Looking at the Visor Deluxe? This Epinion will focus on the Visor Deluxe, comparing/contrasting the basic Visor, Visor Deluxe, and Palm m100/m105, Additionally, it will tell you how to purchase a Visor Deluxe for only $160 - this is $90 less than MSRP and cheaper than the base model Visor (2mb RAM; with cradle) and new Palm m105.

Read on to find out how.

VISOR versus VISOR DELUXE
The Visor Deluxe was, until late 2000, the top of the rather short line of Handspring PDAs. In October 2000, Handspring expanded their offerings, by introducing the new Visor Platinum ($300; monotone screen) and Prism ($450; color screen) models.

The basic Visor and Visor Deluxe are virtually identical in all aspects except four:
(1) the Visor Deluxe has 4 times more memory (2MB vs 8MB);
(2) it comes in a variety of colors (basic Visor is only available in black);
(3) includes the HotSync cradle for synchronization with a PC/Mac ($30 if purchased separately); and
(4) the Visor Deluxe lists for $250 (cradle included), while the Visor lists for $150 without a cradle and $170 with a cradle.

I have used several Palm OS based PDAs (Palm III, Visor Deluxe, and the new Visor Platinum, and find the Handspring Visor Deluxe to be among the best for several reasons.

AFFORDABLE
You can't get more for your money. Let's admit it, most of us don't have money to burn, so value is an important, if not the most important, factor. The Visor Deluxe ships with 8mb RAM (compared to 2mb for basic Visor), equal to any Palm PDA, including the new 8mb Palm m105 ($200); has a large screen (relative to the similarly priced Palm m100/m105), USB cradle (no cradle with m100), and a cheap little case (see limitations below).

EXPANDABLE
The Visors (unlike Palm PDAs) are expandable with Springboard modules. It simple - just slip into expansion slot in back of Visor, as easier than replacing batteries. Currently available modules include additional RAM memory, backup module (to backup entire contents of PDA - a very useful option), MP3 player, games (including Tiger Woods golf), GPS (global positioning system), mobile phone, digital camera, and more introduced monthly.

WELL DESIGNED
The Visors feel good in the hand. They are solid, but not heavy, relatively slim (relative to Palm III's), have large screens (compared to competing Palm m100/m105), and comes in stylish colors (although you can never satisfy everyone). The Springboard expansion module port is fantastic (see above). Additionally, everything is simple to use. Open the box, add batteries, go through simple tutorial, and your on your way. Syncing with my desktop using the USB cradle is a snap (serial cradle available for ~$30).

PALM OS
The Palm OS is by far the dominant OS on the market, and for good reason. The OS is simple and intuitive. Perhaps most importantly, there are literally thousands of supplemental programs (and games) available for the Palm OS for almost any purpose imaginable. These are available as freeware, shareware, and commercially available programs. Windows CE simply cannot make this claim, and will not anytime soon.

LIMITATIONS
All three models (Visor, Deluxe, and Platinum) use AAA batteries (two), which typically last about 1-2 months, depending on usage. Additionally, the cover that comes with each model is considerably less than ideal. It snaps on and off, and can be snapped onto the back of the Visor when in use. A simple fix, buy a carrying case. There is a nice, single-fold leather case available for about $25.



DELUXE for $160
And finally, as promised, the reason you selected this review:

Staples sells the Handspring Visor Deluxe for $250. Use the coupon codes 91333 or 91216 for $40 off a $200 order. Then send in the $50 Handspring manufacturers rebate for the final price of $160 shipped overnight.

$50 Handspring rebate:
http://www.handspring.com/promos/visordeluxe_mailinrebate.jhtml

It's that simple! (I wish someone had told me this before I bought my Visor Deluxe).


While the choice is ultimately yours, choosing the Visor Deluxe over the basic Visor and Palm m100/m105 is a no-brainer - a much better PDA for about the same price (or cheaper).




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): $160