Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 100

Anyone wanna toss in a wild guess as to what Handspring might offer in new models? If Handspring follows the same pattern we won't see a new model until later this fall, but it's possible they'll announce it in late summer.

[By the way if you haven't gone to read the thread called "A Prism for $299? If you're lucky... " in the General Visor: Prism & Platinum discussion area, you're in for a really great discussion... if you think there isn't a huge interest in the "newest-fangled model" ... a huge number of folks came out of the woodwork to buy Prisms when it appeared they could be had for as little as $299 because of a CompUSA snafu last week...]

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Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Greenwood, IN
Posts: 125

I think a few givens are the following:
- Whatever the latest Palm OS is
- Whatever the latest processor is
- As much RAM as you could possibly cram into it (16MB?)

I also think built-in wireless connectivity is a must -- make the newest Visor something along the lines of the RIM Blackberry where the mechanics/electronics for wireless connections are not that obtrusive (and you wouldn't need a module to do it). Wireless is still basically an emerging technology, but it is emerging rather quickly, and I can't imagine Handspring not getting on board with the idea.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Handspring start offering bundled software packages as well. Handspring has built up some strong business relationships with some of these companies since releasing the Visor. I could see a "Palm Office" package, for instance, where you get the VDx plus the QuickOffice software for free or for a discount. (I know that I bought my first PDA, a Palm IIIx, because Franklin-Covey was selling them with the Franklin Planner software thrown in for free (normally costs $100) and pre-loaded.)

I'd also like to see the color screen incorporated into the next Visor but not if it is going to raise the price from <$300 to nearly $500. At that point, I'd start thinking either a Pocket PC or a laptop. Along those lines, it seems that a better processor plus a color screen would imply the incorporation of multimedia in a central way (built-in speaker(s) in addition to built-in microphone, perhaps? or at least a headphone jack?).

As a side issue, I've also been wondering if Handspring might start working on *larger* computing devices that use the Palm OS -- something larger than a Visor (maybe in the 5" by 8" screen size range) but has greater capabilities. You obviously couldn't stick something like that in your pocket but it is still pretty portable.

I still like my VDx fine, though.

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BertBert
Mark 12:28-31

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

quote:

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Originally posted by BertBert
I also think built-in wireless connectivity is a must ... Wireless is still basically an emerging technology, but it is emerging rather quickly,

As a side issue, I've also been wondering if Handspring might start working on *larger* computing devices that use the Palm OS -- something larger than a Visor (maybe in the 5" by 8" screen size range) but has greater capabilities. You obviously couldn't stick something like that in your pocket but it is still pretty portable.

---

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Jeff

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Greenwood, IN
Posts: 125

quote:

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Originally posted by PDAENVY
What I'd like is a color Handspring that is thinner than a VDX, not thicker.

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BertBert
Mark 12:28-31

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

quote:

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Originally posted by BertBert

quote:

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Originally posted by PDAENVY
What I'd like is a color Handspring that is thinner than a VDX, not thicker.

---

There were some discussions in the past about making the Visor thinner. It seemed that the concensus was that this wasn't possible because of the form-factor of most Springboards. I guess you could make a Visor without Springboard capabilities and pull it off.

And I totally agree with you about OS upgradeability. I think that's the single biggest drawback of a Visor right now (I almost didn't get a Visor at all because of this). Is the non-upgradeability thing because there is a hardware or software constraint, or is it more of a legal issue about licensing the OS?

---

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Jeff

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Midwest
Posts: 232

I like the potential of wireless. I just think that with so many standards out there the version of wireless you get should be up to you. I have a home ethernet network. We have ethernet at work. A wired network port would be simplest to use.

It would be fairly easy to install an 802.11b hub either place. So I'd prefer an 802.11b wireless feature.

Then Bluetooth will kick in gear, and we'll discover something about it that makes it a "must have" wireless technology for any PDA owner.

Of course I'll change jobs, and do more traveling, and wish I had cellular or satellite wireless internet access no matter where in the world I was.

I guess what we need is a product that can swap technologies in and out. Oh wait, I've got a Platinum Visor! I can already DO THAT!

Bring on the wireless modules. We don't need a new visor to handle that.

As for thinner...it would be nice, but it's not worth losing the springboard slot to acheive. If I'd wanted thinner and no springboard I'd have bought a palm.

I want to be able to recharge my Visor while it sits on the cradle. I want color in a Platinum form factor. I want a microphone that works with the built in voice recognition technology. I want my visor to say "Good morning, Dave" when I turn it on in the morning. I want a volume control wheel on the side, right near the earphone jack. I want to be able to stream TV, VHS, DVD and DSS video to my visor over my home 802.11 network. I want the case to be made out of a special rubber that bounces when it is dropped, and always protects the screen from breakage. I want holographic RAM, and 100gig of it.

But I'll wait. I love my Platinum as it is, too.

Dave

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Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Streamwood, IL USA
Posts: 118

Quote:

I want my visor to say "Good morning, Dave" when I turn it on in the morning.


I'd be afraid it would say: "I'm sorry, I can't do that, Dave."


I love the springboard idea and ideal. We need some price drops though. Especially in memory and storage. True Multimedia is a MUST. MP3 players and video are the next killer apps for palmOS. The integrated wireless sounded like a great idea at first, but the points made above were VERY compelling and I like the idea of the swapable module better. I have a Prism and so now Color is an absolute must. I cannot revert.

As far as revolutionary changes here is excatly what we need: Killer Springboard modules that fit flush all around. (Emphasis on the period!) The innogear MP3, the Geode, and all the wireless priducts are VERY cool, but they need to fit flush so we can leave them in all the time and use those wacky new inventions, what are they called again, oh yeah! CASES!

Registered: Jun 2000
Location:
Posts: 594

I was struck the other day (it was a bird turd, but never mind about that) when reading that recent JH article (U.S. News?) that HE HAD A BIG HAND (er-Palm!) in creating the Palm V.
And I was noticing my VDX is kinda surrounded by a rather thick plastic.
True, nada revolutionary here, but if one of the next models could shave off a mm or 2 all around the unit w/anodized aluminum, it might be both very cool & surprisingly slim the thing.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Oxford, OH
Posts: 60

If you are interested in the form factors... and into industrial design in anyway. The same company which did the I.D. on the Palm V also did the I.D. on all the visors, to the best of my knowledge. Take a look at their site, it is pretty interesting.

-Russ

http://www.ideo.com/ideo.htm
Palm V: http://www.ideo.com/studies/palm5.htm
Visor: http://www.ideo.com/studies/handspring.htm

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 100

Hmmmmm.... definitely some good ideas!

Wireless may not be the panaceae for everybody, but like the Palm VII and its niche market, it certainly is an intriguing prospect. Imagine having the ability to go wireless, AND still be able to listen to your MP3s in your Springboard module!

If we're going wireless, I'd say use the same form as the bulkier Prism, but use a grayscale screen.

A thinner model might be nice, but the Springboard modules must be able to fit. It's what makes a Visor a Visor. Perhaps have a bit of a curve so that the module slot area is a little thicker to accommodate modules, but the rest be a bit thinner?

In recognition of Apple's new PowerBook, how about a titanium Visor? A lot of people like the silver Platinum but bemoan the fact that it's silver PAINT that chips.

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<B>Traveliter</B>/ Lani Teshima. 2000: Blue Vdx. 2001: Vpl. Travel writer, <A href="http://www.mouseplanet.com/lani/">MousePlanet.com</A>
Publisher/Editor:
- <B><A href="http://www.pilotlite.org">Pilotlite.org</A></B>: Simplify your travel with a PDA.
- <B><A href="http://www.travelite.org">Travelite.org</A></B>: Learn how to travel with just your carry-on

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 80

I'm still hoping there will be a headset jack with full stereo sound capabilities.

=Dave=

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I do NOT look wierd! I just look ... "different".

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: dynamic!
Posts: 189

I'll play a tune similar to Bertbert's.
While I won't say it's a 'given', I'll say it's a safe bet that
Blazer would be included in bundled software.

PDAENVY says..

quote:

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I don't think Handspring will ever make a Visor without a Springboard port

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"The Greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance -- it is the illusion of knowledge." -- Daniel Borstin

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604

I'd like:

1. More memory - maybe 32 mb, so I could carry a library's worth of ebooks.
2. Better battery life, so I could read them on a coast to coast flight.
3. Higher res screen.
4. Built in voice recorder with a better speaker, so I wouldn't have to use the springboard for this feature. Or for Innogear to finally deliver the sixpak, which would be the next best thing.

What I don't care about:

1. Built in wireless. The techology is too much of a moving target right now. I like my Minstrel S module, but I look forward to it being obsolete in a year or so, when (hopefully) they come out with something better.
2. Smaller form factor - not that big a deal for me.
3. Flash ROM. I'm an early adapter, which means at this point that I'm upgrading every 12 to 18 months or so. I've had a Palm device (the PalmPro, the Visor DX, and now a Prism) continuously for like the last few years, and I've never been terribly disappointed when a new OS upgrade came out. The changes are nice, but rarely "must have now."

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Silicon Valley, California
Posts: 173

quote:

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Originally posted by dpdamour
I'm still hoping there will be a headset jack with full stereo sound capabilities.

=Dave=

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Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 11

Handspring shld add a Jog dial device to their new visors.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Noo Yawk
Posts: 13

quote:

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Originally posted by DBrown
I want color in a Platinum form factor. I want a microphone that works with the built in voice recognition technology. I want my visor to say "Good morning, Dave" when I turn it on in the morning. I want a volume control wheel on the side, right near the earphone jack. I want to be able to stream TV, VHS, DVD and DSS video to my visor over my home 802.11 network. I want the case to be made out of a special rubber that bounces when it is dropped, and always protects the screen from breakage. I want holographic RAM, and 100gig of it.

But I'll wait. I love my Platinum as it is, too.

Dave

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 68

quote:

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Originally posted by PDAENVY
The absence of flash RAM is a cost-savings measure and a means of avoiding part shortages which could slow production and thereby sales. [/B]

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Indiana
Posts: 84

Wireless is only worthwhile as long as you have wireless providers. Right now, you can't make that assumption about much of the country. So, for the rest of us, we'll look to other innovations.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Posts: 2531

?4�?i]Originally posted by Morris [/i]
Wireless is only worthwhile as long as you have wireless providers. Right now, you can't make that assumption about much of the country. So, for the rest of us, we'll look to other innovations. [/QUOTE]
Exactly. I'm hoping Handspring leads the way with good built-in sound capabilities. It would take some tweaking to the OS, but they've been doing that since day 1 with the springboard slot. I think they have the best possibility of pushing the envelope in that regard.

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-Joshua
Abortion: Darwinism at its finest.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 46

bob damn it, I need a jog dial. After seeing that sony pos with a jog dial, and that modded trgpro with one, I'm about to try to mod my vdx with a jog dial. Its such a great feature, would give the visor an easy way to compete with the new franklin e-book.

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