Registered: Feb 2002
Location:
Posts: 9

Neo , Platinum or Deluxe to pair with Visorphone

I recently bought a Deluxe/Glenayre combo from Compusa for $99. However, since I originally placed the order I've been seeing posts that refer to the Deluxe's getting a little long in the tooth. Now I'm wondering if I might be better off returning/selling the still-unopened Deluxe and getting a Neo or Platinum instead. Or even shelving the Visorphone plan altogether (NP cons: bulkiness, monopolizing the Springboard port, a little awkward, must use cell minutes to get email or surf the web) and putting the saved cash towards a better PDA.

I've read that the Neo and Platinum use the same 33mhz processor and both have 4 bit displays, vs the Deluxe's 16mhz Dragonball and 2 bit display. I also know that the Neo has a slightly newer OS than the Platinum (very slight diff) and a nice quick look-up feature, but that the Platinum uses faster memory. I read somewhere on the Net that the Platinum is a better choice for pairing with wireless communications devices (better sheilding, better chips?) but I can't remember where I saw this. I'm attracted to the fact that both units will have a longer life (in terms of software/hadware compatibility) than the Deluxe, but on the other hand is there any current hardware or popular software that won't work on a Deluxe?

Should I stick with the Deluxe, and put the $69 I save towards the VP (about 2/3 of the $99 cost)?

If not, which should I get: Neo or Platinum?

Or should I forget about the VP altoghether? I could keep the Glenayre/Deluxe Package, which would give me access to the net/email. Or go with the better PDA; the money I save from the VP would pay for the upgrade to NEO or Platinum AND a Glenayre modem (currently selling for @$20 on Ebay thanks to Compusa flooding the market).

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

Personally, I know the Alley

Personally, I would scoop up a Platinum which is 97.5% the same as the Neo and put the difference into the module of your choice. I am getting real, real close to dumping my VDX and getting into a Platinum. I am fine with 8MB of memory, but really need Palm OS 3.5 to access my Verizon Wireless account (which cannot be done with Palm OS 3.1).

One of the holdups for me is that my OmniRemote module is Ice, and the Platinums are black or silver. Since I tote the OmniRemote full time, it would be a little like wearing a pair of mismatched socks to work. Would I be the first to take a can of spraypaint to a module for color-coordination purposes (I would of course leave a little window for the Ir bulb)?

Registered: Feb 2002
Location:
Posts: 9

One of the holdups for me is that my OmniRemote module is Ice, and the Platinums are black or silver.

Except Hanspring's only selling silver ones (of course I want the black one).

It may all be moot for me since today CompUSA (NYC) started selling Kyocera Palm phones for $99 til the end of this week. The only reason I didn't jump on it is that it means giving up my tel # and switching to Sprint, who I really hate. AND the screen is so tiny. Still, the deal is damn good, the thing is a real phone and the display quality is excellent.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

Phone home

I have a Kyocera phone with a Verizon web access plan. The ability to atleast read email while I am on the road is well worth the $5 a month I pay. Now if only I had something with Paml OS 3.5 I could use my spankin' new cable and respond to my email too (without torturing myself)!