Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Fl
Posts: 67

It appears that the Handspring website has been updated with more info on the VisorPhone. You can now search with your zip code to see which carrier is available in your area along with the rate plans. The site now says coverage across the entire USA now available.

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

Thank you for posting this!

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Jeff

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Potomac, MD, USA
Posts: 90

The question is...

Now I have the option of getting it--do I really want it?

I am considering getting a Nokia 8290. IT seems that having my cell phone and visor separate might still be nice. While seamless integration and not puttering around with the IR port for data communication could be cool, there's also something to be said for just carrying around a nice small phone that you can toss to someone when you're like, "Hey... the phone's for you!"

What do you all think? Is VisorPhone worth it?

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JakeBlues2
"the BAND!"

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Fl
Posts: 67

At $299 no, at $199 maybe.

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

I don't care about the price of the VisorPhone itself. $299 isn't unreasonable to me for the ability to have a single unit that offers convenient voice and data communication.

But GSM service plans, at least in Southern California, are way too expensive. If memory serves, the best plan I could find from Pac Bell for the VisorPhone was something like $49.95 for 600 minutes a month. I pay the same price for 1000 min./mo. on my SprintPCS (CDMA) plan, which I signed up for in September; currently, new subscribers can get the same plan for $34.95/mo.

I'm holding out for the AirPrime SB1000, the CDMA version of the VisorPhone. Granted, it won't be out until the summer, but it's worth the wait. Qualcomm is upgrade the bandwidth of its CDMA network (to 144k, IIRC) and adding Short Messaging Service capability. SMS alone could be the killer app of the VisorPhone, but since it's currently limited to GSM phones, fewer than half of the cell phones in the US would be able to receive your text messages. Hopefully, this will be rectified within the next few months.

So right now, I would say no, it's not worth it. But it will be . . .

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

quote:

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Originally posted by Mich
{...} The site now says coverage across the entire USA now available.

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Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 67

I ordered the Visorphone for NYC (Voicestream). I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

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

So then, what is the word on the CDMA phone, I heard this summer, but I would like to know more. Are there any sites out there with more info about it?
-Russ

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 1883

quote:

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Originally posted by Toby

quote:

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Originally posted by Mich
{...} The site now says coverage across the entire USA now available.

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Hmmm...I wasn't aware that my locality was no longer in the USA. Does this mean that I don't have to pay those IRS leeches anything?

quote:

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Sorry, but your zip code (XXXXX) is not currently covered by one of our service providers.

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<IMG WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="50" SRC=http://www.visorcentral.com/images/visorcentral.gif> VisorCentral Discussion Moderator
Do files get embarrassed when they get unzipped?

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 106

Too little too late.

I prefer my tiny StarTac (which runs with or without the Visor), my tiny custom cable from nysebull, and my fully wired Visor using CDMA from Verizon. That way I can still listen to MP3s while I surf the web and check email.

Oh yes, and that's all for $100 less than the Visorphone.

Also, Verizon's nationwide datastream is $6.95/month, not the $29.99/month quoted on the Handspring page.

Kupe


[Edited by Kupe on 02-05-2001 at 11:44 PM]

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 2

VisorPhone

So I'm wondering why Handspring selected a 1st generation digital wirelss technology (GSM) instead of something current, and upgradable, like CDMA. (GSM is also the only digital technology which has been cloned...remember that scary term from analog wireless?)

I'm guessing the answer is that it's for the overseas Visor clients. Otherwise, picking GSM over CDMA is kind of like AT&T picking TDMA for their digital wireless...a mistake.

I'm glad to see someone make a CDMA version...but does anyone know if it will be made for Sprint PCS? SPCS has the largest digital footprint under one kind of technology in the US...1.9GHz CDMA. I expect the Visorphone would have incredible possiblities once CDMA is upgraded to 3G CDMA in 2002. This will increase data bandwidth from 14.4 to 144! Highspeed WIRELESS connectivity here we come!

SPCS will likely be the leader in this transition...please, someone get Handspring and SPCS together!

Of course, if I'm missing some vital point of the Visorphone being made for GSM, please enlighten me. I can admit to being wrong...maybe.

Also...beware of ANY wireless coverarge claims which tout 'nationwide' or 'across the US.' True 'blanket coverage' and 'no roaming' in it's truest sense DOES NOT EXIST, even with analog and satellite.

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M.Hawkins
Nashville, TN

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 8

I am also interedted in the Visorphone. The Handspring website says Cingular wireless supports it, but they say it's unavaible in Chicago (where I live). That's strange because Cingular operates here.

In response to the previous post about Sprint PCS. Currently, I have Sprint PCS and they do have the cheapest nationwide/long distance plans. However, their coverage is not so good. I have known about 10 people switch from Sprint to AT&T because they couldn't get calls in Chicago on the Sprint network. In my house, I have to stand at certain places to get calls on my Sprint phone, but my wife can walk all over the house and talk on her AT&T phone. So, while I too await the CDMA module for the Visor, I'll withold money and judgement until they can prove that it works reliably on the network.

Some people may think GSM is obsolete, but I disagree. If you've ever been to Europe or Japan (where GSM rules), you'll see them doing things on their cellphones that only dream of here. I vacationed in Tokyo in December and was amazed to see people using cellphones in the subway and in the 2nd level sub-basements of the department stores! And, here in America, I can barely get a signal in parts of my own house.

Some people also think TDMA is obsolete, but it works (as my wife's AT&T phone shows) and with NTT DoCoMo buying a stake in AT&T Wireless, I say AT&T has a good shot at the future.

Finally, the big downside to CDMA? No Nokia phones. Nokia has been big supporter of GSM and TDMA, but they rarely make a CDMA phone. I think the last one the made was the 6100 series, which is now discontinued by Sprint. This is unfortunately, because Nokia makes the BEST phones on the planet. That's why they are crushing Motorola and Ericsson. Everyone I know who switched to AT&T bought the Nokia 8260. That's one COOL phone. They make a 8290 GSM version too. But no CDMA version. I think HandSpring would do well to get Nokia to help design the internals for the next Visorphone. Perhaps they already did and that's why the Visorphone is GSM.

Just my $0.02 worth,

Thomas

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

quote:

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Originally posted by Roundy
I am also interedted in the Visorphone. The Handspring website says Cingular wireless supports it, but they say it's unavaible in Chicago (where I live). That's strange because Cingular operates here.

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

Re: VisorPhone

quote:

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Originally posted by mthawk
So I'm wondering why Handspring selected a 1st generation digital wirelss technology (GSM) instead of something current, and upgradable, like CDMA. (GSM is also the only digital technology which has been cloned...remember that scary term from analog wireless?)

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Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NC, Indiana
Posts: 465

quote:

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Originally posted by Roundy
Finally, the big downside to CDMA? No Nokia phones. Nokia has been big supporter of GSM and TDMA, but they rarely make a CDMA phone. I think the last one the made was the 6100 series, which is now discontinued by Sprint.

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Just a quick update, Nokia recently came out with a CDMA version of its 51XX series. Its called the 5185i, and its available from Verizon. This is the phone I really wanted, but at the time I got stuck with the (more expensive) Audiovox CDM-9000. I remember Nokia trying a CDMA chipset phone (it might have been the 6100 series), but the chipset had some problems. From my understanding the best maker of CDMA chipsets is Qualcomm..infact my Audiovox has a Qualcomm CDMA chipset. Anyway, just thought I'd add that. I'm pretty angry that I'm stuck with the CDM-9000 until July '02 .

quote:

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This is unfortunate, because Nokia makes the BEST phones on the planet.

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Amen! I would love to have any Nokia phone just because they're all around better (interface, looks, size, ring tones, etc) in my own, trend-influenced opinion. I'm so jealous of my friend's 50% cheaper Nokia it's not even funny. I drooled when I saw the 82XX series Nokias in a VoiceStream display one day as well. When my contract is up (in two years ), if there aren't any cool phones with Verizon, even though I get $100 off of another phone, I can see myself migrating to Voicestream or Cingular if they have coverage here by then.

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-Vincent

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 2

VisorPhone

Though I regret this discussion has turned into a phone discussion rather than a Visor discussion: My responses...

To Gameboy70:
Now there's a straight answer! Thank you Gameboy70. Quite the insight, and one I'm satisfied with. That makes more since than any of the CDMA vs. TDMA vs. GSM stuff, which I suppose I started (hehe). I was barking up the wrong tree...technology instead of basic business relations.

Regarding Nokia:
"Most popular"...OK. "Best"...that's quite a stretch. There are several reasons Sprint PCS stopped carrying Nokia products. To name one, the 6100 series is the only handset I know of who's MSRP INCREASED over time instead of decreasing...hmmm. Nokia just doesn't seem to make a decent CDMA handset, I'm sure it's not hurting them. Granted, I can't argue with the fact that they've led the industry, especially overseas. AND, I agree the 6100 on AT&T was a good phone. It was awful on SPCS.

To date, Nokia is the only manufacturer Sprint STOPPED buying from, aside from Sony who voluntarily quit their handset efforts. The 5100 series was as bad as the 6100 on SPCS. I drooled to when I saw the 8000 Series. But have fun...I've heard nothing but complaints from users. I give it 2 weeks before it develops that 'creaking' noise. And NiCad batteries?...Welcome to the 21st Century. It is nice to see Nokia make a phone for which you don't have to separately purchase an additional battery to make it vibrate. No Nokia on CDMA? No loss here...that's a plus.

Maybe CDMA just isn't Nokia's 'thing.' But I'll take a Denso or a Sanyo over a Nokia anyday. Here's a tip: NEVER buy a handset based on LOOKS...9 times out of 10 you WILL be disappointed...just ask anyone who's done so.

Regarding GSM:
Compared to the overseas world of wireless, USA wireless performance, regardless of platform, is pretty much an embarrassment. That's a given. Per this discussion, I've been prompted to educate myself a little more on the GSM technology, and have to admit I was unaware of the data possibilities that it could provide. I'm still not sold that it's better than CDMA, but I agree it's not likely on it's way out as a global competitor.

Regarding Sprint PCS coverage, etc.:
Bummer about the bad experiences w/ SPCS in Chicago. I've used it for the past 2.5 years from San Diego and LA to New Orleans and Tampa, even in small markets in West Virginia and east Tennesse. I've had similar 'underground' experience with my CDMA in the underground 'people-mover' in the Pittsburgh airport and the DC metro. This includes both voice and data using my CDMA phone as a modem for my laptop and Visor (via a data cable). I do understand that some building structure just aren't condusive to 1.9GHz waves. Some apartments, SPCS just disappears. OH well.

All this just confirms that wireless will never be perfect. Of course not...they're airwaves...I'm amazed everytime it works. There will always be dropped calls and roaming...and yes, even with satellite phones. Fun disussion though...THANKS!

I'll patiently wait for the CDMA VisorPhone.

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M.Hawkins
Nashville, TN

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 638

I don't know if I can agree with the argument that Nokia makes the best phones. I personally have a Timeport P 8767, and LOVE it. I got this phone not because I was bound to a contract, but because it was the perfect phone for me. Along with that phone, another great CDMA phone is the StarTac (currently the best selling phone in the US because of it's business sales). This is the phone that the TimePort is modeled off of, and is another great phone.
Moving along from the Motorola phone, other great phones are the Erriccson T18 and T28. Although these phones are not CDMA, they are not made by Nokia, so they continue my argument.
I personally think that the reason why so many people think that the Nokia phones are the best are because they are offered by the most carriers. The reason that they are offered by so many carriers is not because of their great performance, but becaus eof their cheap price. If you want to get a real phone, then don't go for the looks of the 8100, or teh games of the 6100, but go for the sound quality of a Samsung, or the functionality of a Motorola. (If you havn't heard a Samsung phone, then you're missing out on alot).

BEN

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 64

I've been using a Samsung 3500 for about six months now and am never going back. The sound is much clearer than any other portable phone I ever used. People often can't even tell I'm on a mobile. The phone is alsy VERY sturdy. I'm always afraid of breaking those StarTacs with their flimsy hinge.

I would love to move to a Visor Phone though. The idea of having my devices converge is very appealing. The larger screen makes surfing worth while and will make it easier to take full advantage of the "hidden" features in my phone like three-way calling.

I think that mobile phones are great for making calls but all of those added functions such as address books, call forwarding and web surfing are more of a hassle than they should be. The Visor Phone will allow me to get much more out of my phone than just calls. And that's what it's all about, isn't it?

Kamalot

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 68

VisorPhone in Europe?

Does anybody know when handspring intends to offer a VisorPhone that works on european GSM networks?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's just a matter of shifting the frequency, or are there other issues?

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

I guess I really don't care anymore whether it's cdma or gsm or tdma. What I want is dual-band so I don't need a second phone for when I'm in the boonies...

Until then, I'll stick to my wonderful samsung 3500.

Dieter