Registered: May 2000
Location: Las Vegas, NV USA
Posts: 8

I'm saving up to buy a Palm Device, either the Palm IIIxe or the Visor Deluxe.

The Palm has flash memory, however the Visor has no flash memory. I do not consider that a problem because You buy Visor in 2000, buy modules in 2000/2001, and in 2002 you have an old PDA, and handspring has come out with a new one, so I'd replace it anyway. Memory-wise everything seems the same. Since I'm a PDA-newbie (or at least a Palm Newbie) I won't be missing any software that won't run on the Visor.

However, the issue that concerns me is quality. Many people have noted that their current Visor is their fifth or sixth. I'm not too worried about the DRAM problems because Palm and TRG are both having the same problems. I have played with some palms before, and they felt durable. I feel that the handspring was durable, too, however many months ago when the Visor started shipping, there were people who mentioned that their Visors were getting cracks in the back casing. I am worried about casing durability and component quality - I don't wan't to be worried about returns and exchanges.

If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

------------------
If I were a signature, I'd go right here.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 70

I was an early-adopter (ordered in October, but got in november), and I am still using the original product. I had a IIIe before getting the Visor, and expansion was my primary reason for the purchase. Why pay just as much for a Palm when you sync at half the speed, and can't upgrade to 16MB of memory for a $60 charge??

Registered: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Posts: 194

Im on my third visor, the first one died because i let a cute girl use it and she dropped it. The 2nd i sent back because of scratches, that was because i would let other people use it and they would alwayd jam the stylus into the screen. Both i exchanged and got a new one.

Theyre actually pretty durable, just dont let other people use it, and be light with the stylus.

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

One thing you have to be careful about when reading the Discussion Area is that people rarely post that everything is working fine. A while back we did a poll on problems people were having. The vast majority of readers had no major problems.

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

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Inglewood, CA, USA
Posts: 390

quote:

---

Originally posted by JHromadka:
people rarely post that everything is working fine

---

OK, I'll post... I've had my Graphite Visor Deluxe since March 2000. I love it, and haven't had any major problems.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 121

I, too, have had my visor since march with no problems. Some I avoided only through the advice and discussions here at vc, but no problems none the less.

------------------
Built for comfort, not for speed...

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 105

quote:

---

other people use it and they would alwayd jam the stylus into the screen

---

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: NH, USA
Posts: 13

I have had the Visor Deluxe Blue for three months now. No case problems and no crashes. Ran the Visor Test and it passes - so I don't have the infamous defecive DRAM chip. Have loaded additional software and the only one I had a problem with is InfoView - never did resolve it - so just deleted it. Have Mapopolis, AvantGo, ChessGenius, Vindigo, QuickSheet.

Looking for a good encryption software to protect some of my entries in Memo Pad - if anyone has any sugestions.

[This message has been edited by djpritchard (edited 08-06-2000).]

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Indiana
Posts: 84

I've had no problem with quality on my VDx.

In my humble opinion, the differential is as follows:

1. Visor has colors, expansion slots, and a generally lower price point.

-The color issue will be "muted" (pun - muted colors!) with the introduction of the Palm M100.

-Palm has not put their expansion answer on the market yet. I also think that Handspring will have to support existing SpringBoard modules with their subsequent models. To do otherwise would indicate a level of stupidity that Handspring has not displayed to this point.

-Price point also is being addressed by Palm.

2. Palm has the upgradable OS. Some folks think that this is most important, but I'm not sure. If I want a new OS, I'll just buy a new Visor - the cost on these things is low enough to do so. Also, the new OS (from what I read) is primarily manifested in the introduction of color -- not exactly a selling point when you have a monochrome screen. But if that type of expansion is what you want, the choice is made for you.

Most importantly, you've made a great choice in that you've decided to go with the Palm OS. It is easy, intuitive, and loaded with available software options from a myriad of developers.

Best of luck to you.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Butler , NJ
Posts: 2

Until a few months ago I raved about the Visor, my BVDx had no screen scratches (never used screen protectors), no cracks (carried in a soft leater case), plain ol' NO PROBLEMS! Well, times they change. In April I discovered cracks in the case, the unit was promptly replaced with a brand new unit and all was well until Friday when the screen went nuts!. Black lines every 3/16" across the screen running top to bottom and nothing gets rid of them. So... I have emailed customer service and I hope they will replace the unit in the same timely manner they replaced the original but I can't say I am in love with the Visor any longer.

[This message has been edited by spice-um-up (edited 08-06-2000).]

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Baltimore MD, USA
Posts: 717

I'm another one who ordered in October and got it in November.

It's worked like a charm, no major problems.

Well, at least no major problems that were not my fault. I develop software on my Visor, and any programmer will tell you that software development is guaranteed to crash your computer eventually.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA Interests: Women, Drums, Visors, Computers, Home Theater and any cool gadgets.
Posts: 138

quote:

---

Originally posted by djpritchard:

Looking for a good encryption software to protect some of my entries in Memo Pad - if anyone has any sugestions.

---

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 21

quote:

---

Originally posted by JHromadka:
One thing you have to be careful about when reading the Discussion Area is that people rarely post that everything is working fine. A while back we did a poll on problems people were having. The vast majority of readers had no major problems.

---

Definitely.

I was a relatively early adopter, got mine way back in January. Had no problems with it until the end of July, when my screen mysteriously cracked. I think I know what caused it (bashing my leg into the steering wheel as I was climbing into my car), but it was both in the slip case, and had the hard cover on the screen. Bleah.

ANyway, I'm only on my first replacement unit, and it was replaced because of mistreatment, so yeah, no problems here.

------------------
"The tree of liberty must occasionally be watered by the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Georgia
Posts: 7

LOve my Visor......

I've had my Visor for about 5 weeks, and I love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!! (sorry, got carried away)
Can't figure out how I made it without one.


Mad Mango

"We are the people our parents warned us about."