Handspring Updater V1.0.0 includes fix for faulty DRAM
Written: Jul 22 '00 (Updated Jul 22 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: fixes problems
Cons: None
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| mobiprof's Full Review: Handspring Visor Deluxe Handheld |
what is it
Handspring Updater V1.0.0 is a Palm OS update for all HandSpring Visor models. It will upgrade any HandSpring Visor still running Palm OS v. 3.1H2 or earlier to Palm OS Software version 3.1H3 – or Palm OS Software version 3.1H3M.
The Handspring Updater V1.0.0 can be downloaded from HandSpring’s web site. The download is a 13 KB *.ZIP or *.SIT file. The actual update application itself is some 37 KB.
what does the download contain
If you download the ZIP or SIT file, you will find two files
* HS Updater.prc
* README.txt
HandSpring stresses that you should read the README.txt file before installing HS Updater.prc.
The README.txt tells you what problems this update fixes, and warns you to temporarily disable all HackMaster system extension, as the HandSpring update application is not compatible with all of these.
The actual Installation of HS Updater.prc is via ordinary HotSync procedure. There is nothing special about it, and it is unlikely that anything will go wrong. Still, as with all operating system updates on any device, it is strongly advised that you have a backup before proceeding.
what it fixes
The Handspring Updater V1.0.0 contains three fixes:
* Calculator Launch Fix
* Serial Modem and Hotsync Fix
* 8MB DRAM Memory Fix (if necessary)
The Calculator Launch Fix fixes the unintended launch of the Calculator when the screen is touched near the silk-screened Calculator icon.
The Serial Modem and HotSync Fix fixes HotSync problems encountered by users with a SpringBoard modem module trying to perform a serial HotSync.
The 8MB DRAM Memory Fix is for the HandSpring Visor Deluxe, the Visor model which contains 8 MB of RAM. TRG uncovered a batch of faulty 8 MB memory modules used by many Palm device manufacturers.
See “Faulty memory in Palm IIIc, Palm IIIxe, Palm Vx, IBM WorkPad c3, HandSpring Visor Deluxe and TRGpro” for details.
If your HandSpring Visor Deluxe has the problem, the software will fix it, and the Palm OS version shown will be Palm OS v. 3.1H2M.
8MB DRAM Memory Fix
This new Palm OS release is the only software fix for HandSpring Visor Deluxe affected with the 8 MB DRAM problem. HandSpring had already released a HandSpring Visor Deluxe test application, so that customers could ascertain whether their device contained a faulty 8 MB RAM or not. If you were unlucky, the test would display the message “Test complete. A potential component issue may exist. Please contact Handspring customer care for additional information." .
That basically meant “Sorry, we are still working on the fix” . That fix is now here.
HandSpring now provides the fix as part of the Handspring Updater V1.0.0 that upgrades the Palm OS.
There is no harm in getting the test program and running it on your HandSpring Visor Deluxe, but it is not necessary either. The test has been made into an integral part of the update application.
You may be prompted for the device’s serial number, located on the back of the battery door.
If the test detects that the Visor Deluxe contains a faulty 8 MB DRAM, it will now show the message "Your handheld may have a memory issue. Tap OK to install the update with memory fix"..
It could not be easier. All you need to do to have the fix installed is tap OK.
HandSpring does not spell it out, but the update application is actually a combination of three different programs:
1. the update program, incorporating the HandSpring Visor Deluxe test
2. the standard update
3. the update with memory fix
The update application will run the 8MB DRAM test if necessary and then prompt you to install either the standard update or the update with memory fix.
Apart from including or not including the memory fix, the two updates are identical.
when it is done
When the update is done, the message “The update has been installed. Tap OK to reset your handheld." appears.
Once you have reset the device, you can verify the new version number by tapping the Version box in the launcher’s Info men.
There should be no problems with this upgrade, but if you do encounter any, you can contact Handspring Technical Support for guidance.
in use
The HandSprings Visor line does not feature flash ROM. The update is installed in RAM.
The update will remain in the backup directory. If you do a hard reset, and then reinstall all software and data from the Desktop software, the update will be included.
The actual file is called either "HsExt_1_0_3" or "HsExt_1_0_3M”.
remove
You can remove the update in these four steps:
* HotSync
* delete the file from the backup directory
* perform a hard reset, erasing all data
* HotSync to restore all application and data (now excluding the update)
8MB Flash Updater V1.1
There is also an 8mB Flash Module update available on the HandSpring web site. This is an update of the the File Mover and other System Software contained on the Handspring 8MB Flash Module.
reference
"Faulty memory in Palm IIIc, Palm IIIxe, Palm Vx, IBM WorkPad c3, HandSpring Visor Deluxe and TRGpro”
http://www.epinions.com/cmd-review-4D86-3C78BB9-39711BE0-prod1
links
Handspring Updater V1.0.0 http://www.handspring.com/support/ts_handspring_update_download.asp
8MB Flash Updater V1.1
http://www.handspring.com/support/ts_spring_flashmodule_update.asp
HandSpring Visor Deluxe test http://www.handspring.com/support/ts_visor_test_download.asp
DaggerWare’s HackMaster http://www.daggerware.com/hackmstr.htm
Recommended:
Yes
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