Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle
Posts: 5

One of the big advantages of getting the Visor vs Palm was that you could, in theory, add functionality without adding any size to the Visor. However, more and more modules are coming out these days that not only add to the length but also add to the thickness of the Visor. I'm personally a little torn, because I want to support the industry and am excited about some of the functionality that's finally available for the Visor, but don't want to add any size to it. Does anyone else feel that way?

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: bright side of the moon.
Posts: 996

definately...i had to do a double take when i saw the new Magellen School Bus that clips into the springboard port in the story on Comdex.

http://www.visorcentral.com/page/0-4-62-2-4.htm

geez!! my VW is smaller than this module!!

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Ever feel like the train left while you were busy reading the paper?

Stealth-Mod.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 94

we're just spoiled

well i think we're just spoiled by the size of the sb module form factor. I mean look at what the modules are, a wireless modem in the size of a cartidge? someday, but i can't see it happening now, I have the novatel module, yes it is big, yes it is noticeable weight, but I can live with it for the connectivity. it's less noticeable in use, more noticeable in the pocket, which is true for most of the modules.

Minh

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 117

From Visor Product Guide for Developers

The following is an excerpt from one of the Developer product guides. It doesn't appear to discourage developers from making the modules as large as they want, so long as the design doesn't invade any of these "non-encroachment zones".

Handspring Product Guide: Handspring Visor Prism

5.4 Non-Encroachment Zones and Backward Compatibility
One of Handspring's goals is to provide future products that allow backward-compatibility with earlier Springboard module designs. However, take care when designing your Springboard modules. To maintain compatibility with existing Springboard modules, the Springboard expansion slot depth and width will remain constant; however, the surrounding molding may change in thickness or size. Please refer to the mechanical drawings on the website for the recommended non-encroachment areas. For further details on mechanical information for Springboard, please refer to the Mechanical information section of the Springboard Development Guide for Handspring Handheld Computers.

[Edited by zelchenko on 11-17-2000 at 03:30 PM]

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 89

No Joke about the bus Hoser!

My first thought when I saw the Magellan was that I wouldn't have to purchase any more of those large foam hands that say "we're #1" when I'm rooting for my favorite team. I'll just wave my visor in the air!

How much longer do we have before someone invents the "springboard counterweight" that keeps you from tipping over while using your favorite springboard module?

I am planning to order the Geode, but it also has an appendage the size of a cast iron griddle. At least on hot days hiking I can make a few pancakes on it.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle
Posts: 5

Module Developers

Perhaps we are spoiled. I mean we are talking about some pretty advanced functionality available for the Visor in a relatively small package. I guess I'm just disappointed. I don't think I would have changed my decision about buying the Visor, but it might have been nice to know about the module development criteria in advance. At least I would have known about it and wouldn't have been so surprised when modules came out that doubled the Visor's mass.

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

It seems that the roles of "computer" and "peripheral" are being switched.

The Visor is in the "computer" role when "peripherals" such as the Thinmodem, SoundsGood, MiniJam, and even the Minstrel S modules are used.

The roles seem to be reversed when the Visor is used with the Magellen GPS or Glenayre's @ctiveLink modules. It would appear that these devices are using the Visor as a display unit; akin to the monitor on a desktop PC!

=Dave=

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

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 117

doh--i should clarify

I reversed the meaning of that excerpt inadvertently. What they mean, of course, is that they want you to develop in "non-encroachment" zones, not avoid them.

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 45

check out the size of the geode!

I see that Geodiscovery finally has an upodated page on the Geode. This too looks like a massive and expensive module. have a look: http://www.geodiscovery.com/geode.html

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 1571

Ha Ha

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marfu
No Joke about the bus Hoser!

My first thought when I saw the Magellan was that I wouldn't have to purchase any more of those large foam hands that say "we're #1" when I'm rooting for my favorite team. I'll just wave my visor in the air!

How much longer do we have before someone invents the "springboard counterweight" that keeps you from tipping over while using your favorite springboard module?

I am planning to order the Geode, but it also has an appendage the size of a cast iron griddle. At least on hot days hiking I can make a few pancakes on it.

---

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Here
Posts: 213

Maybe with the large geode module they should put an eyehook on the end so you could run a bungee cord from your hat to your visor. This would keep your arm from getting tired during navigation.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

Well, the Geode may look big and heavy...but it actually only weighs a little more than two AA batteries. When you take into account the functionality and precision it offers the size really isn't that big either. Just take a look at the processors on a computer, or stand alone gps, both are bigger in size.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

When it comes to Springboards, smaller is undoubtedly better.

I would guess that most companies strive to keep the form factor as compact as possible, as the success of the modules or even the company might very well depend on it.

However depending on the functionality of the module, a smaller size may not be possible. James Bond may have spoiled us a little.

How much smaller could a GPS Springboard be? I wouldn't think much considering what it does and that the technology has only recently been available for public use.

The SoundsGood is a very cool, tiny MP3 module. However, its memory is not upgradeable or removable. The larger MiniJam has two slots for removable Multimedia cards and larger, more functional buttons. Right now its maximum memory configuration is double that of the SoundsGood.

Of course, in time we will see more functional, smaller modules. But considering how long the Visor and Springboard have been available for development, I'm very pleased with the quality of the modules and their size.

Happy Holidays!

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

I couldn't agree with you more!

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Minneapolis, MN USA
Posts: 3

Excuses, excuses...

Well, I think one thing we're forgetting is the hardware required for these technologies. GPS, as I understand it, needs an antenna of a certain size to really work well (it's embedded along the inside of the eTrex's case, but it's in there). You just can't get that in the height of a springboard slot. And having a low power limit can really be a killer, too- chips that use less voltage are generally more expensive than their power-hungry counterparts, so it may become a matter of having a "battery hump" on the module or of raising the price substantially. In cases like these, I think that the expanded size is acceptable.

There's some modules that have no excuse, though- just look at the Minijam vs. the Soundsgood. I'm not convinced that the Innogear people didn't put that big button pad on the top of the module just to make the case bigger and allow their components to be cheaper! Despite the price difference, I'd buy the Soundsgood in a minute if I was in the market for a portable MP3 player. I don't want to have to buy the custom case the vendor sells for their bloated module because the ones that ship with the Visor no longer work.

[Edited by Subnova on 12-14-2000 at 08:44 AM]

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 17

killer sizes

This was the reason that i decided not to buy a MP3 module at this stage, i cant justify the extra space.

I'll certainly be waiting for a MMC expandable unit that doesn't extend beyond the case.

And is it just me "what is the point of having external buttons taking up space" the whole idea of the module concept was to allow units to 'reuse' capabilities not duplicate external buttons when softbuttons would do the job.

But like I said maybe its just me.

Z

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

Big Buttons

I have found the larger buttons on the MiniJam to be easier to use, as I have big hands and often keep my Prism on my belt.

Quickly being able to raise or lower the volume or advance tracks without having to pick up the unit and navigate to the interface has been convenient.

The buttons are also very functional if you are using another app while listening to tunes.

However, I also use the on-screen display as well.

Using a combination of the two works well for me.

Will