Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

I�ve been dating the Visor for about a week now, hanging out mainly at visorcentral.com. I was about to take that giant leap, but then I discovered the How To / Troubleshooting forum. Yikes! Talk about cold feet! I should have never gone there!

It seems as if a lot of Visor users are having trouble with hotsynching � especially the USB and IR people. Being a USBer myself, I�m wondering � has Handspring either acknowledged or solved this problem? I�d rather not partake in the no-synch-soft-reset-hard-reset shuffle.

This will be my first PDA, so if I�m missing something here (like, the people who can�t hotsynch are still using Radio Shack�s TRS-80) please enlighten me and take away my fears!

Thanks.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 39

Ken

Don't fall out of love yet. I have been involved with setting up two visors, one of which required installation of USB. If you have working USB and windows 98 (not 95/NT)you'll be fine. As far as serial synching, I have also set up several palm devices. That can be a challenge, particularly if you have modems. Once you get it going, you probably won't have any problems. Remember, people who aren't having problems (the majority of Visor users) aren't going to post messages to the trouble-shooting boards.

Joe


[This message has been edited by joe (edited 01-20-2000).]

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

Joe � good point. I need to hear more of the praises. (Or maybe I just need to be a little more optimistic).

I purchased the Iomega Zip USB, but was unable to get it working with my laptop. I have NO IDEA why (talked to several CSR�s). So, I�m thinking � do I really want to go through THAT again? Wouldn�t my Win98 be happier with WinCE (dare I even mention that name)?

Again, this will be my first PDA. Is it the norm to have to soft reset / hard reset every other day? I want to simplify my life, not complicate it.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 64

I haven't had a problem with USB on either my home machine or my work machine when they are booted into Win98. However, I'm still waiting for a good driver for Win2k so I can hotsync without having to reboot. Hopefully soon...

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 1883

Ken,
It appears your experience with your zip drive can have two causes:
-the zip drive
-your laptop

In the first case your visor will work without any problems
in the second case switching to a CE device would not help you either....

I would not worry if i were you... that's only bad for your blood pressure and will not halp you in any way...

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Redwood City, CA
Posts: 55

Ken,

I started syncing with a Palm Pilot almost two years ago. Since I have upgraded the software, Installed the software on another PC (I was syncing to my home and work PCs), I bought a Visor and upgraded the software again, I synced with USB at work and then upgraded my software at home and synced with a serial cradle there.

All of this has gone so smoothly that I couldn't believe it. I could not of asked for a better experience. The only problems I have ever had have been fixed with ten minutes or less of tinkering and they were both my fault for not following directions.

Good luck, and don't give up. Just think that for all of the complaints there are serveral more users who are syncing just fine.

Kemp

[This message has been edited by Kemp (edited 01-21-2000).]

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: West Palm, FL
Posts: 53

Ken,
I don't know if this is related to your USB Zip drive problem, but I have read here on VC that some people had trouble USB syncing with their Compaq notebooks. It turned out just loading Windows98 Second Edition corrected this for them.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

Okay � Tequila and Kemp haven�t experienced any problems. Finally a few success stories! Anyone else? Again, there seems to be A LOT of brokenhearted / irate USBers in the Troubleshooting forum. That�s one place to go if you�re looking for high blood pressure!

ToolkiT � are you saying that the USB and IR problems found in Troubleshooting cannot be blamed on the Visor? I�m not trying to be a wet blanket. Really I�m not. The Visor LOOKS bad to the bone. And its *future* potential is very attractive. But � ummmm, have you read the harsh opinions found on CNET? Two words: disgruntled customers.

Doesn�t Handspring promise a heaven on earth via the Visor? I thought I read that somewhere???

QL2 � I�ve got a Toshiba, but I�ll definitely look into the Win98 2nd edition. You might be right. Thanks.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 77

Hey Ken,

Don't fall out of love with the Visor. It's hard to realize, but there are thousands of Visor owners who are completely happy and have never experienced a problem.

I ordered my Visor a few weeks ago and had it three days later. I was expecting a 6 week plus wait, but no problem. I ordered mine with the USB cradle and with the Serial cradle. I've got the serial plugged into my Dell Latitude notebook and the USB plugged into my desktop. The notebook is NT, so no USB for me ;-). I do like the USB for synching... and I can imagine that when I start synching 20+ meg Audible files with my Minijam I will be loving USB!

As far as the Visor goes - it's Hot! I love it. The only thing I don't like is the Stylus they send with it and the way the cover fits. I ordered a PDA Panache stylus and am enjoying it otherwise. I've never been more organized ;-) Between Datebook3, Pocket Quicken, Todo Plus, and Memo Plus, It's got just about everything in it's 8 megs ;-)

Best of luck!

Brian

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 95

I've had no problems syncing by USB, Serial, or IR port on my Toshiba Satellite 4000CDT laptop. Well, that's not entirely true. I should say I haven't had any problems other than not knowing you should only install ONE of the files in the Palm Enhanced IR package, because the others cause unending reboot cycles the next time you reset.

Also currently syncing via Serial, and looking at getting my IR port recognized under Linux as well. (I'll wait for a more finalized version of the Linux Visor-USB driver to be back-ported to the 2.2 kernels.)

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 117

I have had ZERO problems with my BVD.
The USB synch set up on my Home and Office computers with nary a jitch and the unit itself has been flawless. I can't imaging being more pleased with the Visor.

I have a WinCe unit as well. It consumes batteries as though it owns stock in Duracell, the programs are memory hogs and run slowly and the unit weighs a ton compared to the Visor.

I'm seriously considering buying another Visor deluxe as a gift for my wife.

I think the majority of Visor owners have had little if any problems. The Palm Vx has had it's share of problems. A friend had a unit with a defective screen right out of the box. Problems are possible of course, just look at all the refurbished TV's for sale!

I recomend the Visor wholeheartedly!

------------------
Life is to short for boring food



[This message has been edited by SpiceUmUp (edited 01-21-2000).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 1883

ken,

I said: "It appears your experience with your zip drive can have two causes"

I am not saying that there cannot be any problems with USB/IR with a visor. I was merely saying that if your USB does not work propperly that your Visor will not work and vice versa...

Personally I had no problems at all on Win98SE. Now I'm waiting for win2K drivers so I can sync at work too...


Theo:
Which file of the Palm Enhanced IR package should I use. I tried syncing through IR on an old win95 laptop but it claimed I needed the Palm Enhanced IR package. however Handspring sais not to use it (see: http://www.handspring.com/support/ts_soft_handheld.asp )
So I'm interested in which file I should use to get it working...

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

ToolkiT � I just ordered Win98SE. Should arrive in three days. Maybe it will solve my zip USB problem? If it does, I�ll feel a lot more confident ordering the Visor. But I agree 100% with your vice versa comment.

Theo � I also own a Satellite. Wooohooo. Which OS are you using?

Everyone - Thanks for the encouraging words. I�m beginning to see light at the end of the Troubleshooting tunnel. (I should have never gone there to begin with!).

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 239

Ken--

I have a Sager laptop (which I think is a Toshiba clone) running Win98SE, and a graphite VDX. I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever with the desktop software or syncing. Everything went as the 4 page instruction manual said it would. I have both a USB cradle and USB travel cable.

The VDX itself works great. I seem to have misplaced my Cross Digiwriter, so I have been using the default stylus since November with no scratches. I didn't sand the end down, either.

It's perfectly alright for people to talk about problems they have in a Troubleshooting forum, but I just think that there are many more people out there that you will never hear from because they have nothing to complain about.

I sincerely hope that Handspring is getting some positive feedback from some people. At least they got some from me. Granted, I made one order for a Visor, Backup module, 8MB module, USB cable, and custom case, and it was shipped in five different shipments one week apart, but they didn't charge me for shipping or the custom case and they sent a nice, apologetic letter, and they have a GREAT product. I am sorry that some people have had a bad experience with the whole thing, but I haven't.

------------------
Soul Raven - "Sm� hjerne, stor gl�de"
Wherever you go, there you are.
-----
The views and opinions expressed in this message are mine.....all MINE! And you can't have them! HAHAHAHAHA!

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

Ahhhhh, that�s what a need to hear � more USB laptop users who haven�t had any problems with their Visor! Thanks Soul Raven.

So, this is a good, solid company? They�re not going to declare bankruptcy anytime soon? (Remember, I�m new to the PDA world). After getting this close (there�s about a quarter inch space between my thumb and index finger) to buying the Palm IIIx, I heard about the Visor. I just don�t want this to be the Delorian of PDA�s, if you know what I mean (the only place we�ll ever see the Visor is in Back to the Future IV).

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: San Diego, CA 92110
Posts: 10

Well, here is another message suggesting that you not give up on a Visor. I have literally used mine everyday since I recieved it (Nov. 8th to be specific) and have not had a single problem with my BVD. My girlfriend briefly had a syncing problem; she accidently removed the Visor from the cradle while it was syncing. Her BVD wouldn't sync after that. However, all it took was a soft reset and it was working as good as new.

Elbow

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Texan in Calgary for a while
Posts: 1361

Like others have said, don't think that just because there are a lot of messages in the Troubleshooting section that the Visor is a lemon. I used to work at a place that took Gateway support calls. There were always calls, but that is a very small percentage of total GW users that are happy.

Look at the Visor review here and read the comments. Currently 93% recommend the Visor. I personally have had no problems with HotSyncing, and I have done it on 98&NT, USB&serial.

I have also seen in other threads about users that said that the Zip drive's USB drivers are very picky. You may want to do a search on it.

------------------
James Hromadka
VisorCentral.com
Personal Website: http://www.Hromadka.com

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

I would imagine that most of the USB problems are due to incorrectly installed (or entirely absent) USB drivers in the operating system. I've seen many computers come from manufacturers with USB ports and incorrect/incomplete/missing USB setups. My best advice to everyone with USB problems, is track down and install the appropriate drivers (there should be in the System control panel, under device manager a USB universal host controller AND USB route hub when you expand the USB line). And that Win 95 OSR2 or higher (with all the USB drivers/controllers properly installed should operate fine with just about ANY USB devices out there. Don't know how many times I've seen things saying that they're USB device will only work with 98 (assuming you can get 98 to function well that is ) that have worked fine on my 95 OSR 2 with the USB stuff installed properly.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 61

I agree...I don't think most people are having problems.
The trouble is, for some people having problems, they are not getting good support from Handspring. I had my DV for 2 weeks before I started having hotsych problems. I have tried almost everything to get it working, but no luck--including a hard reset.
After a few calls and lots of time spent on hold, HS told me that they would send me a pre-postage paid return box in 2-4 weeks. I would use this box to send back my visor and they would repair it. This could take an additional 2-4 weeks.
So, I have a DV that is 18 days old, that doesn't synch, and I won't have a working one for another 4-8 weeks.

That's poor customer service...but it's not standard. Some people get good support (a new working DV sent to them quickly) while others like me get screwed. I guess customer service depends on who you talk to.

So, I'm just going to send my DV back, and look into buying something else. I REALLY liked it when it worked, but...It's kind of like car insurance. You can find some places that are really cheap, but when you are in an accident, you get very little support from them.

Final word: I'm guessing that 99% of the Visors are working great, but those people with the other 1% that are having trouble, some of us are getting a really opinion of Handspring, even thought it's the customer lack-of-support department doing it. I mean...do I want to try buying another one, have it break, then not be able to get it fixed for 4-8 weeks. That's way too long.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

wilderf - you just popped my Visor bubble! I�d stay away from the Troubleshooting forum if I were you. Then again, it might make for a good support group.