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Summary: Handspring Visor Deluxe -- A Fantastic System!
Review: Handspring's Visor Deluxe is a superior device! It works excellently, and is totally reliable. Beyond that, Handspring-designed Springboard modules like their "back-up" module, the 8MB card, the digital camera module, and others, demonstrated to me the superior vision (no pun intended) of the Handspring company. Prior to purchasing my Handspring Visor Deluxe, I read & weighed the evaluations of all other Palm devices. For a month, I performed my own "hands-on" evaluations at computer & office stores, computer super-stores, and even my friend's Palm devices to compare operability. As a result of my evaluations, it because clear that Handspring's Visor Deluxe is superior its competition. Now, after receiving my Orange Handspring Visor Deluxe and putting it "to work", I could not be happier. It operates flawlessly -- as advertised. However, there are other considerations that I did not find online prior to my purchase. Some may be obvious, others may not. As a current user (and sufferer) of the HP320 CE Handheld/PC, I can tell you that there are several important advantages the Handspring Visor Deluxe has over Windows CE. The most important of which is "instant data retrieval/or input". How so, you ask? When you turn-on the Handspring Visor Deluxe, its programs are waiting for your use -- as in now. Not even remotely so with Handheld PCs. If you operate a CE (like my HP320 LX CE system) you know what I mean. It seems that CE manufacturers believed we needed to "enjoy" wait-times similar to that of a desktop spinning-up. But, if you're like me, you need data on-the-go, and the very last thing you need is to wait for a handheld system to "get ready to operate". Just imagine telling your boss or client, "uh...I should have that info (contact, whatever)...in a while...when my CE spins-up". Ridiculous. Time is more than money. On the other hand, Handspring Visor's operating system is ready immediately. No waiting. It's there. There is no wasted time. It is quite impressive. Incidentally, the Handspring Visor Deluxe also seemed quite a bit faster than its Palm competitors during my non-scientific in-store checks. Another advantage of the Handspring system is its "Palm Desktop Software". I expected a good system, but this software is truely superb. I installed the CD program on my Windows 98 platform without a single glitch. The software displays the easy-to-read calendar, addresses, and other important features, in very logically designed software pages. The main page is my favorite, as it does everything I need. However, if that doesn't work for you, there are other calendar pages available, and you can still easily access your memos, things-to-do, contacts, and addresses. It looks good, it's easy to read, and works perfectly. What more could you ask, I ask? Synchronizing Handspring Visor's data could not be easier. I purchased the Ice Serial Module to move data between my non-USB equipped PC and my Handspring, and it works great. However, prior to purchasing my Handspring, I did wonder how well this would work. Well, it works perfectly. Just open the Handspring HotSync program on your desktop, and press a single button on your Hansspring Cradle (serial or USB), and your data moves from PC-to-Handspring (or vica versa) in seconds. The desktop and Handspring display the transfer process and indicate completion. Incidentally, this process took only a few seconds even with my Serial Cradle. I would imagine the USB would move even faster, but, I'm quite happy with "a few seconds" for data transfer...to me, transferring data in a matter of seconds is less critical than continually waiting for data retrieval on a Windows CE unit, but that's my opinion. In any event, my data transfers have been perfect in my daily desktop-Handspring Visor "HotSyncs". The Springboard Modules (and the concept) are the way to go. Again...a Handspring trademark. I purchased the "Springboard Backup Module" which backs-up ALL data on the Handspring Visor...quite amazing. This also works perfectly, and is handy when you're entering data when you want to make sure you don't lose information -- when you're away from your desktop. $40 bucks for this module? Are you kidding? Definitely worth it. Ah yes, raw data entry. Some may choose to use Graffiti, or "soft" keyboard on the visor, when away from their desktop computer. My thoughts are that Graffiti may work fine for quick entries & numbers...and "short" bursts of input. However, I find myself away from my Sync-Desktop quite frequently, so I purchased the Targus folding keyboard for "remote operation". The Visor quickly snaps onto its contacts, and you're in business. I type quite fast, and I have not complaints with the Targus keeping up. It has excellent feel...actually "feels" like a Compaq laptop keyboard. So, this method of remote operations seems like the way to go for me...when you're on the go, and when you have sufficient time to enter information of any significant quantity (while away from your Sync-desktop). However, I found the competing "Go-Type" keyboard to be too small for my hands, and I wear a size 9.5 glove...so, I'm not sure how most people can stand it. I would recommend purchasing the $99 Targus "folding keyboard" instead. The Targus full-sized folding keyboard is very high quality unit, with tolarances for fit that seem more like a piece spacecraft equipment, rather than mere keyboard design. In short, this is a very impressive unit. Additionally, ALL integrated Handspring Visor Deluxe programs are accessable via the Targus' keys: Addresses, Memo, etc. Both the Visor and Targus will easily fit in your case, bag, or even loose pockets. My other recommendation is to buy a high quality case for both units -- The leather Sundex (for $8.00) works great for the Visor, and it looks great. There is probably a great case for the Targus, but I haven't fount it yet. However, it is fully protected in its own metalic case. Bottom line: Don't be in doubt of the Handspring Visor Deluxe system. It works great, and it seems that the possibilities are endless for reference software, organizing software, springboard modules (modems, multi-function modules including memory/modems/wireless modems/etc., and books-on-module), and the quality of this product is excellent. Definitely the best $250 bucks I've spent in many, many years. Go Vols! and buy ORANGE!
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Summary: Handspring Visor and Modem
Review: This is a great tool - I literally dumped the Franklin Planner over night. I was a late PDA adopter but couldn't be happier. The modem is a great module for ~$150 - it essentially eliminates the need to lug a PC around for e-mail when traveling, although you can't view attachments (not the end of the world for me). Scripts can be written that allow the use of SecureID cards for corporate systems - no problem here. I picked up an inexpensive case w/velcro closure for about $30. My co-workers with Palms envy the DateBook+ software, City Time application and 8 MBs of RAM that come standard on the Visor Deluxe. Overall, I would definitely buy one again.
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Summary: PALM EVOULUTION
Review: I WANT TO HAVE THIS PALM-DELUXE!!!!IT IS SO LOVELY~~~
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Summary: A very good PDA
Review: This is a very nice PDA, with lots of features and expandable. USB-equipped cradle works very well on my PC, with fast data syncing between the Visor and the PC. On improvement Handspring needs to have, however, is the quality control on these handhelds. I've had a chance to get my hands on three brand new Visor Deluxes out of the box, and the clicking of the control buttons feel differently on all three of them. Worst yet, on one of them the actual digitzer area on the touch screen is shifted a little toward the side (meaning is not exactly located evenly in the middle). The Visor is very well constructed, and the genereal feel of the buttons is very good, but certainly can stand improvement in better quality control.
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Summary: Best Gadget EVER!!!
Review: This is the absolute best gadget you will ever buy! It does everything from organizing your life, to downloading web pages, to replacing your TV / VCR remote. This is a definate must for the gadget enthusiast! I am VERY happy with this PDA; an excellant value that is both economical and fits in your pocket!
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Summary: OBJECTIVE REVIEW
Review: I bought the Handspring Visor Deluxe(graphite)about two months ago. I'd have to say that there are pros and cons to this product. At $249 the Handspring Visor Deluxe is affordable in comparison to other PDA's out in the market. It boasts 8MB of memory and contains pretty much the same features as a 3COM Palm Pilot. With 8MB of memory I was able to load many useful medical and drug information references (Apothecarium with LexiDrugs, Epocrates, Merck Manual). I guess what sold me on this product was the expandability. I love the whole module idea (something that the Palm IIIxe didn't have). If I want more memory or add a modem I can pop a gameboy game like module into the module port. The Handspring Visor is a good product, however, there are downfalls. On 3 occasions I lost all the medical and drug reference software I loaded onto the Visor because I ran out of battery power (and I wasn't being irresponsible by forgetting to change batteries). Handspring,if I can remember correctly, boast that its Visor could run for two months on standard triple A batteries. I have yet to see this advantage. I put in the batteries and 2 to 2.5 weeks later there's no more battery power. It's disconcerting when you want to look up information about a patients drug regimen and not have your references handy because the batteries are out. It's not like I use cheap batteries. I use energizer. I don't know if it's this specific PDA or that all PDA's drain this much power. I'm currently considering buying a backup module or selling my Visor and purchasing a different PDA.
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Summary: Best bang for the buck!
Review: I purchased my Visor about 3 weeks ago after depending on a Daytimer and a Sharp 128kb electronic organizer. I compared the Visor to the Palm, and talked to several owners of each. The Visor is definitely the way to go. I have been very pleased with it so far and have no problems. The only glitch was the first time I attempted to synch up with my desktop, and the resulting glitch was my fault for being a little to eager (didn't read the book). I called customer support and they were extremely polite and helpful in walking me through the steps to correct everything. Since then it's been perfect! Anybody want to buy a Sharp Electronic Organizer?
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Summary: Visor Deluxe better than Palm Vx
Review: After much thought I finally decided to upgrade from my Palm V to the Visor Deluxe, rather than going for the Palm Vx. Here are my reasons for my decision: - Visor has USB super-fast synchronization which is much faster than the Serial synch that you're stuck with on a Palm V/Vx (others can correct me if I'm wrong). I like to load up my Visor with tons of AvantGo subscriptions and Vindigo for NYC, and a bunch of reference e-books. With a USB, the hot-sync is very fast -- can't tell you how many times faster than serial. - I know the Palm Vx looks sleek and cool and everything, but the Visor deluxe blue (for example) looks cool too, although not so sleek. I've noticed people staring at it. - I can backup my data with the Backup Module, so I don't have to necessarily have access to a PC to back-up data. - Of course there's the advantage of having potentially unlimited extensibility via springboard modules. I'm waiting for a faster wireless modem module. - Bottom line, you get 8MB + USB + extensibility + good looks for $150 less than a Palm Vx, so the decision to me was clear. One comment: I noticed the Visor didn't come with the advanced calculator as I thought it would. Installation was a snap. I reinstalled the Palm Desktop with the CD-Rom that came with the Visor, and it correctly downloaded into the Visor all the data that used to be in my old Palm V.
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Summary: my first..
Review: since this is the first time for me to own a pda, i was quite excited to open it up and try it out. here are my observations: color: there are many colors to choose from, orange, blue, green, ice and graphite. I would stick to graphite as the rest make the pda look like its made of soft plastic and be confused with being a toy like a game boy. feel: I was expecting the visor to be a lot bigger and was quite surprised that it fit in the palm of my hand. it seems to be a little heavy to put in your shirt pocket but it fits perfectly in the front pants pocket. durability: the visor does not have the sturdiness look of a mobile phone or an electronic organizer(especially if you were to get one of the colored ones) i got to test its breakage accidentally as i got out of the car, the visor fell from my pocket and hit the pavement. the cover separated from the pda. when i looked it over, there where no obvious damages. pretty sturdy, it seems. features: stylus: my friend who owns a palm pilot tried it out and he says the stylus has a better feel on the screen. cradle: unfortunately, my pc does not have a usb slot to be able to use the cradle. It indicated in the manual that if i required a serial cradle, it didn't come with it and i could just purchase it at handspring.com . i would have expected at least a choice on which to buy especially since the manufacturers assume your pc comes with a usb slot. i thus now have no way of testing the cradle and loading other programs. this seems to be the downside of the cradle connection and leaves me with 2 choices. either buy another cradle or bring my pc and have a usb slot attached. features: it has a lot more programs than an organizer. what impressed me was the memo pad as i have a tendency to take down notes and ideas when i am reading but i misplace my notes frequently. the visor gives you three choices on how to write. the first is the grafitti which took me a while to master. the letters and the numbers were explained how to do but the other characters such as punctuation were not. the 2nd was the punching in of characters using an onboard screen keyboard. the last was a separate keyboard. i also like the address book feature where you can segregate contacts according to personal, business, etc. theres a to do list, calculator, datebook(two of them, wonder why) expense list, etc. all in all a complete package. my only complaint seem to be the registration of my time zone. the only asian countries on the list are japan and hongkong which i find kind of silly since they should have at least either put all the countries or put in a function that allows you to type in your home base. my friend had a palm pilot IIIe(the colored one) and we were zapping each other using the infrared functionality. i was amazed that i am able to send info also to a mobile phone and vice versa. oh, one important piece of information. make sure you get the handspring backup module. i downloaded a game for the visor and it crashed. all in all, it is a must have gadget.
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Summary: Fragile, but push for free replacement screen!
Review: Indeed the Visor is very fragile and you should always keep it in its leather case, to damp any shocks from it falling, even on carpets. It happened to me, and I was told I had to pay $85 for a replacement. I refused to do that, stating that a) although they SAID the screen was exempt from warranty it wasn't WRITTEN anywhere in the manual or online in their warranty declaration; b) it is mentioned only far back in the electronic manual how sensitive the screen is, whereas it should be noted on the first pages of the (poor) printed manual. By placing the info in the electronic manual they assume everyone has a PC to read it, which is unfair. So, with these arguments I got my replacement screen for free.
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