Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 64

I've had my Visor Dx for several months and love it. I mainly bought it for the expanded RAM and the capability to expand it (for future GPS support). It's been almost 3 months that I've had it now and still no GPS.

So like the rest of us, I'm curious about Palm's IIIc. Sure enough, there is a GPS available for the Palm IIIc. No, it's not available now, but neither is any Springboard GPS.

I've got a buyer lined up now for my Visor. The question is, do you think I should wait for the Springboard GPS module or should I go for the Palm IIIc now and take my chances on their GPS.

(for the record, I didn't really have any interest in other Springboard modules)

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 19

The IIIc is big. With an external GPS module it will be even bigger. All that so you can GPS yourself in color?!? Think again! Visor isn't that big and since it uses the springboard for GPS it won't get any bigger.

IIIc -> Large, Two seperate units, but in color.
Visor -> Small, ONE unit, greyscale.

To be honest I don't know why you are even thinking about IIIc. My guess is that you want to use color capability for other things than GPS. Otherwise you don't make sense....in my opinion that is

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 64

Well, I see your argument, but here's the differences (Visor, Palm IIIc) in inches:

Width: (3.17, 3.00)
Height: (4.80, 5.06)
Depth: (0.70, 0.67)

So we've got the Visor Dx at 10.65 in^3 while the Palm IIIc is at 10.17 in^3. Plus, I've got very big hands (size 14 shoes) so even the Visor seems small in my hand.

As for weight, the Visor Dx weighs in at 5.4 oz. and the Palm IIIc at 6.8. About a pound more, but I've been working out.

Size and weight isn't a big concern, especially when it's so negligible.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 64

Sorry, forgot to mention this last time, but the Springboard that I've seen for a GPS has quite a substantial footprint (translation = it's big!). If you've seen one that I haven't, then by all means, let me know.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 16

I've got my hands on IIIc today. I tried every single features on it and to be honest.....it's a bit too expensive. The only substantial upside is the TFT screen. But it's over $200 more and I would not invest my $ on it.

As for the GPS option....unless you are going to the Jungles of Columbia tomorrow...I think it's worth waiting for the Handspring module to come out.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 19

You should hold them in your hands. Then you'll see that the size does matter. Still it's expensive to get color. If you're on the move you won't like carrying two units instead of one (lumpy) unit. Why don't you get yourself a Casio GPS watch

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 82

If you use your Visor to do a lot of reading and text editing, as I do.. frankly it's no contest...the 3c's screen is fantastic..if you can justify the cost.
BTW...the 3c feels smaller in the hand than the Visor..

[This message has been edited by intraman (edited 03-01-2000).]

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 114

Tequila,

Just mention that the width of visor is 3.0 while 3c is 3.17 so maybe you'd like to recalculate their volumes. IMO not a big deal, though.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 64

I don't think .17 inches will make that big a deal. Thanks for pointing that out though.

1.4 ounces heavier wouldn't bother me either. The Palm IIIe (which I used for about a week) weight 6 ounces so an extra .8 ounce wouldn't even be noticable.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 10

Life is too short not to try and be happy. I have had my Visor for 3 months with no problems. I know Palm makes a great product as well. If money is not important to you and you want color - damn, go buy color. The board talks about the costs associated with the different products, but some people don't actually have to worry about a few hundred bucks. My point is, if you want the color Palm just go buy it. I am sure it will be a great product just like Handspring's products.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 64

I think I'm to the point where I'll actually have to see it and try it before I'll buy it. Money is a big concern for me, but also is having the latest and greatest (hey, I'm a geek like the rest of you). If after holding it in my hand I see that it's worth it, I'll splurge and buy it. Hell, I should be getting a new job soon that should cover the upgrade cost.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 51

This is the conclusion of the review from the gadgeteer. www.the-gadgeteer.com/palmiiic-review.html
Read the review and decide for yourself.

Pros:
Color screen.
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Cons:
Besides color, no other major new features to the OS.
Built-in applications don't take advantage of color.
Down scroll button doesn't work that well.
Unit is slightly more sluggish than other models.

There is another review on Pen Computing site www.pencomputing.com/palm/Reviews/palmiiic.html


[This message has been edited by saranss (edited 03-03-2000).]

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
Posts: 64

Thanks for that review. After reading it, I think I'll stick with my Visor. Speed is a big issue for me and I even see the Visor as being slow at times. If a Visor user noticed speed on the Palm IIIc right away, then it's not for me.

I'll wait for Palm's next color unit or Handspring's first.