Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 42

I am looking to buy a PDA and the HS DX looks great based on specs. I read here that there are lots of problems. Have things gotten better the past couple weeks? Should I wait to order or just get a PP?

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Posts: 64

If you want a great, top-of-the-line, best all around PDA, yes. Go ahead an order one. I think most of the problems HS has had are mainly start-up problems. If they get these out of the way early, which I think they are doing, they can go far with this product.

The Visor has a lot of potential, and can easily be the PDA of choice in the 21st century (especially with the springboard thing ;-) ...

Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 42

So I assume you already have yours?

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Mililani, HI, USA
Posts: 256

KD,

I received my Visor about a week ago. It plainly and simply rocks. Even if you can only barely stand to wait for anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for your unit to arrive, I would strongly encourage you to do so.

As Cashman said, the problems are startup problems, and these will be worked out eventually. They're not enough in my book to write off HS and buy a Palm, b/c Palm doesn't make a unit as good as the Visor--in my opinion. It has the best of Palm's speed, memory capacity, screen technology (though some have fairly argued otherwise), and battery replacability (unlike the P Vx), and the best of Handspring's innovation with the springboard. Try to wait.

Chris

Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 42

IF I placed an order today, how long to get? Are current orders getting screwed up or just the early ones?

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Columbia, MO, USA
Posts: 68

You'll need to weigh a few things in making your decision:

1) How soon do you need it?

You're looking at a 4 to 6 week wait before a Visor would be delivered if you ordered today.

I'm not sure how good Handspring's track record is on new orders at this point. I placed a second order, via the web site, on Oct 29, so I'll let you know in a few more weeks.

2) Available cash...

The Palm that most resembles the Visor is the V and/or Vx. Are these within your budget? If not, the decision is almost made for you.

3) What features do you want/need?

If all you want is a simple organizer to keep your appointments, etc. then you may be able to get by just fine with a Palm III.

If you're wanting to run a lot of apps (requiring more memory), or want the expandability that the springboard slot gives, then you're back to a Visor.

4) Do you want a PDA with color? That narrows the options quickly.

I know I didn't answer your question, but hopefully I've helped work though the issue a little bit to make your decision easier.

All the best,

LarryD

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 200

Under no circumstances order one directly from HS.

Buy one as soon as it hits the shops next year WYSIWYG!

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Modesto, CA USA
Posts: 599

KD,
Check this thread (mine) and see if you want to put up with the issues. It's worth the wait.
http://www.visorcentral.com/visor/d...TML/000234.html

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posts: 195

KD

I can't recommend one highly enough. Yes, Handspring has had problems with processing and shipping thier orders, but I think they're on their way toward solving those problems. I think there are plenty of people like myself who have had a positive experience with Handspring. It's just that the people who have had a bad experience with them are being more vocal about it. I tried to start a poll on people's opinions on Handpsring, and most of the people who responded were responding negatively - I've read and heard more positive responses elsewhere on these forums than are represented in the poll. It's just that most of the time, if everything goes as it should, people aren't going to talk about it. It's what's expected. If things go wrong, this is not what's desired, and people are going to talk about it.

I've had my Visor for a little over a week now, and it's been great. I've had no problems with it whatsover. I've never owned a PDA before, so I'm learning every day more ways in which in can be useful, and have come to rely heavily on it. I have a feeling that if you don't get the Deluxe - with 8MB of RAM, you'll soon regret it. 20 MB used to be a lot for a hard drive in a computer. Then we started getting 60 MB hard drives and people wondered what in the world a person would do with all that space. That's what some people are saying right now about 8MB of RAM in a PDA.

So anyway, sorry for rambling. Get a Visor. It's a great product. If you get a Palm, you're supporting something of a lesser quality.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 86

Order it now and don't worry if you don't have it in time for Christmas. It will still be worth it. Absolutly get the 8 Meg version. Remember: "Buy the best and you only cry once."

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 52

LarryD, you really think the Palm that most resembles the Visor is the V/Vx? Most people think it is the IIIx. They're only about the exact size and shape. Now, the IIIx has 4 MB RAM while the Visor Deluxe has 8 MB RAM. But, then, how much RAM will a new PDA owner need. Interesting that Julie from the-gadgeteer.com has consumed less than 4 MB RAM on her application loaded Vx. I won't even get into the flash ROM or USB discussions here, but, fwiw, upgrading to OS 3.3 on a IIIx will include IR functionality within the OS. And, two, possibly, important points, the IIIx is available now and at less than $210 from buy.com, it's $40 cheaper than the Visor Deluxe.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posts: 195

But the IIIx doesn't have the Springboard. That's another consideration.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Chicago. IL
Posts: 10

I ordered mine on 10/20 just as things were heating up. Being a non-PDA user prior to all of this, I decided to get ready for my Visor by buying a Palm III. It has a 30 day return policy. I figured if I didn't like using a PDA, I'd find that out before the Visor ships. If I like it, I'll be returning my Palm about the time the Ice Visor arrives. I love the PDA life, so far have gotten good with Grafiti. My old Day Runner is collecting dust in my desk. The Palm III is OK, but am looking forward to the flasher Ice, not to mention the extra RAM. Now I read the NY Times and USA Today on my Palm while I ride the train to work (AVANTGO)!!

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Midland, Texas
Posts: 231

I upgraded from a IIIx to a Visor, and let me add that all though the dimensions of the Visor are closest to a IIIx, it feels MUCH smaller. It fits into my hand much more comfortably than my IIIx (even having large hands).

Also, my Visor has been down to 660K as I try out new apps, install books, and generally play around with my new toy/tool.

And as a final vote for the Visor over the IIIx -- come on six-pack!

tyler

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 31

I absolutely would not endorse buying from this company. You will probably receive your PDA about next year in the first quarter. Their service sucks.....!!! I've been waiting nearly 6 freakin' weeks...and counting.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posts: 195

I had to wait slightly more than 6 weeks, and I'm glad I did. The Visor is worth the wait. I've had no problems with it at all, so I anticipate that the next time I have to deal with Handspring will be when I'm ordering that new color Visor! By then, I anticipate that they won't be having the kinds of problems they are having now. They're already having fewer problems than they were having earlier, and making strides in fixing what remaining problems they still have. Hang in there. You won't regret it.