Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NC, Indiana
Posts: 465

Hello-
This is my first post here at VisorCentral.com. I recently became interested in the Handspring Visor. A friend of mine showed it to me, saying "someone finally got together to show 3Com what PDAs should cost". He showed me the website and how much cheaper it was with much more features (this was before Palm lowered price in the PalmIII to compete). I was impressed to say the least. So now I came back to look at it some months later. I'm very impressed with it now, especially now that new springboard modules are (hopefully?) on the horizon. I can really see a good use for this---and besides? How can you turn down such a nifty hi-tech gadget? I'm considering the DLX series, probably a blue or orange one (that's the hardest thing... picking colors :-)). But, I hear about the scratched screen problems and stylus things. I wish there was some kind of "Getting Starting Guide" for new people, like me. Could someone outline what are some "essentials" for when/if I go to the store (assuming they have them in stock--I realize the Visor went retail only on the 27 March). How much should I expect to spend on styli and a screen protector? Am I missing something else maybe? I apologize if my post is redundant, but maybe this can help get something like a Getting Started Guide going so such posts will not be as prevalent in the charts.

Thank You For Your Help
-Vinny
PS - I'm glad to be part of the forum now :P

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Columbia, MO
Posts: 125

Vinny,
Here are my thoughts as the proud owner of a blue Visor Deluxe for a whole 2 weeks now. I think you're smart to go for the Deluxe, you'll be glad you have the extra memory. I like my Blue, but Orange is way cool! Most users hate the stock stylus. I got the 5-pack of deluxe stylii ($15.95), they're really nice. The PDA Panache stylus also gets rave reviews. Lots of users use WriteRights screen protectors. I haven't found them in stores, but you can get them online. Lots of posts mention gear.com as having a good price. I will probably order some of these to to avoid scratches.

Don't worry about redundant posts - remember, nobody had any experience with the Visor a few short months ago!

Have fun!

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Burke, VA
Posts: 17

Vinny,

I agree that the deluxe is the way to go. I've had mine (Blue) for a month now and with my Avantgo pages and other add-on applications have just crossed the 2MB threshold on memory used.

I also heard the horror stories about the stock stylus and as a result never used mine. Instead, I bought a premium HS stylus off of EBay (didn't cost me anything, but that's another story). I also bought a chrome stylus from PDA Panache and have used it exclusively since it arrived. I was given one WriteRight protector and used it for about 2 weeks. Contrary to how everyone else raves about them, I just couldn't get used to them. I personally like the "smooth" feel of the unprotected screen and better contrast you have without the protectors. To each his/her own.

Also recommend getting some type of rechargeable batteries. There are numerous posts about what kind to get...again, everyone has a preference. The bottom line is that with normal use, batteries will only last about 3 weeks.

Other than those things, I don't see any other hardware you'll need to buy. As for software, look at the software link here at VisorCentral and have a ball. There's loads to be had.

Enjoy your Visor (to be)...I really like Blue.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 195

Have you checked out the FAQ section of this site? It's a great place to start. Once you've got your Visor, you can even download the FAQ so you can refer to it whenever you want - until you know it all!

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

WriteRights are available at Best Buy (at least in the Detroit area); they usually last me a few months each. As for the stylus, I have to agree that the stock one is not very good. I don't see any burrs or sharp edges on it, but it still feels "scratchy." I have a few spare Palm cheap plastic styli, and may end up using one of those.

Definitely either get screen protectors of some kind or a good replacement stylus. Or, wait until your screen is scratched up, bust it, and get it replaced by Handspring.
("First busted-screen" repair is free.)