Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 1

Except the price and memory what are the other differences?
Can Palm IIIx take SpringBoard modules as
a Visor?

TIA

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 48

The Palm can't take the Springboards - that's unique to the Visor (and the main reason I bought one). Palm has a lot going for it. I don't know if the IIIx has 8MB of memory or just 4, but it's got flash ROM, which could be a benefit down the road. IMHO, Visor beats Palm III in performance, and the Palm V in price. And I used a Palm III for almost 2 years before getting my Visor.

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What if your sole purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others?

Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 70

FYI - Palm IIIx has 4MB of RAM vs. the Visor Deluxe's 8MB -- another advantage of the Visor

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 434

Having had my Visor for all of a 4 days now, I can assure you that memory is a BIG consideration. I personally wouldn't bother with anything less than 4 Mb, but would STRONGLY recommend 8 Mb (or more). I currently have less than 3 Mb left, and am still installing software.

Indeed, I'd rather have a true 16 Mb machine than a colour one. Handspring, Palm, are you listening?

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 75

The IIIx is upgradable to 8 MB, either through an internal expansion card (http://www.trgnet.com) or else by adding to the IIIx's system board (http://www.interlog.com/~tcharron/Palm8M/upgradeservice.html).

You can buy a IIIx, and if you need the memory, upgrade later.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 434

Well, it can be done, at the expense of the warranty, and 110 bucks. However, the lack of the Visors in retail stores is still a big consideration for most.

Visor: Best deal, if you don't mind iffy mail order.
IIIx: OK deal, but if you want 8 Mb it's probably best to get it right from the start.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 75

Installing the TRG 8 MB expansion board in the IIIx does not violate the warranty. It is officially blessed by 3Com. I got mine for $78 at egghead.com.

The DIY route, does of course void the warranty.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Valparaiso, IN
Posts: 146

This question has been posed from the beginning of time (or at least the beginning of Handspring.) What are the differences between the two? Well, here's my 2 cents, as always:

First off I will say that I have a IIIx with the TRG board, like mportuesi. Here's the pros that I see with the IIIx:

1) Easy to obtain. Tons of online retailers and actual stores actually have IIIx's to buy immediately.

2) Proven product. Palm III series have proven reliable. That's not to say that the Visors have been unreliable.

3) The screen isn't soft or defective. I've heard a TON of complaints about the Visor's screen. However, since I don't own one, I'm not sure if it really is caused by the stylus that comes with the unit, or if the screen's just really soft.

4) Solid construction. The case doesn't creak like some of the Visor's do.

5) Flash ROM. Some people play down the benefits of this feature. However, I can honestly say it is a great feature. I have flashed my OS to 3.3 which I couldn't have done on a Visor. Visor-fans will say, "Yeah, but I already have 3.1h and that's just as good." That's true, but what about when 3.5 comes out (with color support). True, our current units can't benefit, but there will be many apps written especially for this OS that Visors won't be able to use and Flash-upgradable Palms will be. It won't be in color, but it will still work.

Okay, there's my Pros for the IIIx, now the Pros for the Visor:

1) 8mb right out of the box, and for less money (a IIIx can be bought online for about $220, and with the upgrade it rounds out to about $300 for 8mb.)

2) Springboard support. I think this is a great idea, and time will tell to what extent it's used.

3) Color cases. Some people love 'em.

4) USB cradle. Per EUG, I added this feature. This is a lot faster than serial. I wish the cradle for my IIIx was USB. However, not everone has a USB port, and therefore has to pony up the dough for an extra cradle.

I'm sure that I have left quite a few things out, and I admit that readily so try and keep the flames to a minimum. In summary, I have a IIIx that I love. However, if there were a few things changed about the Visor (the soft screen, Flash ROM, and the IR port on the side) I'm sure that I would like the Visor just as much. In the end, buy what you want, I'm sure it will work for you!

[This message has been edited by Hawkeye (edited 01-04-2000).]

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 434

Don't forget USB. That is a definitely plus for those of us with Mac OS 8.6 or higher or Windows 98. I have a serial cradle as well and it is PAINFULLY slow when there's a lot to backup/load or if I'm downloading AvantGo channels. But it is a negative for those who aren't Mac8.6/Win98 endowed - you have to pay extra for the serial port.

Now for those of you who really don't need much space, you can always get the Visor Solo + either serial or USB cradle for $180.

As for the plastic stylus (I actually have two), I see nothing wrong with it - no significant ridges - just a bit too light and no reset pin. In fact I found my colour styli much worse for ridges.

The BIG plus of the IIIx is the established line of accessories and availability in stores.