Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Baton Rouge, LA USA
Posts: 6

I'm interested in going to a color pda. Does anyone have any complaints on the new prism? I can't decide between the prism and the Palm IIIc. Any answers greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
D

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Midwest
Posts: 232

Just the Paint, Ma'am

The only complaints I've heard about the Prism are that it's painted and the paint can be worn off, and it's expensive.

But if cost is no object, there's nothing quite as pretty as that color Prism screen.

The Prism is also thicker than all the other Visors. This means some cases won't work with it.

A plus, which I wish they'd done with the Platinum, is the included rechargeable L-ion battery. The color screen needed the power, but being able to recharge my platinum while it sat on the cradle would have been nice.

I suggest going to a Staples and looking over all the color PDAs. Palm OS devices (including the Prism) are significantly different than PocketPC devices. Don't let them convince you that PocketPC is a better system. It isn't as quick. It requires more power (meaning shorter battery life). Although it is similar to a Window's PC, it's not the best interface for small scale computing.

Hope that helps a bit.

Dave

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Registered: Oct 1999
Location: I'm not sure, but I see lots of lights everywhere.
Posts: 1287

Re: Just the Paint, Ma'am

quote:

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Originally posted by DBrown
Don't let them convince you that PocketPC is a better system. It isn't as quick. It requires more power (meaning shorter battery life).

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Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Baltimore MD, USA
Posts: 717

When I first got my Prism, I went to the Handspring website and downloaded their color album application.

They had two versions of several pictures, one in Palm IIIc 256 color, and one in Visor Prism 65,000 colors.

The difference was astonishing, and I am well satisfied with my Prism.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Roseville, MN, USA
Posts: 161

I'm tempted to get a Prism, but it still seems way too expensive. Its price puts it in the range of the new PocketPC devices, which have significantly higher resolution screens and more capabilities. However, the PocketPC devices lack the PalmOS and Mac compatibility.

I've got some amazon gift certificates (see the echo thread in buy/sell) that I want to use, but I'm going to try and wait until at least next month to see what the new Palms look like.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Phoenix Arizona
Posts: 74

I've had my Prism for about a week with absolutly no complaints. I also have a Palm V,Palm VII, M100 and about 3 Newtons.

As far as the Palm 3C - don't!
At least not yet - with the future changes in PDA functionality you will want the expandability that a Handspring module provides (memory, backup, etc. and future functionality) as well as the upgraded screen. Other color PDA's also provide plug-in memory functionality - but I can't fully address them.

We'll have to see what the new Palm VC brings as far as additional features and upgradability, and it's a good bet that once the VC comes out prices on the Prism will drop a bit.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Roseville, MN, USA
Posts: 161

I don't want to own a PalmOS device without a backup module again. I'm hoping the new Palm stuff will have some sort of backup capability with their new expansion stuff. I'm also hoping that Handspring will resolve whatever flickering/shimmering problems are plaguing the Prism, or replace it with a newer, better model.

I'm a hopeful guy.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 120

Maybe we should all wait for a reflective vs. transmissive display?

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 62

Now my two cents.

First let's ignore the money issue. None of these is worth the price they charge for them. We are just financing their development of the next generations like any new technology.

Now as for quality and function. Both the Palm and Handspring are EXACTLY the same in software functionality. Except that the new Visors have a faster processor, and a Springboard port which IS a big deal. But even the modules that are sold for this platform are WAY OVERPRICED. I mean come on, $300 for something that plays music like a cassett recorder. REALLY! And $300 for a cell phone attachment. Come on. But this is how R&D and new product development goes, so if we want it, you gotta pay for it, for now.

The Prism color is great. The small area of the screen that you see is the SAME visual quality as a monitor screen. Just use PalmVNC and get it to hook up to your home desktop and see how GREAT it LOOKS. This screen blows the Palm IIIc away, period. Is it worth $450. NO. Is it cool and better? YES.

If you like it get the Prism, IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT. You will look at the Palm IIIc and then always wish that you had gotten the other. And right now, the market is so hot for Palm/Visors that you will easily be able to sell it and upgrade when new models come out and maybe lose $50 or so. It is worth it. Maybe not for what you know right now that it can do, but yes for what you will discover it can do once you get one in your hot hands and start exploring the Visor/Palm world. I have had a Prism for two months now and every day is a new day with this piece. IT IS COOL AND FUN.

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Jeff Schaffer
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