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The new Palm VIIx
Several readers wrote in about the new Palm VIIx. It looks really nice and all, but I've got to say that the Handspring looks good too. If anyone's had a chance to use a prerelease of the new VIIx, please post your experiences below.
I want something in the Palm V style casing with a color screen. I also wish they'd get rid of that little writing space and replace it with more screen real-estate and just make writing on the entire screen the default. Maybe even a more natural writing feel like the Cross pen stuff so there's a bit more resistance when I'm writing on the screen to make it feel more like paper.
Actually I'd like it to be slightly larger, but thinner.
Either that or one of those little 'padd's from Star Trek... nice and thin with a very simple interface and a highly efficient input mechnism. I personally can do without all those fancy graphics and 3D bullshit in a tiny device, but that's just me.
The world is neither black nor white nor good nor evil, only many shades of CowboyNeal.
yeah.. funny, isn't it.. i'm the first one with the news, yet i'm redundant 'cause some other guy got modded up to 5 quicker..
thanks for noticing, though..
wish
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There have been indications on palm-dev-forum that OS4.0 will be dramatically different. No clue on when it will arrive, but it will presumably be associated with new hardware (possibly the rumored switch to the StrongARM processor; more likely some sort of expansion interface and higher display resolution/larger screens)
I need to get my Batman Factor up to three. I only have my Leatherman and my Nokia 5120 on my belt right now...
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When in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout. --Robert A. Heinlein
I use energizer NiMH rechargeable AAAs. They last me about 2-3 weeks, and supposedly last 1000 cycles.
I don't need large brains to have a good time.
Also, people failed to note (*cough* *cough* I did, but got rejected) the new M100, which is supposed to be colourful, $149, 8mb...
Call it a guess, but perhaps your were rejected because the M100 ships with 2MB, not 8MB.
Now, I am not one to be picky, but this might be it!
You want to talk about apples and oranges, quit using the company name as the product name. It is the Handspring Visor. The name of the product is not the "Handspring." And although it's not due until later this month, the Glenayre @ctiveLink will be the first 2-way Springboard module (and also the first to be usable outside the Visor).
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James Hromadka
"The objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved." -- John Ashcroft
Thank you! I've been searching these comments waiting for people to stop putting that damned Visor up on such a high pedestal... I think they just like the pretty colours...
Anyway, I just bought my first handheld (until recently I considered them rather silly) and I opted for a TRGpro. Yeah, they're a bit expensive but if you happen to want expandability they are definitely the only way to go. I've had mine for a little under a week now, and I've been having *great* fun just toying around with it. Pretty soon I may decide to buy a CF modem (or heck, even a serial port would do) so I can play around with a few of the internet apps.
The CF slot is an industry standard (or so I believe), with lots of hardware already on the market, whereas that Spingboard is proprietary.
And now I shall commence in pointing out to all of you Palm and Visor users that I have the ability to buy a 340MB hard disk or 56k modem for my PalmOS device of choice. Nyah.
Actually, according to their grid they do have a few different wireless modules, including an 802.11 compatible module. And it still should come out cheaper than a palm VII, which requires you to use their expensive Palm.net dialup service.
nosilA
Another nice thing about CF is that it's electrically compatible with PCMCIA; you buy a cheap ($10) adapter, and your CF+ modem (or flash memory) will also work with a standard laptop.
My Blog. Sela Ward can sell me long distanc
- There are very few things that Springboard modules can do that software can't. And if you want removable storage, nothing can beat a TRGpro, which is like a Palm IIIxe with a CF slot. A camera is also available for Palm devices.
- The speedup of the HotSync time by using USB instead of serial is negligible. My serial sync takes about 1.5 minutes, downloading of four fairly large AvantGo channels over dialup included. On the other hand, USB synchronizing is not supported under Windows 2000, and may be flakey elsewhere. The serial cradles are extra.
- The case is pretty, but also a bit thicker and bulkier. The cover isn't attached to the unit, which isn't very convenient at all.
Don't get me wrong. I respect Palm's remembering Apple's mistake and allowing others to compete with them, and I applaud Handspring for building such a huge customer base so quickly. I hope that Handspring continues to grow, and that a few other competitors appear.I just fail to see any advantage to buying a Visor for the same price as a similar Palm.
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you know, I don't want to hear about the "experiences with palms" that people WILL post.
Bad things often happen to good people,
It is up to them to see that they remain good.
--Ben
www.trgpro.com
Wider IR port, better sound, CF slot, 8mb memory plus 2megs of flash default, ability to run apps off a CF flash card (340mb IBM micro-drive anyone?), ability to store & run apps in flash. Reasonably priced... you get what you pay for.
Ok, that's enough.
-phillip
Anybody have a clue when the new PalmOS is coming out? I'm doing work with "Windows Powered Pocket PCs" (I hate marketing), and the WinCE operating system simply kicks PalmOS in the butt.
Besides the amazing hold Palms have on the market, what tricks do they have up their sleaves to maintain their position on top?
"Blue Elf has destroyed the food!"
Because you can't, you won't, and you don't stop...
I've been using the 'deluxe' aka 8MB version of Handspring's Visor now for about three months, and it has been great. It does what I want, since it runs the PalmOS it has plenty of apps available for it, etc. And I do happen to like the springboard module idea - I think of it as a way to customize my handheld (I want to turn it into a GPS unit). My Visor cost $250, direct from the retailer. A GPS unit would run about $150-$-200. Modems for the Visor run $120-$150.
The new Palm VIIx is probably nice (I'm still looking at the stats and I'm not too impressed), but I want to know what makes it cost $150 more.
Exocet Industries - Taking over the world, one computer at a
Wireless Ethernet to your office from 300 feet away maybe....
I just bought my first PDA, (the PalmOS-based TRGpro) and I am loving it.
Anyway, about the star trek padd thing... I remember way back when watching Data and Geordi LaForge poke and prod on this little notebook-sized device that was possibly hundreds of thousands of times times more powerful than my 386 (16 MHz with 4MB RAM) and this thing's sole purpose was to *display data*. I wondered, back then, if I would ever see anything like it in my lifetime.
I turn 21 in 7 days, and my PalmOS device is about as fast as my old 386 with twice the amount of memory. I'm beginning to feel nostalgic.
[And about how they got data into a padd on ST, the data "synched" to the padd from the main computer using little memory sticks called isolinear data chips. They looked a lot like Sony's memory stick things, except translucent and colourful. Why not radio or infrared synching? I guess Star Trek writers were visionaries rather than inventors.
I've had my visor for about 4 months now, I love it.
It's a little smaller than the Palm VII and, if my understanding is correct, I can add an 8 MB expansion for a total of 16 MB. 16 Megs in a HANDHELD! That's 15 megs more than my first Mac.
I have had very few compatibility issues with Palm OS software. The IR works perfectly with a Palm VII, just about a week ago I did my first "business card" beaming. It went off without a hitch.
I like the springboard module slot. I can add a modem, or MP3 Player when my pocketbook allows.
All in all, it's a great value for the money.
LK
"Hi. This is my friend, Jack Shit, and you don't know him." - Lord Kano
According to Palm's site, the dimensions (wlh and weight) of the m100 are exactly the same as the Palm V and Vx. That in and of itself makes it attractive.
.7" while this is just .4", just over half as thick.
If I didn't already have a V, I'd love to be able to get such a small Palm for $150. the Visor's
That and at $150 I'd be comfortable taking it places I wouldn't risk my Palm V.
This'll definitely be the must-give present for the spouses, SOs and kids of devout Palm V/Vx owners.
Kevin Fox
Kevin Fox
Actually, I use the the spare slipcase from my old Compas.(Network debugging tool) I have exactly that Handspring monster, and it kept slipping off my belt. I saw some heavy duty slip through key clips at the hardware store and thought about gluing one on, but never got around to it..
.sig: Now legally binding!
But what's nice about it is that the digitizer is plastic, not glass. While this makes it feel a little bit cheaper, it also makes the unit a LOT more durable. I've dropped my TI calculator (with its plastic screen) dozens of times onto hard floors, and it always survived; dropping a glass-screened Palm on the floor results in the instant death of the organizer.
IMO, this will be a nice selling point in bringing the Palm platform to the educational market. No more spending $100 for a replacement screen.
For more information, click here.
True, but a wireless modem for Handspring will be out soon enough. More then that, there will be a _choice_ of wireless modems and plans. Just take a look here -- 4 wireless modules were shown at PC Expo.
If anyone actually has a Visor with a module of some kind, let me know.
Well, I have a EyeModule for my visor, and I love it. I've been having way too much fun with it since I got it.
Plug and play works great - stick it in, and the software gets installed.
The resolution is 320x240 - pretty good for web pages.
Picture quality is good while moving in bright (outdoor) light; if you are indoors, you have to hold still.
If it gets too dark, you get the "Christmas Light" effect that old color quick cams used to get.
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I own one too and I'd like to add to the other posters comments about the battery. It *would* be nice to have build in rechargables but seeing how my batteries are going to last approximately 6-8 *weeks* between depletion I'm not seeing that as too much of a downer.
The calculator is also far better than the built in Palm calculator (at least on the IIIxe). The visor calculator has nifty modes like scientific and logic.
That said I hope the whole boatload of Palm devices has great success. I'd rather not see 'infighting', rather more one-upmanship.
Fsck cluebie moderators. I'll say what I want, offtopic or not. And fsck having to qualify every bloody statement just
Bad:
Can't update the OS from Linux. I run ONLY linux everywhere. Therefore I can't update the OS.
Damn memory bug basically makes my room mate's palm pilot useless. When she checked 3com's web site, they didn't have a fix out. I'm not sure if they do yet or not.
Good:
I've personally never had the problems with mine that the room mate's had with hers. I've never lost data due to it crashing or had it just completely go apeshit.
I can't update the OS with Linux, but I can do just about everything else with it. So synching and stuff is pretty straight forward.
Of course, the PalmOS is perfectly suited for a limited use PDA. It gives me just the right amount of functionality for what I use it for.
Slim size lets me carry it in my pocket everwhere. I'm more likely to have my palm pilot on me as I am to have a watch.
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?
Yes.
For more information, click here.
I have a Visor Deluxe (8MB) in blue. I love the thing, to be honest. Here's a breakdown of the good and bad about it:
Good:
Inexpensive
USB-native hotsynch utilizing the entire throughput for very fast synch operations
Datebook+ is superior to Datebook
Springboard expansion slot already has modules for modems, barcode scanners, books, games, remote controls, digital cameras and (I think) ethernet, with others on the way.
Macintosh ready out-of-the-box
Bad:
No flash ROM (but the OS can be upgraded under certain circumstances)
Runs on AAA batteries rather than rechargeable ones
Certain units have a memory problem. Handspring has released a patch.
Is it the handheld for everyone? Probably not. However, based on the number and types of springboard modules on the market already, it's only a matter of time before the Visor will have all the capabilities of a Palm VII.
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Something cleverI like color also, but it seems to me that much of what I can do with a palm I can do in black and white. I mean, do I really need appointments in color? sure I can prioritize/categorize, but how important is that? I'm not saying color isn't good, but as I understand it it drains batteries MUCH faster. So, is there a way to solve this problem? I would prefer B/W with longer battery life to color, but seeing as I can't afford either...
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Uh, I had a Compas+, a Netronics II, a Visor, a Gerber Gatorback and a Leatherman on my belt, plus a laptop in a carrying case for quite a while. Cellphones and pagers are in the pocket under the watch, so the vibrate feature isn't ignorable.
;)
One good thing about the Batman Factor; If you walk in to a place armed to the teeth, they assume you know what you're doing. Try it. Walk into some random office in jeans and a plain Tee with a BF over three (devices), and ask to see the telco equipment.
.sig: Now legally binding!
I don't need an extra modem: my Palm IIIx connects seamlessly by IR to my GSM mobile (a Nokia 8210, really tiny great thing). OK, it's 9600bps but I can get my mail in the train.
:( OK, I know there's tri-band mobiles that work everywhere available from Motorola, but that's another story.
Browsing is slow, although I can access WAP sites that are a little bit faster but scarce in content. And GSM mobiles work almost everywhere in the world, except in the USA of course
Considering the power and memory available on Palm PDAs, I think 9600bps (or 14.400 in rare cases) are quite enough to send or receive email. If you need more, get a laptop. It'll still work with the mobile phone as a modem and there's great chances you'll have a regular modem in it. Or just wait for the 3G phones, it'll be 2MB/s...
Now, I'd love to see those Palm/phone hybrids from Kyocera that are on the US market only 'cause they don't do GSM (only CDMA) OTOH, I like having the choice between having a tiny mobile (79g only) that fits anywhere and the full geek gear (a Palm III is quite bulky, can't wait getting a Vx!).
In other words, why would somebody want a *real* modem in a Palm, when usually you got the mobile ready for the task, with no cable/hassle with it? OK, here everyone has a mobile and all Palm owners I know also have a mobile, since they pretty much fit together in a standard geek logic.
.max
-- It's always darker before it goes pitch black.
I've been using a VII and a V+OmniSky service (via Novatel CDPD modem) for work recently and I think that the Omnisky is the way to go. For $49 (I think) a month we get unlimited service on the Omnisky at 19.2k, whereas the Palm VII is limited to a much smaller amount of data for $39 a month at a much lower BW (although it seems to have a lower latency).
The cool thing about the OmniSky is that you can pull the modem off of the Palm V when you decide you don't want wireless access and the thing is much smaller. Also, I get the feeling the Palm VII is doomed because it's tied to an older packet radio network compared to the OmniSky.
wish
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The m100, also on Palm's web site came out today. It has 2MB of RAM and is designed to replace the Palm IIIe, and compete with the Handspring Visor. Despite not having the Visor's SpringBoard slot, the m100 sports a cover with a special hole so that you can see the clock through it, and changeable faceplates. It also allegedly has flash memory for OS upgrades, something the Visor lacks.
Also today, the Vx debuted in two limited-edition colors: champagne and "millennium blue." Kind of a shame that there wasn't any other innovation attached.
For more information, click here.
I've used the IIIc and the III and I have to say there's no compelling reason for the colour display. The only useful thing I can do is view colour images. The OS itself was designed before colour and gains very little from the being in colour (in fact it renders noticeably slower). The IIIc is just Palm's answer to the colour WinCE devices.
I also hate the fact that I have to recharge my Palm in the cradle. AAA batteries are a much better idea.
The one point I do agree on is the form factor. The Palm V is the only remotely attractive device in the Palm stable. The IIIc form factor just plain sucks (they took the III and made it bigger! What the hell?). The VII is also a sterling example of appalling case design. I can't say the M100 grabs me either with it's smaller display.
My next Palm WILL be a Vx...8MB, crisp display and nice form factor...although of course it won't work with my existing cradles (but that's another mail altogether!).
Does the m100 have the same dimensions as the other Palm screens? The picture of it on the palm site makes it look shorter than the VII. Same number of pixels?
Just wonderin'
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"May I have ten thousand marbles, please?"
It looks cool, but with the exception of hideously overpriced software, I'm very happy with my Psion Series 5mx. 16 meg, flash slot, IR port, serial port, and a keyboard (doesn't come with anything like graffiti, but Scribble works fairly well and it's free). It works fine using my cell phone as a modem or even a regular external modem.
(Side note: Can palms do this as well? I know about hooking them up to GPS with serial cables).
Chris the MathFreak
i dropped mine into a vat of molten lava. i lost my hand when i reached in to retrieve my palm so i can't attest to its durability.
How about Qualcomm's PDQ. It does analog+PCS phone and has a Palm (III I think) built in. Lets you use the palm address book to dial numbers, etc. I'm pretty sure you can use the net over the cellular coverage. No MP3 though, but I think you could hook up a serial GPS module. It's also about $800 :)
Shine on, you crazy diamond.
It broke within three weeks! The plastic the tips are made out of is really weak. Crumbles right to bits after a couple weeks. Never again!
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Editor Emeritus and Senior Writer, TeleRead.org
...which is really what is pissing you off, isn't it? :)
I don't need or want color. With the exception of the iPAQ at $799+, every other color PDA out there has a screen that is absolutely unreadable outdoors. Why on earth would I want that? The screen on my Palm V is wonderfully sharp inside or outside.
Li Ion? I've got that now in my Palm V. Wireless? Not everyone needs or wants that, especially if I have to pay $25 bucks a month for it.
The bottom line is you can have just about everything YOU want, but you'd have to pay about $800 for it. Most people aren't willing to pay that for a PDA.
As for your single new Palm unit for customers to invest in, that's just silly. No computer/PDA/phone can be everything to all people. Different strokes for different folks, which is why Palm is making all these different units.
This page has more details on the hardware.
pt
Will the real Richard Stallman please stand up?
If you're comparing the III series to the Visor, they have roughly the same BF - e.g. how stupid you look wearing them on your belt. So, all other things equal, I'd have to say hands down the visor whoops the pants off the IIIseries, especially since you can get nifties like modules to do I/O, hopefully bluetooth, maybe even 802.11 someday.
Now, the Palm V series are the pinnacle of handheld engineering right now IMHO due to the incredibly low batman factor. The belt clip-on case doesn't make you look like a tool, and it's actually light enough that you can just put it in your pocket. The WinCE devices and other's just can't win due to the high BF: You can't carry them EVERYWHERE. Which, I think is the point of a handheld device..
Batman factor is especially important if you've already got one or two things on your belt; I usually have my startac and a leatherman, so my BF is pretty high. :)
For the record; I own a Palm Pro, 1 Meg, use it every day, and don't wear it on my belt. I can't decide between a visor and a Palm V, but since I have a vaio already for I/O, I'll probably end up with a V. They're sweeeet. I can't seem to kill my old US Robotics Pro though, despite not bothering to put it in a case, not bothering with screen protectors, etc etc, it won't die. Damnit. :)
..don't panic
The visor looks like a pretty neat toy for a lot less money. Does anyone have experience with it?
GeneralKael -- Slacker Extraordinaire
translucent color case of the visor might be cool for kids, but the plastic breaks easier and the buttons are crappy
In case you didn't notice, you can get a visor in plain old black plastic. I just happen to have one in my pocket right now. Granted, titanium or polished aluminum would be cooler, I haven't had a problem with the plastic yet.
"Hi. This is my friend, Jack Shit, and you don't know him." - Lord Kano
I've also written opinion pieces on the M100 (my opinion: uglier than heck!) and the Claudia Schiffer Palm Vx (my opinion: why???).
(Full disclosure: Yes, they are Themestream articles.)
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Editor Emeritus and Senior Writer, TeleRead.org
The only thing that the VIIx adds is more memory, according to Palm's press release. So take the experiences of having a Palm VII and multiply times 4.
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James Hromadka
"The objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved." -- John Ashcroft