Registered: Nov 2000
Location: sOuThErN kaLi
Posts: 462

Hi People,
I had a major question about the usability on Visor Platinum's. Have any of you used the Platinum since its release? How is the plastic painted case, screen, casing, etc. doing after your use of it? Would the Deluxe be a better choice, because I do not want my PDA to start falling apart on the physical hardware aspect. Thanks.

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nelson.hsieh
good artists copy, great artists steal. . .

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: DFW Metroplex, TX USA
Posts: 58

My Platinum has been, in every way, a better PDA than my Deluxe.

I've had no problems with the paint. The screen seems to be at least as good as my Deluxe. The unit as a whole seems more solid. My Deluxe seemed to have a lot of flexing of parts of the case and creaked when you held it in your hand and used it. The physical unit is definitely a step up.

I swap Springboards as I normally keep the 8MB flash module inserted, but pull it out often to use my Minstrel S wireless modem (Omnisky service). I've noticed no cracking of the case, nor any problems with the pins on the Springboard connector (knock on plastic).

For me, the increased speed was the selling point as I often search some large data bases I carry on the Platinum.

There are some of the features of the 3.5 version of Palm OS that I like, particularly in the area of security. I like that I can mask my private records rather than hiding them completely.

I'm very pleased with the Platinum.

-- Michael

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Cascade, MD
Posts: 74

I completely second Mcgaw's comments. My Platinum is faster, sturdier and altogether better than the Deluxe - which I liked a lot! Having owned a Palm V in the past, I definitely prefer the Visors!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 16

I would echo the previous reply's too. I used a VDLX for 10 months and it worked flawlessly, but the Plat is so much faster it is unbelieveable. I have a Prism but I use the Plat more often.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 27

No problems here. My Platinum is a sturdy unit w/no flex or case cracks-just don't drop it. Remember, the cost of glass replacement ($85-huge profit) is more expensive than it costs Handspring to manufacture these pda's. Just try to be aware of where your pda is located-shirt pocket etc-and don't bend over to tie your shoes...

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handspringer

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

quote:

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Originally posted by handspringer
No problems here. My Platinum is a sturdy unit w/no flex or case cracks-just don't drop it. Remember, the cost of glass replacement ($85-huge profit) is more expensive than it costs Handspring to manufacture these pda's. Just try to be aware of where your pda is located-shirt pocket etc-and don't bend over to tie your shoes...

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Although, the last I checked it was $100 to replace a screen through Palm. The Prism is definitely a solidly built machine (and I'm assuming the Platinum would be as well). I had my Prism on top of my car and drove off forgetting it was up there. Came back home 2 hour later after realizing what I had done and it was fine. I'm impressed! It was outside on the street with sub-zero temps having fallen 5 feet on to the concrete and it's still ticking! I had a IIIe fall 1 1/2 feet and it was useless. It looks like it fell on the top right corner (above the word "visor") because it's scratched a bit. It looks like there might be a metal case under the plastic, but I'm not sure. I can't see it clearly enough to say for sure. There's some durability testing for you, James! For my next trick I'm going to use my Prism underwater.

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-Joshua
Abortion: Darwinism at its finest.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 27

dick-richardson-I am glad to hear your Prism is still working. Just think, it would have cost you almost $100 a foot to replace it if it broke. As far as I know, Handspring will replace the screen for less than Palm. The fall from the shirt pocket example was a warning to the person who started this thread. Checkout http://www.palminfocenter.com/graveyard/ for more regrets and accidents.

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handspringer

Registered: Nov 2000
Location: sOuThErN kaLi
Posts: 462

Thanks for all the replies. My only question left is, is the screen and backlight truly better on the Platinum then the Deluxe, I have heard peoplewho say it is worst or equal, when it should be better. Thanks.

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nelson.hsieh
good artists copy, great artists steal. . .

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: DFW Metroplex, TX USA
Posts: 58

Alas, the backlighting on my Platinum is poor, very poor. Much worse than on my Deluxe.

I guess I'm lucky I don't have to use it.

-- Michael