Boing Boing
Apr 02 '01
The Bottom Line Springboard Modules are proprietary expansion modules for Handspring PalmOS devices.
I couldn't help myself. The first time I heard of Handspring Springboards I had images of Tigger running through my head. Something about seeing those two words together evoked these images of my favorite Pooh character and I giggled.
After recovering, I started to actually listen to the conversation around me and figure out what the conversation was about.
Handspring is a company that sells several different Palm OS devices. Each of these devices has a Springboard slot that allows you to use Springboard modules with the device.
The Slot
The Springboard slot is a proprietary expansion connection that allows both additional memory on an external module and I/O connectivity between modules and devices.
The slot is a modified PCMCIA slot approximately 1.25" long with 68 pin connectors.
Springboard Modules
A connector slot isn't very useful without things to plug into the slot. There are many different types of Springboard modules available now. Modules are sold to back up Handspring devices, add extra Flash memory, supply large databases of information, provide addon digital cameras, modems, and MP3 players, and allow the integration of scientific instrumentation.
Springboard modules without additional hardware pieces fit snugly into the back of a Handspring device without sticking out at all. Hardware modules like barcode scanners, cameras, MP3 players, and the like do stick out of the top of the unit to varying degrees.
Some of the most popular modules include the Handspring Backup module, the Handspring 8MB Flash module, the EyeModule camera, and the Omnisky modem module (only works with Visor Platinum and Visor Prism models).
Software on Springboard Modules
Many Springboard modules are either software based or provide drivers or other software for a hardware addin. Handsprings recognize software from Springboard modules, show it in the launcher (with a dot signifying that it lives on the module), and if desired, automatically load drivers or start a specific application when the module is inserted.
Once the module is removed, any loaded drivers are removed - the modules clean up after themselves.
Springboards on the Edge
Most Handspring devices have the Springboard slot built into the top back of the unit. The newest device, the Edge, comes with an expansion pack with a second generation Springboard slot. This slot will not accept older Springboard modules, although supposedly a converter will be released in the not-so-distant future. This seems like a bulky and excessively complicated solution for a device designed to be slim and trim.
More Information
There are many sites devoted to Handspring devices that provide information on Springboard modules. VisorCentral (http://www.visorcentral.com) is an excellent informational site, as is VisorVillage (http://www.visorvillage.com).
The best place to go is still Handspring itself at http://www.handspring.com. Handspring not only lists all currently available Springboard modules, it also has a lot of technical information about the Springboard slot in the developer section of the site.
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