Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 22

Prism or Pro?

Brand-new to this Forum (and Forums in general) and I need help with a decision. I also posted this in the General Discussion area. However, since you folks are the Prism experts, I thought that I might get some good feedback by posting here as well. If double-posting is inappropriate, my apologies. Slap my hand and I will learn.

So here's my issue:

I have a Pro on the way. When I was deciding between the Pro or the Prism, I had to weigh the benefits of more memory versus color. Went with the memory. Now, I'm doubting my decision.

I've just learned about Memplug and how they can 'add' additional memory -- when a Memplug can be used to add 32 / 64 / 128 / even 256 MB of memory to the Visor, what's the big difference between starting with 8 or 16? In short, it looks like I can 'add' more memory, but b&w lasts forever...

Any feedback...preferences...suggestions from actual users? I plan on using my Visor as an organizor mainly...but I just bought a Thinmodem for $10 and also have a cell phone that I can do wireless with -- so I'm do a little email checking and surfing for quick info. when I'm out and about. Price is the same and they'll be no issues with exchanging if that's what I decide to do...Thanks in advance.

Registered: Oct 2001
Location: Jupiter, FL
Posts: 11

I've used a Deluxe for about a year now, and never ran short of memory (except for the time I loaded Mapopolis, along with maps for the four counties comprising the East Coast of South Florida and the Keys). Just got my Prism to replace it, and it is NICE! I did get a Memplug about a month or two ago, although I didn't really need it, but the price was right. NowI can carry those maps with me without clogging up my memory!

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That's what I wanna mean!

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1062

Hey, debit, and welcome to VC.
Double posting isn't really necessary here b/c most of us read all (or the majority of) the forums.

Anyway, I have had my Prism (after being a Deluxe user for an approx. year) for two or so months. [Long story as to how I had an Edge for two days and exchanged it for the same price Prism even though it was very nice looking.]

The major thing I like about the color device is using Datebook4 (a third party application with mega features) to organize my life. The color allows me to have a pretty fancy and easy to understand calendar b/c Datebook4 supports color icons and colored fonts/backgrounds for different categories of appointments or to do items. You should look at this users' group and this Datebook4 home site for details, as it is hard to adequately sing its praises here.

Of course, the color is nice for games, too. But it has improved my calendaring immensely.

Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 22

Thanks to both of you for replying! Right now, I'm leaning towards the Prism. However, I have to make my decision very soon. The Pro is scheduled to be delivered by UPS today...and I was told (by Handspring) to refuse delivery if I wanted the Prism instead. If I do it this way, they'll take care of the shipping and I will incur no extra costs for my indecisiveness!

Anyway, best case scenerio would be if a new 16 MB Prism was released in the next day or two...however, I'm not banking on that...Any other opinions?

Registered: Oct 2001
Location: I'm from Idaho (yes we do have technology here...)
Posts: 38

When I was looking for a new visor, I decided to go with the pro instead of the prism. I planned to use my visor in school with the stowaway to take notes with. I also liked the idea of having onboard RAM instead of from a card in the springboard slot. My biggest reason for going with the pro was the extra memory (which means I won't need more later on) and the extended battery life. If you are planning to use your visor and hotsync (and charge it) every single day, then perhaps color is good for you. But I like the slightly thinner form factor and knowing that the battery isn't going to die on me in the middle of class-- because it lasts more than six hours.

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Docscully

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Utah
Posts: 78

Go with the Prism. The color is worth it because it BRIGHT and eash to read. I've used a Palm V and a Visor Deluxe. Both screens are ok, but difficult to read unless you are in a bright room or outside. The Prism light is so powerful you could use it for a flashlight, really.

Of course, the Prism is hard, but not impossible, to read outside in bright sunlight. But if you are like me, 99-percent of the time I use my Visor inside.

BTW, I switched from a Palm V to a Visor Deluxe to have more memory. I recently purchased the Memplug with a 64 meg Smartmedia card. Although not perfect, it works fine and I have LOTS of storage space and backup space.

Just do what works best for you.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 91

WAIT!

Do yourself a big fave and wait , the Treo and New Versions of the Prism and Platnum are right around the corner.

If you can't wait , I would say go with the pro or Delux , and save yourself some cash.

Apps are just getting better and better , especialy Black And White apps.

Regards,
~X~

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Registered: Aug 2000
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1062

well??

I wanna know what you did, debit! You said you had to decide before the package arrived....
Kelley

Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 22

Well K. Cannon --

I'll told my buddy (the UPS man) to send the PRO back!!! Haven't ordered the Prism yet -- but I'm almost certain that's what I'll do. At this point, I'm not longer very concerned with the Prism only having 8MB of memory -- rather, the 'conversations' regarding the battery life of the Prism are a little alarming. I know that there's a program that helps with this issue -- do you (or anyone) find the battery life issue to be too much of a drag? It won't be any problem for me to recharge every night -- but I need to be able to make it through the day.

SOOO, here I sit with a Thinmodem...a keyboard...a case that I friend gave me...and NO VISOR...that's just not right!!!

Thanks again for the replies!!! What a great place to come for information!!

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1062

quote:

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Originally posted by debit
do you (or anyone) find the battery life issue to be too much of a drag?

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Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 26

Speaking of battery life, I was wondering......

I ordered my Prism from Handspring, and they threw in a travel charger for free. My question is, can I use the travel charger as if it's just plugged in, rather than draining the battery? If I'm home, or at my desk, I'd think that having it plugged in could work really well. And, it would certainly be less bulky than using the hotsync cradle.

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Di
http://loveyourmother.homestead.com
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Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 447

quote:

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Originally posted by Di
Speaking of battery life, I was wondering......

I ordered my Prism from Handspring, and they threw in a travel charger for free. My question is, can I use the travel charger as if it's just plugged in, rather than draining the battery? If I'm home, or at my desk, I'd think that having it plugged in could work really well. And, it would certainly be less bulky than using the hotsync cradle.

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Registered: Aug 2000
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1062

quote:

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Originally posted by Di
And, it would certainly be less bulky than using the hotsync cradle.

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Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 26

Actually, I haven't used a Prism yet, at all. Last week my dog ate my Platinum, so I had to replace it. I opted for the Prism, which hopefully, will be delivered today. I have already downloaded tons of software, in anticipation of the arrival of my new full-color geek toy. Yeah, yeah...... it's also a must-have workhorse for me.

I'm sure I'll be posting more questions, concerns, etc. later tonight. :-)

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Di
http://loveyourmother.homestead.com
http://www.pbase.com/di

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1062

You're going to LOVE having color! I still can't get over how much better it is than my VDX was. I have dial up at home, so don't check in much over weekend, but hope your Prism comes today!! Enjoy!

Registered: Oct 2001
Location: Macau
Posts: 52

I use my prism very extensively, especially on long trips, and so far I haven't found the battery life to be a problem. I do keep the brightness setting way down most of the time, though, and I have an emergency battery pack for when I need to recharge and can't get to an outlet (such as on planes and buses). And I love having color!

Registered: Jan 2002
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 22

Just a quick note to Kelley (K. Cannon) and anyone else who might be interested:

I got the Prism! It wasn't an easy or quick decision -- but I definitely think that it was the right one. This thing is soooo cool! I actually sort-of went back to thinking that the Pro was the way to go -- convinced myself that the color was more of a 'fun' factor, rather than truly useful...and if I was getting a PDA to serve a useful function, then I should get the more practical one. Well, screw that -- the color's cool and that's o.k.

The battery life is a bit of a downer -- but w/Office Depot's screamin' deals on leftover Visor stuff (not carrying them anymore), I got a travel charger for under $10 ... just ordered a Prism car charger online for $9.99...and will also get a battplug for plane rides. I figure if I have the full arsenal from the get-go, the power drain issue will never get the best me! Also, considering getting the Energy Dimmer program as well.

One more thing: I've done searches within this site for recommended programs...and, so far, I've downloaded bejeweled -- the Handspring updates -- and the 'Contrast' utility --- I think that's it. If anyone has any 'must have' suggestions, pass 'em along.

Also, I have a memplug SM on the way -- is it possible to store and run programs DIRECTLY from the SM card/Memplug combination? If I'm understanding correctly, I think that it is w/the help of an additional program (that's not included w/the Memplug). I, of course, can re-read the various posts of this subject, but if someone can confirm this as TRUE or FALSE, well...that would be great!

In short, thanks to all who responded with their opinions -- I just love this little guy!

Registered: Jun 2001
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 108

Run progs for SM card

Congratulations on you choice to buy the Prism. I love mine. The Memplug card can run applications right from the Smartmedia card. The program that does this is called PiDirect and supports up to 20 Programs being loaded on the card. Not everything works from the memory card. I have about an 85% success rate. Take a look at the Springboard discussion board and you will find a ton of info on the Memplugs.

Other apps that you need for your Prism:
Handsprings "Photo Viewer" program
Fireviewer
Launcher III
Bigclock.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1062

quote:

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Originally posted by debit
I got the Prism! It wasn't an easy or quick decision -- but I definitely think that it was the right one.

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Registered: Jan 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 1

Pro vs Prism

Well thanks to all of you I believe I have finally made up my much confused mind:

Pro vs. Prism

The following issues were preventing me from choosing the Prism;

Readablilty in Sunlight
8MB of RAM
Battery Life

I think I my confusion has just about ended and I am psyched!

Since I am into programming, game development and the web - color was up there on my list. A lot of my "faves" WERE PREVENTING ME FROM TAKING THE PLUNGE. Now that I read that it is not impossible to read in sunlight, the memplug and cards make memory and applicatiopns accessible, and there are so many forms of extending battery life - I am up there.

Now that I have decided - I have to wait for that jewel to arrive - That will just make my fondness grow stronger (i will propbably end up hugging and kissing it when I do receive it - I know too much info)