Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Amherst, OH, USA
Posts: 2

I had a Visor Deluxe when they first came out. It was a nice Palm, but I got impatient waiting for the springboard modules. I then bought a Palm IIIc which I love. People argue about whether color is necessary, but for my aging eyes, it IS necessary. I just can't read a monochrome display in low light. So, I want a color Visor, for readability purposes (plus color just adds so much to the usability of the Palm OS IMHO). I also want springboards that are available now, and do not cost more than the visor itself. How long will I have to wait? Handspring had a great innovation with the Springboard, but it's just not flying yet. Any ideas when Handspring will finally deliver a color device & when the othe companies will finally deliver the springboards????

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Tonka Bay, MN USA
Posts: 36

I want color too. I also want higher resolution equal to the PocketPCs. On both, Jeff Hawkins' speech at Expo 2000 was not positive or inspiring. I came away with the feeling the guy is too close to his original creation and has tunnel vision.

Color I know is doable. But does Handspring have any say or power to create higher resolution in the Palm OS or do they have to ride the coat tails of whatever Palm decides to do?

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 434

The Palm OS belongs to Palm, not Handspring. I'm sure that the needs of licensees are considered at Palm; but, in the end, it is the needs of Palm (not Handspring) and the vision of Alan Kessler and William Maggs (not Jeff Hawkins) that will set the limits on what is possible with this platform. However, it is true that Palm's design philosophy not so far removed from the Hawkins view. The following is Palm's stated design philosophy:

quote:

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A handheld computer is not a laptop or desktop computer, the focus is on managing and accessing information rather than creating and editing documents. This unique user experience requires a unique set of guiding principles - be simple, wearable and connected. An unwavering commitment to these principles makes Palm� products ideal for customers and developers alike.

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Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

I believe Handspring can make certain "enhancements" to the OS (as they did for USB support) and even add "enhanced" applications (Datebook+). As to how far they can go, I guess the licensing agreement with Palm probably spells it out (I have not yet read this document).

As for better display quality, be it mono or color, that is not just an OS issue, but a hardware one as well. Personally, I think we will see much better display quality in PalmOS handhelds eventually. If something comes along that benefits the entire "Palm Economy", it will be implemented. But, as yucca points out, a handheld is NOT a desktop or laptop. The Palm "philosophy" and Hawkins "vision" (Keep It Simple) are still what seperates a PalmOS device from the rest.

Whatever computational power a PalmOS handheld may possess, it was designed to be a PIM. That, to me, is still its strength. Of course, I want it to do more... and someday it will, but for now, it's a PIM.

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MarkEagle - Ice is nice!

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

Technically, it's possible to have color and high resolution like the Pocket PCs. The trouble is, it would most likely cost the same as Pocket PCs and sell as well (i.e. not at all).

Hawkins has always done less than people wanted. When he first pitched the idea for the PalmPilot, potential investors kept telling him to add PCMCIA slots, shape recognition, natural handwriting recognition, and every other technology found in failed PDAs. As Hawkins is fond of saying, "someone has to be the bad guy and say no." So far he's the only engineer to make a PDA that's been a mass market success, so it looks as though he has superior judgement.

If you want color and high resolution, get a Pocket PC, but don't sit around waiting for Handspring to abandon the Dragonball processor anytime soon. Palm didn't release a color product until a year after Hawkins left, so clearly it's not a priority for him.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 43

I don't think it is a priority either. But I think a better model with a color screen will grow the acceptability of these devices and thus grow the market for PDAs. Color (or at least black on white) is necessary for E books to really take off. The current Visor screen is just to tough on my eyes for heavy usage.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 434

Color (or B/W) is necessary for Ebooks
Excuse me? Other than text books (and their ilk), where is this great need for color?!? And I'm assuming the color capability that you think necessary is for illustrations and pictures . . .

"The current Visor screen is just to [sic] tough on my eyes for heavy usage"
I accept that it hasn't worked for you. I wouldn't bother remarking on this last point; but I've met far too many folks who, having never tried an ebook on a Palm device, believe that you really need a PPC or a dedicated ebook reader because of remarks like yours. There are many of us who do alot of reading on these devices, and we find the going quite comfortable! BTW, I'm not blessed with good vision by any means!

[This message has been edited by yucca (edited 07-23-2000).]

Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 43

No, not for pictures or illustrations...simply to make it easier on the eyes. I'm not referring to "See Spot Run" books. You (and others) may enjoy reading gray on gray books...but there is a huge reason why books are not published in gray on gray. Walk into a book store lately? The high contrast of color (or Black on White) puts far less strain on the eyes. And if you're wondering, No, I don't wear glasses or have problems with my vision.

Your wrote..."I accept that it hasn't worked for you. I wouldn't bother remarking on this last point; but I've met far too many folks who, having never tried an ebook on a Palm device, believe that you really need a PPC or a dedicated ebook reader because of remarks like yours."

To that I respond, HAVING TRIED reading an ebook, I have come to the conclusion that a higher degree on contrast IS necessary for me.

"There are many of us who do alot of reading on these devices, and we find the going quite comfortable!" - Then stick to your gray on gray when color comes out!

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Amherst, OH, USA
Posts: 2

OK, I just found this tidbit of information:

"The company (Handspring) also admitted it is preparing a higher-end PDA, even as Palm is readying a low-end device aimed at the market Handspring has taken as its own."

Could this "higher-end" PDA be the color display I'm looking for? Anyone else hear anything about this?

Again, I posted this topic only because I cannot read a monochrome display very well without reading glasses, but I can read the color display of the IIIc just fine. But I like the expandability of the Visor (albeit so few springboards are yet available!). Any more comments?

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

Again, I don't think Handspring's coming out with a color PDA as its second-generation product, but maybe for its third generation. Hawkins pointed out at his PC Expo keynote that the next killer app is "better voice calling." Whether he's right or not, the bottom line is that he didn't seem too excited about adding color anytime soon. I caught him wincing a little before answering someone's question about a future color model, which was more of an answer than his verbal reply. Remember, he's not only an engineer but a businessman, and historically , color PDAs haven't sold well despite the presumed demand for them. The Palm IIIc is Palm's second poorest-selling unit, just above the Palm VII.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 638

quote:

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Originally posted by jps100:
OK, I just found this tidbit of information:

"The company (Handspring) also admitted it is preparing a higher-end PDA, even as Palm is readying a low-end device aimed at the market Handspring has taken as its own."

Could this "higher-end" PDA be the color display I'm looking for? Anyone else hear anything about this?

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