Registered: Aug 2001
Location:
Posts: 383

Visor "essentials"

What accessories, cases, springboards, etc. would you guys consider Visor "essentials" that you would recommend to someone without a second thought.

Registered: May 2000
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 163

BackUp Module

I think this may have been covered in another thread(s), but that module should be an automatic accessory purchase.
"Essential" software has definitely been covered, and then some.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Nebraska- the Good life
Posts: 695

1. A back-up module, either the actual handspring back-ups, or the Memplug or FlashPlus with appropriate software. This is IN ADDTION to regular backups on the computer.

True story: Tuesday, my Visor Deluxe crashed while doing a JackBack back-up. I had to do a hard reset and lost all on-board data. No problem, I just move JackBack from the FlashPlus Compact Flash card and do a restore... but that did not work. I reloaded JackBack from a clean download- still did not work. Hmmm... maybe the data was corrupt since it creashed during a save.

Well, I backed up to my computer at work, so tried to reload data. Nope- cannot connect becase an app I had deleted (older version of ThinkDB) still wanted to be connected before it would let this happen and I could not root this command out. Dang. Waited till I got home to hot sync. Nope... I do not remember what the problem was here, but I could not connect.

OK... I WAS using Yahoo's Intellisync last week so that data is not too old. Reloaded Intellisync, synced- restored data, updated old info, viola- I am back in business USING A FOURTH BACK-UP SITE! Yeesh!

Now, I have the FlashPlus backup, home and work back-ups using BackUpBuddy, and the Yahoo back-up I reload every week.

2. Input device. I LOVE the Stowaway Keyboard, but there are other options out there as well. I do not use it often enought ot carry it 7/24, but when I need it, it is worth its weight in... well, something not quite as valuable as gold- but darn near!

3. Memory expansion. Flash memory card, Memplug, Matchbook Drive, FlashPlus (my fave!), etc. to store documents, less-often played games and applications, etc. on so you can keep the Visor's memory free.

4. Good case(s). Most of us tend to personalize the case, or to accessorize with it. I have a nice leather case (Handspring Distressed Leather Case) for business and to use in my belt bag, etc.; a padded pouch to clip to a belt (GrinderGear Expedition) that lets me carry a small module or two and some batteries, etc.; and a RhinoSkin 1100 padded case that would be my all-time fave if it held spare batteries and the eyemodule better.

5. Pen/stylus to carry instead of whatever pen you carry normally. Mine is a Fisher Bullet Pen with Stylus since I carry it in a pocket. If you carry yours in a shirt pocket, you may want to go with a more traditional style. I like the built-in stylus, but this pen allows me to write notes and input data almost seamlessly.

Suppliment this with a few styli scattered around- at work, by your computers, etc. Stylus Direct has the 'anywhere stylus' for 49 cents- these are great to scatter!

6. Basic care supplies. Screen cleaner (anything that works on coated soft plastics- CD's, glasses, etc.) There is a nice pen-style, and a whole slew of sprays and wipes. Screen protector? Nowadays, I just clean the screan with a soft piece of fake chamois before each use and have not had a single problem in a couple months- but I also likes the home-made vinyl screen protectors and various commercial versions. See what you think!

7. Modem. If you have a dial-up ISP that supports the Palm OS, get a modem. Used, they are usually only $30-60. Study the reviews and see which you like the best.

8. A fun module that encourages you to USE the Visor- eyemodule, MP# player, etc. I really like the eyemodule for this!

That is my two cents worth at least!

Registered: Aug 2001
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 227

I think <Madkins007> covered this pretty well -- I'll just agree on 90% of his recomendations:

1--Backup module -- lifesaver --it just saved me a half hour ago!

2--Stowaway keyboard -- it is great

3--Good Case --

I use the brown leather Targus pouch case and it is great -- secure and well protected.
If you're looking for the smallest possible form case -- the Handspring compact leather pouch from H/S --(I think at about 25 bucks) is great. It has no clip and is not especially padded -- but is beautifully made and relatively inexpensive. It has a VERY SMALL FORM FACTOR. The DX or Plat clips into the case with a cover imbedded in the leather -- holding the unit very securely and negating any need to carry the snap on cover. When you're using the unit, just pop the dx/plat in face out. When traveling -- put the dx/plat face in.

The pouch is about the best I have seen for use on a belt. The compact case is the best looking and smallest for a pocket carry.

4--Memory expansion -- the 8meg is prob enough - up to you and your uses - but since internal mem is limited by OS 8 meg will probably cut it. It is almost better to have 2 8 megs --for different purposes -- at least for me.

5--Pen stylus I love the Pentopia that fits in the stock silo/holder on the Visor.

6--Screen cleaners --anything decent and Screen protectors -- for me the standard (not Write-rite) protectors from COmpanion link have worked best.

7-- A module that lets the Visor be something else -- I love my "Total Recall" from Targus. It allows you to use the unit stand alone with a power clip and later insert into the visor and label/edit etc/etc. This kind of thing really showcases the Springboard advantages. I don't have an eyemodule -- I think it might well be a future purchase -- sounds like a lot of fun.

Registered: May 2000
Location: Mesa, AZ USA
Posts: 213

A screen protector is mandatory.

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 447

I just want to add another use for the backup module - Transferring files to my Memplug. I don't have a Smartmedia card reader yet, until then I just backup to the backup module, hard reset my Visor, and then move all the files I want (in 8MB shifts) to the Memplug, then restore. This is useful because I generally have <1.8MB left on my Platinum.

Registered: May 2001
Location: NY metro area
Posts: 219

Another vote for both a backup module and the Stowaway keyboard!

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Jonathan

Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 97

quote:

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Originally posted by jhappel
Another vote for both a backup module and the Stowaway keyboard!

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

quote:

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Originally posted by Inventorb
A screen protector is mandatory.

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That's why Handspring included one with every model, right?
I think you mean it's essential (it's a good idea to have one), not mandatory (if you don't have one, you can't participate).

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 227

Hey--
The guy invented the durn things

It's a great idea and a great product--

We (I think most of us) appreciate his effort and respect his desire to protect his creation // patent--

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

quote:

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Originally posted by EJSHUMAK
Hey--
The guy invented the durn things

It's a great idea and a great product--

We (I think most of us) appreciate his effort and respect his desire to protect his creation // patent--

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Registered: May 2001
Location: NY metro area
Posts: 219

quote:

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I only take issue with the idea that it's mandatory

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Jonathan

Registered: Aug 2001
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 227

Don't shoot me---

OK OK - - Granted --it was obviously a backdoor free advertising attempt -- I think we all somtimes put our personal interests above propriety---

and -- one man's mandatory is another man's accessory--

and--- most of this site is opinion -- he's entitled to his -- even if I am not (apparently) entitled to mine--

I wasn't trying to aggrevate anyone --

I though it was obvious to any thinking person that the device is ----------------------OBVIOUSLY NOT MANDATORY-------------------------


In the industry it's called "PUFFING"


BUT --if he wants to think his device is -- Let's let him --no?

We want free expression of opinion here --
at least I thought so

We shouldn't be looking to jump on somebody with an obvious agenda for personal gain---I don't see that aas wrong -- only self preservation

I would hope we could all be a bit more tolerant -- that's the only point I was trying to make---

If it was takes differently and if I ofended someone by making that assertion--

---------------
I am then sorry and you may consider me properly chastised---

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I wonder if you can post inocuous comments anywhere without upsetting people---
let's lighten up people---

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

Re: Don't shoot me---

Originally posted by EJSHUMAK
most of this site is opinion -- he's entitled to his -- even if I am not (apparently) entitled to mine--
yes, you are. sorry I jumped down your throat.

I'm snotty about language. It drives me bonkers when people use one word when they obviously mean something else (malaprops aside). I get on people's cases about spelling errors too. my current perpetual bad mood doesn't help.

I wasn't trying to aggrevate anyone --
I expect inventorb wasn't either.

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 227

Thanks guy -- "(Yorick)" -- I appreciate the comeback.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 97

Dark side of the Force

quote:

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Originally posted by Yorick
I'm snotty about language. It drives me bonkers when people use one word when they obviously mean something else (malaprops aside). I get on people's cases about spelling errors too. my current perpetual bad mood doesn't help.

I wasn't trying to aggrevate anyone --
I expect inventorb wasn't either.

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Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Posts: 2531

Re: Dark side of the Force

quote:

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Originally posted by Corky
The last few posts regarding Inventorb made me grin. It's amazing how some people bring out the dark side of the Force.

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Abortion: Darwinism at its finest.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: I'm not sure, but I see lots of lights everywhere.
Posts: 1287

Re: Re: Dark side of the Force

quote:

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Originally posted by dick-richardson
Fanaticism rarely inspires a charitable response.

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I miss inventorb. At one time, he was my only reason for coming here just to see everyone roasting his genitals over a fire.

By the way Dick, where have you been? Haven't seen you here in a while?

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Last edited by foo fighter on 09-09-2001 at 07:37 PM

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

Re: Re: Re: Dark side of the Force

quote:

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Originally posted by foo fighter
At one time, he was my only reason for coming here

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Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Posts: 2531

Re: Re: Re: Dark side of the Force

quote:

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Originally posted by foo fighter
By the way Dick, where have you been? Haven't seen you here in a while?

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-Joshua
Abortion: Darwinism at its finest.