Visor Phone Released

Tihstae writes "Since this hasn't been mentioned yet, I figured I would bring it to everyone's attention. Of course I did ordered mine before the slashdot effect. You can get yours visorphone here " This looks a lot nicer then the clunky Qualcomm/Palm III version that was available for awhile, but I still think its a bit large. I'm still waiting for the handhelp PDA/Phone with a nice built in game system, and enough memory for a few days of MP3s tho. Oh, and 802.11 networking, and the ability to remotely display X11 apps. And it should cook rice perfectly every time.

Comments

Re:I still don't get it

[plover]

You get a modem -- think internet connection from your pocket. It's at least as useful as the OmniSky or Palm VII, both of which are very cool (my coworkers use them almost every lunch hour.)

You get a phone, while adding only 2.9 oz to your pocket (and that includes the LIon battery.) And you get the full functionality of dialing straight out of the address book application.

The three reasons I don't have a cell phone on me 24x7 are the weight, size and subsequent wrangling of an additional device. I'm thinking I can even ditch my alphanumeric pager if the SMS thing pans out. (Of course, that won't happen until GSM coverage becomes more widespread around here.) The only drawback I can see is it won't do analog dual-mode (for those times when GSM just ain't gonna happen.)

John

Programming info

[maddogsparky]

Below is a reply received on December 3rd to some questions I submitted on their developer site a while back.

Is there any technical information available to facilitate creating 3rd party apps for the VisorPhone?

Specifically, I'm interested in possibilities involving the microphone, speaker and headset. Also, is there any memory available for apps in the module?

Hi xxxxx,

Sorry for the long delay in getting back to you.

We will be making an API for VisorPhone available that will allow you to manipulate the phone. I believe we'll be publishing the APIs later in the month. The microphone is passed up from the handheld to the Springboard slot directly. The speaker and headset are part of the module electronics. I mention this because some developers are interested in manipulating these features with software running on the handheld which isn't possible outside the phone. For example, the APIs will allow you to establish a call from software. They won't include functionality to utilize the mic or speaker directly though.

Data is handled by using the phone just like a circuit switched modem.

The space in the Flash module is likely to be pretty tight. App space on the module memory is a great idea, but I don't think we were able to do that this time around.

Business related inquires can also be directed to DevInfo@Handspring.com if you'd like to discuss the commercial aspects of this product.

Mike, DTS

Watch out for coverage!

[RebornData]

Coverage for the service plan is really weak. Although "Georgia" is listed in the quote below from the Visor website, I live 5 miles from downtown Atlanta, and my zipcode isn't covered. What's the point of rolling out a device like this with such weak coverage? So many of the people that need something like this travel extensively.

From the visor website:

Regional Rollout
Handspring will be rolling out service coverage on a regional basis over the next several months, beginning with Pacific Bell Wireless and BellSouth Mobility. We currently have coverage in California, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. We expect to be adding both VoiceStream and Powertel in the new year.

PalmVNC

[Col. Klink (retired)]

the ability to remotely display X11 apps

Get the PalmVNC vncviewer to display your X11 stuff.