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

I originally posted my springboard idea in the "General Visor" category, so here is my new post.

I was just thinking... everybody is saying that the Palm can't do this, the Palm can't do that, etc. etc. etc. However, I was wondering if you could actually build a Springboard with one of the Palm CPUs in it - obviously it would only work in a later version of Palm OS, but if you set it up in a SMP type setup, the Palm could be faster. Special applications could be integrated with this to make them faster, i.e. a video player. Maybe that's semi-unrealistic, but think of the people who use the Visor as a black and white photo album. I could see this being useful in lab applications, where the power of a computer is needed to do mathematical operations. Somewhere I heard that the Palm chips were about $10 in bulk, but if Handspring could make a "Booster" module for the Visor, and add 4 or 8 MB of storage, they could: 1. Sell it directly to consumers, with no software. 2. Develop special software to use with the Booster. 3. Sell it to software developers who can bundle the module with more demanding software. 4. Sell the modules to large companies who can use it in other environments (again, a lab would be an example). Liberty, the Game boy emulator for Palm, heartily recommends that you use overclocking software for it to run well. If they sold the "Booster" Module with 4-8MB of Flash (and an MMC slot?), they could have a module which could play real game boy games at a game boy speed, as well as hold 10 or 12 games + saved files. Also, this might work well with a Java program, allowing you to run Java on the Visor.
What do you think?

Please post your other springboard ideas; I'd like to hear them.

Chris Russell

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

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: San Marcos, CA
Posts: 29

A databased- enabled stopwatch/ chronograph.

Large buttons would allow for easy stop/ start of races- and it would all be recorded to look at later. Add a small-format usb/ serial printer and you have the apility to use all the timed data to show runners, car drivers, etc.

I know this would be useful because our cross country coach was always running around the course- recording our halfway points, starts and finishes- but this was all done on a extremly expensive calculator/ small printer combo.

It would be better if it was easily laid out, with mathamatic functions that could be downloaded and updated.

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Also, a thermometer/ humity checker? How about a simple digital compass? (with the ability to jot notes for landmarks)

Maybe combine it with a trail diary that allows you to log the distance completed, notes about trails, scenic places, etc- and then make a simple website allowing people to post their notes (or emit personal parts)-about all the different parks.

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Bike handlebar checker.

This would allow the speed/ distance/ etc be recorded and displayed for the rider as she/he races. Different notes could remind rider of different places on the course- goals, techniques, etc.

Maybe even wireless notes could be passed to the rider: "Alfonzo Giapelli has crashed. You are now only in second place. Pass the guy ahead and you will win!"

etc.

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Electrical Field Finder.

This would allow you to check if signals are going through the wire you are checking. There are things right now that do this, but the LCD screen would allow a fuller set of options.

Maybe even a RJ-45 or POTL plugs to check for line noise.

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Telephone dialer- a snall speaker with a slight rubberized part to put on the end of phones to dial numbers stored in memory.

Tap- "call john" and it would emit the dial tones into the phone.

(maybe it could hook up to the contacts program.)

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some kind of interface to allow for 2 phone lines to be used- 'shotgun internet' - one for incoming and one for outgoing data.

heh.
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Infared Booster to make sure you hit that Laser printer over in the corner.

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Something about digital camcorders- editing suite under 1 meg?

Thats it so far.

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

Here are some more modules that I'd like to see:

Eyemodule with a flash unit, allowing the Visor to take pictures at night.

Parallel Port module, which could connect to any Parallel Port Printer. Probably be easier not to have Adobe compatibility, but just to have standard printer compatibility.

802.11 Wireless Networking Module (I know, one is announced, but I'd like to see it.)

A cool module would be the atomic clock module. Just click, and your Visor Clock is automatically updated.

A PS/2 Port and Stand module, with a PS/2 Port on the back or top, and then a little folding stand that pops out (think stowaway) that allows a standard PS/2 Keyboard to be used. I could understand not bringing a keyboard with you when you travel, but how about if you're at an office at a different part of the country.

A module with a speaker and voice recording software. Nothing fancy, just make it simple.

A RF Transmitter. You could open your garage door with this.

What do you think?



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

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

The best springboard by far would be one that actually ships.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

quote:

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Originally posted by supernancy:
Also, a thermometer/ humity checker?

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Registered: Aug 2000
Location: San Marcos, CA
Posts: 29

GameBoy70:

Have you found that a lot of the springboards that are announced are actually not produced?

I wonder why there is a breakdown. Anyone have any information about how easy it is to make a Springboard module?

Concerning Springboard Wishlists:
How about an IDE cable tester/ Hard Drive checker. I know this is far feteched, just an idea. IT people could check Hard Drives without booting them in a normal pc.

How about a 6-second sample springboard, allowing DJ's, Turntablists and other people who sample frequently 'in the mix' to be able to plug in a RCA, 1/8", 1/4" cables and sample a specified amount of audio- and then have it loop correctly, etc. ?

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

supernancy:

Judging from your VC member registration date, you've been spared the high drama that many of us have gone through. The SixPax and the MiniJam were first announced last October. Innogear isn't alone, though. The HandyGPS was supposed to be released in March, then April, the May...and customers are just now getting them in August. The Glenayre @ctiveLine two-way pager was scheduled for July, then August. Etc, etc.

That standard alibi is that there's a worldwide shortage in certain electronics components due to the huge demand for cell phones last year. Despite my cynicism, I happen to believe it. Every hot new consumer electronics device is behind schedule, from the iPaq to the Playstation II (bumped back in Europe).

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: San Marcos, CA
Posts: 29

wow.

must have been terriblem waiting for those things and them never coming out.

I was thinking that $40 is too much for a springboard module, but now I am thinking differently..

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: San Marcos, CA
Posts: 29

wow.

must have been terriblem waiting for those things and them never coming out.

I was thinking that $40 is too much for a springboard module, but now I am thinking differently..