make a sled for the Edge to house big modules, why can't they make a similar adaptor for the other Visors to house Edge-size modules. Therefore, springboard companies need to only make one module form.

Update: The pictures of the connector on the Edge have changed my idea about an adaptor for the other Visors. I thought as first that the connector on the Edge was a smaller version of the regular sized springboard slot, but it's not. Oh well...

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Fat's

Last edited by Fat_Man on 03-14-2001 at 06:18 AM

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Texan in Calgary for a while
Posts: 1361

quote:

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Originally posted by Marfu
I don't think that Handspring will totally abandon the SB form factor, but I have a feeling they wouldn't have developed the edge connector unless it added functionality that the SB can't support. That said I don't think we'll see an adapter that lets us use edge modules with our SB slot. It's obvious to me that the SB adapter that comes with the Edge is only their so it can interface with "legacy" modules.

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James Hromadka
Old Friend

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: NJ,US
Posts: 94

quote:

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Originally posted by JHromadka


There's nothing stopping module makers from making a module that goes against the back of a traditional Visor (in fact one mfr is doing that). I believe the pinouts are the same as the normal springboard slot but haven't read all the technical specs on the VE yet.

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 46

Edge details

Anyone know the difference wiht the edge connector and the SB, other then the size. I mean like how much power they use, do they both support onboard power sources, thinkgs like that? Techincal details

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I swear, she told me she was 16!

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Pittsford,NY,USA
Posts: 223

It's the same as the original, except there are 4 new passthru signals from the cradle pins at the bottom of the Edge.

-Eric

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

quote:

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Originally posted by emeyer
It's the same as the original, except there are 4 new passthru signals from the cradle pins at the bottom of the Edge.

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 4

Wireless Mini-SB

With all the talk of Palm's SD addition to the m50x models - including wireless abilities like Bluetooth - does anybody anticipate a similar product for the Edge? A wireless communication module for the Edge's mini-SB slot?

See http://www.pdatimes.co.kr/svc1/m500/index.html for images of future Palm SD devices.

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