Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 2

advice on a color palm

I have been a satisfied owner of a deluxe and a platinum. The only spring board I have/need is an 8mb card. (I am a physician and need the extra storage for my database/reference programs.)

I am now looking for a color unit. The easiest and cheapest way would be to go with a prism. I also have a digital camera and mp3 player that use smartmedia cards. These would work with a mem plug. BUT, I would hike a high res screen, and there is a consensus that the prism's screen has poor quality when viewed outside.

I would like to stay with Handspring, but nobody has any info on a new and improved color unit. Or do they???

As I see it, Sony is my best option. 128 mb memory stick from BUY.COM $87. The three models are the Clie 610, 710 and 760.($299, $354, and 395 respectively at Cnet.com.) My company will reimburse me $200 for the cost of a new unit.

Does anyone have any constructive advice on the above units, or other suggestions ie new handspring, handera, or palm.

P.S. Please hold comments like "Sony is a fad," or "Sony is an evil multinational company that is bent on dominating the handheld market and should be sent a message."

Registered: Apr 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 708

I purchased a Sony CLIE 760 after owning both a Deluxe and a Prism.

As for the models you listed all three are basically the same, here are the differences:

710 has MP3 and PalmOS3.5 (Available in Limited Quantities)
760 has MP3 and PalmOS4.1 (Replacement to the 710)
610 has PalmOS4.0 (Basically 760 WITHOUT MP3)

It is rumored that the 610 is being phased out and is going to be replaced with a new model called the T615. The T615 will be based on the Japanese version called the T600, a slim hires color device. This is not confirmed.

As for my Sony, I absolutely love it. I have nothing against HandSpring, I still have my Deluxe and my wifes Deluxe. I wanted the same thing you do, HiRes color that I could see outside. Plus I wanted an MP3 player so it seemed logical.

If you are not interested in MP3 Playback, I say wait a bit and see if the T615 is released, particularly if you are interested in a great form factor. If not, you might pick up a 610 for next to nothing and be just as satisfied. Plus, the 610 has better battery life.

If you want MP3, I can highly recommend the 760. My Dad loved mine so much he bought him one.

If you have any specific questions, please let me know.

**As an aside, there have been rumors circulating that HandERA has a Color device in the works. If this is true, it could easily be the Ultimate PalmOS PDA. Just a thought.**

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Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 14

Next Prism

I'm wondering some of the same things as well ... has anyone heard Handspring even hint to updating the Prism? Either an "Edge" style device with a color screen, or a new device that is roughly the same size, but still has a springboard expansion slot and is upgraded to 16mb RAM.

-Doug

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 1571

Re: Next Prism

I think Handspring will release an updated "Prism" with a similar screen as the upcoming Treo in the Spring/early Summer. I think they decide not to release anything this year because of Sony taking things to the next level. Handspring like to be ahead not behind when it comes to new features (ala USB sync, Springboard, 16 bit color and 16 MB RAM).

quote:

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Originally posted by dtoombs
I'm wondering some of the same things as well ... has anyone heard Handspring even hint to updating the Prism? Either an "Edge" style device with a color screen, or a new device that is roughly the same size, but still has a springboard expansion slot and is upgraded to 16mb RAM.

-Doug

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

Re: Re: Next Prism

quote:

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Originally posted by yardie
I think they decide not to release anything this year because of Sony taking things to the next level. Handspring like to be ahead not behind when it comes to new features (ala USB sync, Springboard, 16 bit color and 16 MB RAM).

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