Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 18

Re: Cool Springboard Designs

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Originally posted by bwohlgemuth
1. Built-In Wireless Connectivity:
I know the Bluetooth boards are coming out, but dammit, this should be something that's being developed as a BUILT IN feature of the newer units. Hell, with the promise (and it's still just the promise) of what Bluetooth could do, there is absolutely NO reason why this should not be a built in standard feature (even if it would jack the price up $20 per unit).

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Registered: Oct 1999
Location: New York City
Posts: 29

Convenience is the Point

I currently have three Springboard modules: the Backup module, the Eyemodule, and the SoundsGood. The Backup module provides extremely convenient backup, I use the Eyemodule to take snapshots of my family to keep my Visor, and to occasionally e-mail to friends, and I use the SoundsGood MP3 module to listen to music every day on my walk to and from work. Sure, I could have spent the same amount of money and gotten comparable stand-alone devices, but I would then have been saddled with all the associated paraphernalia, connections, etc. With Springboard modules, everything is taken care of by your existing Visor and cradle, and to repeat the obvious, the modules are truly plug-and-play. I should also mention that I am a very heavy Visor with dozens of applications on my Visor which are not available on other OS platforms.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location: New York City
Posts: 76

This is an interesting discussion, and I thought I'd jump into the fray. I'm a total newbie, so forgive me if I'm out in left field.

How to you think the Springboard model compares with the TRGPro model? The TRGPro provides a standard PalmIII with an additional "industry standard" Conpact Flash slot. I've read some Palm users say they prefer the standard CF to the proprietary Springboard, since there would presumably be many more companies supporting it. However, as near as I can tell, CF modules consist largely of memory expansion (albeit larger and meg for meg cheaper), certainly nothing as sexy as a GPS etc.

I'm currently a happy PalmIIIx user (IIRC I bought it long before the Visor was available, so don't hold that against me). Almost the only reason I'm considering moving over to a Visor is the backup and memory modules; there is AFAIK no really elegant mobile backup memory options for the Palm, and I've had one too many hard resets when I had no access to my desktop. To me, any other Springboard modules that come along are just icing on the cake. I'm beginning to realize that I'll never be able to afford any of the really sexy ones anyway, and probably don't need them; I don't have a cell phone.

What if you think of it this way? The Visor Deluxe has almost the same features as a PalmIIIxe, and it's almost the same price. But for that price, you get a Springboard slot thrown in for free, however imperfect Springboards are.

Well, for what it's worth, these are the thoughts of a potential Visor (Deluxe, Platinum, Prism?, but that I'm sure is a whole 'nother topic) owner. Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Registered: Jun 2000
Location:
Posts: 26

I wouldn't worry too much about the Springboards. I am sure they are on the way - it just takes a while to get up to speed.

I'm almost finished with one that I've been working on and it hasn't been easy. The documentation from Handspring has been a bit of a bear to wade through - the tough one for me was getting software into module ROM. Programming for the Palm OS is also a bit of a bear to come up to speed with. But I'm getting there.

I think there will be a lot of specialty products for the Visor just because it is such a neat platform. It is pretty damn convenient to already have a complete computer - and a pretty potent one - ready to go to plug a custom module into. Makes life easy to build all sorts of things and eliminates having to design the computer/display section. All you have to do is program for it.

Late - sure. This has taken me longer than I anticipated. On the other hand, I already have demo units out and demo software. Finished? Nope. But it's climbing that hill the first time that takes the longest.

As to the commments about the modules for under $100 - those would be mass-market (of which my product is not). I would bet you see a lot of specialty products hit the market in the $200-$1k range.

But there will be modules. Maybe not so many MP3-level. But there will most definitely be modules. The Springboard is a great platform for a number of applications. I just hope the competition is slow to realize it.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 23

Springboard over-hyped, but not total waste

Why are people surprised that Springboard hasn't taken off? It was over-hyped when Handspring first announced it. It's yet another proprietary expansion slot in an already crowded field and the price of most modules is way too high.

What Handspring should've done is made Springboard the same size as CF, but with a plug-and-play spec and still with an open back. Larger modules could still be created (as they are now), icons could still appear when a "Handspring-plug-and-play" module is inserted, future device formfactors wouldn't be constrained by the size of the slot (which currently prevent the Visor from getting thinner), and standard CF memory cards could be used (In addition, Handspring could've created software to install to CF cards to provide the instant icon plug and play functionality).

Of course, a Springboard-CF adapter module would address some of the above issues (these folks are working on one: http://kopsisengineering.netfirms.com/flashadapter.html)

However, Handspring didn't totally screw up Springboard. The TRUE plug and play aspect is AWESOME. And, the back-up module and flash module are actually very useful. Though $25 and $55 is a bit pricey for 8MB cards, it's not THAT bad, considering the plug-and-play software the modules come with (those prices are from staples.com with coupons).

In addition, Springboard in its existing form doesn't hurt the Visor either. Visors have qualities both good and bad unrelated to Springboards that need to be considered: USB, inexpensive price (not counting Prism), smaller than PalmIIIx/TRGPro/most CE devices, enhanced software, annoying removable cover, larger than PalmV/M100/Clie, and lack of OS updates (though not a lack of updatability... Handspring ought to be able to release software patches).

So, even though most Springboard modules are overpriced, it's worthwhile for some people to get a Visor just for the easy backups. That alone makes Springboard pretty damn cool, and calling them a total failure is an exaggeration.

But don't kid yourselves... unless prices drop, Springboard modules will never get more popular.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 391

I don't know why people think the Springboard module "hasn't totally taken off". The only category of Springboard I can imagine wanting that isn't available one way or another is wired ethernet. And that's on the way.

And Springboards don't cost that much more than equivalent CF modules, WHEN THOSE EXIST, despite their being brand new "boutique" devices. I just bought a CF serial card and it was only $10.00 less than the Serial/Diagnostic module... and that came with built-in software.

If you want a CDPD modem for a PPC, for example, you need to get the sled for the Jornada. If you have an iPaq you need to fork out $150 off the top to get a heavy PCMCIA card adaptor before you even look at wireless devices.

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Registered: Jun 2000
Location:
Posts: 594

A lot of good points in these last few points.
I guess we all have to remember it's just not a perfect world, and to see the plusses where they are, and the minuses where they are.
I just have the E.M., for ex. -- but it was (and still is) the very cheapest kind of palm- or hand-held-camera attachment you can find. (My #1 reason for choosing HS above all others, though I had plenty of other reasons, too.) Also smallest, most compact / solid, and most unobtrusive.

Still wish InnoGear's "SixPack" was not a VaporSB, as it is currently, though. (I'd bet this is most people's #1 "problem" w/the SB concept &/or "how it's fallen short of the mark," too. Oh, well, maybe SoundsGood will release one in their typically classy style -- w/out a pre-announcement, just "out-of-nowhere." I can dream, can't I?)