It's Scary out here --- Fluff Chicks Write-Off on my Handspring Visor Deluxe
Written: Dec 16 '01 (Updated Jun 21 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cheap, Durable, Versatile, Comes in Different Colors, easy to use
Cons: Screen scratches easily, fairly large
The Bottom Line: I highly recommend this item for someone who wants to jump on the PDA bandwagon; it is easy to use and inexpensive, which makes it a great starter unit.
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| jaclynl's Full Review: Handspring Visor Deluxe Handheld |
This review is part of the "Fluff Chick Write Off" which is hosted by MADYL
Most of these writers are well-known for writing about "girly" items, such as beauty products, but have decided to express their creativity in a slightly different subject category!
Participants include: bops_mom, chrisceb, zzjulia, shantel575, MADYL, kminer, melissasrn, jaclynl, SHeineman, hollegolightle, and dragonfire88
As part of this write-off we were all forced to leave the safety of our regular category, go out on a limb, and try something new, so here it is, and I have to say, it's scary out here :)
I received my Handspring Visor Deluxe for Christmas and my birthday last year, so it's been almost a year exactly since I received it. I had wanted to jump on the PDA bandwagon for a while but could never afford one for myself, so I was very happy to get one for a gift. I was lucky enough to get the ICE color, which is actually just clear, but I love it anyway.
The Product
The Handspring Visor Deluxe is a PDA (Personal digital assistant) that allows you to run various programs (such as schedule, to do lists, contacts, word-processor, games, e-mail, etc.) essentially it is like a mini computer, allowing you to work away from home (or the office) without the cost associated with purchasing a lap-top computer. Instead of using a keyboard and mouse, the PDA uses a stylus ( a pen like object with a blunt "writing end" and a sensitive screen, simply tap on the screen like you would with a mouse or write in the text area using freehand instead of using a keyboard. Like all PDAs the Handspring Visor Deluxe comes with a docking cradle, this cradle which you hook up to your computer (Via serial or USB port) allows you to download the information to your PDA to your computer and vice versa. I find it to be a very helpful tool, it even contains my ohh so important cosmetic wish list, how handy.
I have decided to split this review into Pros and Cons for ease of reading, I thought I would also be easier to organize my thoughts rather than just talking about each aspect, this review makes writing on makeup seem easy.
Pros
-Durability-- Because I am a klutz, I really appreciate that the Handspring Visor Deluxe can stand up to my constant beatings. I have dropped this thing about a million times and nothing has happened to it. The screen has never shattered and nothing has ever chipped, I also throw this in my purse where is gets banged around all day, and it is still in perfect condition. I appreciate a product that can stand a good beating; this saves me money and frustrations in the long run.
-Handy-- although this is true of all PDAs I believe that this deserves a special mention. I mean it really is nice to have. I am constantly writing down notes, addresses, appointments, "gotta-have" items and playing games. I take it with me to school and now have all the information I need about due dates and professors office phone numbers on hand at all times, and when I'm bored between classes I can read my e-mail and play games. In the beginning every one asked me why I needed a glorified electronic organizer, but it really is so much more than that. It is more like a laptop computer than an electronic organizer. It's a nice item to have for those of us who need the convenience of a laptop computer but who can live without the price of one. Because this screen is backlit it can also be used in the dark, this allows the unit to be easily used in both day and night situations without straining to see the screen (Now if only the screen was color).
-Palm OS-- I love the fact that the Handspring Visor Deluxe runs on the Palm Operating system. I know you're all asking, "Who cares? What does that mean?" so I'm going to tell you (At least I know some of the participants in the write-off are asking :) ) There are several major operating systems that can be found for PDAs one of the most popular is the Palm OS that is of course offered on all Palm brand products, and the Handspring PDAs as well. Because Palm is a popular operating system, there are lots of programs that can be loaded onto the handspring visor deluxe. Although other operating systems now have their own collection of programs, I find the Palm OS to have the most extensive selection. One of my favorite programs is AvantGo, which is very popular. What you do is sign up on the AvantGo website and select channels, these channels are from popular websites, TV stations, magazines, etc. After you have signed up and installed the software they provide, every time you HotSync your PDA to the computer an updated version of the web page is downloaded to your PDA. You can even make your own channels from your favorite websites, and browse while away from home and an Internet connection. Although this is one of my favorite programs I have many others, there are many types to choose from, practically anything you can imagine. Downloads are available from downloads.com and other similar websites.
-Color Choices-- You didn't think I was going to hide my "Fluff Chick" side forever did you? This PDA comes in colors, lots of colors, and this quality definitely appeals to my girly side. Are you a professional? Then the Handspring Visor Deluxe has a Graphite version just for you. Feeling a little wilder? This also comes in Blue, Orange, Green and Ice, all of which are transparent type colors (**Note: while browsing the Handspring website, looking for specs I noticed that they only offer it in Graphite and Blue, they may have changed the color availability from when I got mine, in which case this may not be such a good selling point **)
-Versatile-- The Handspring Visor Deluxe offers a fabulous way to expand your PDA, it is called the Springboard Expansion Slot, which looks like the back of a gameboy (Sorry it's the only analogy I have) with a cover over it to keep it clean (and hidden) when not in use. There are many things that can plug into the expansion slot (non are included but the price of them isn't outrageous either). They offer a digital Camera, an mp3 player; you can even get a wireless Internet connection right from your PDA. There are also many more options and more are being developed all the time.
-Price-- I have to admit this is the major reason I received this for Christmas, because it was the best buy. It is very similar to the Palm IIIxe but at that time was much lower in price, more than $100 lower. To this day they offer the same technology as many different brands for a fraction of the cost. Although the designs aren't as sleek as Palm for example, the technology is the same, for less money.
-Beaming is Fun-- this really does deserve special mention in my opinion. Do you have a friend with a PDA? Well there you can have hours of fun beaming things to each other via the infrared sensor (Think TV remote). You can send each other pictures, messages even programs. Aside from the fun aspect this provides, it also has a practical use. Professionals can beam business cards to each other, and cut down on paper waste and lost items.
-Easy to use -- This is an incredibly easy unit to use. The instructions are very clear and I had it up and running in no time. Installing the software on the computer was a breeze, and once it is installed HotSync operation couldn't be easier, simply place your handheld in the docking cradle, and press the button on the front. All your files are updated instantly, from PDA to computer and vice versa. The programs that come pre-installed on the unit are also a very good base; the schedule is quite good, as is the address book. It also comes with a word processor, calculator and to do list. These programs give a good start and allow you to get used to the unit before you start downloading additional programs.
Cons
-Large Size-- This is pretty clunky, well, not exactly clunky, but compared to others it is bulky in size. This is not much problem for me because I have lots of room for it in my purse and I'm not too concerned with a sleek appearance, but for those who need something smaller and lighter, this is probably not the best option, Palm makes much smaller models that have similar features (remember the price is higher though)
-Screen Scratches Easily-- This screen gets scratches on it very easily, so you have to be really careful, or else do what I did. Go out and buy a product called WriteRight, a wonderful product created by The Concept Kitchen. WriteRight is a PDA screen protector, and is basically a clear film with adhesive on one side that sticky directly to the screen. Each package comes with 12 screen protectors and they claim that this is one year of regular use, but I only change mine once every few months. This product protects the screen beautifully and as an added bonus it helps the stylus grip the surface better providing more accurate executions.
-Case-- This has a very poorly designed case. Although it does provided great protection for the item it is just not convenient. There is a snap cover that snaps over the whole front of the unit, then there is a leather slip case that the unit slides into. I would much prefer a more book-like case that flips open on the side easily. Sometimes when I am feeling lazy I just don't take out my Handspring Deluxe because it takes too long and is just not convenient.
-Batteries-- This is my biggest Gripe about the Handspring Visor Deluxe, why oh why doesn't it have a rechargeable battery like most of its competitors? This unit takes 4 AAA batteries, that last about 6 hours before needing replacement, it would be so much more convenient if it came with a rechargeable battery. The website claims two months of use from the batteries, but that is a joke, there is no way they last that long. Could it be that I just use my unit too much? Highly unlikely.
Specifications
Here comes the boring part, or the stuff you need to know if you plan on purchasing. Specs taken from handspring.com
Memory - 8MB
Palm OS Version - Palm OS 3.1H
Size - 4.8" x 3.0" x 0.7"
Weight - 5.8 oz
IR (Infrared) - Yes
Backlit - Yes
Built-in Microphone - Yes
System Requirements
Windows
· Windows 98, Me and 2000 with USB port-Figure A (USB cradle included)
OR
· Windows 95 and NT 4.0 with serial port-Figure B (serial cradle sold separately)
· 8 MB RAM minimum (16 MB recommended)
· 25 MB available hard drive space
· CD-ROM drive
Macintosh System Requirements
Macintosh ready-right out of the box
· System 8.5 or later with USB port-Figure A (USB cradle included)
OR
· System 7.5.3 or later with serial port-Figure B (serial cradle sold separately)
· 8 MB RAM minimum (16 MB recommended)
· 25 MB available hard drive space
· CD-ROM drive
Conclusions
I am very happy that I received this item as a gift and would have definitely bought it for myself if I had not. One day I plan on getting a PDA with a color screen and will probably stay with Handspring because I am happy with their products. If you feel like you need a little more organization or the ability to work away from home this may just be the perfect tool for you. I find that mine is very useful and serves me well. The negative aspects of this product are far outweighed by how great it really is, and for this reason I would highly recommend this to anyone.
Thanks for reading; I'm amazed that I found so much to say about something other than Nail Polish.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): gift
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Epinions.com ID:
jaclynl
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Location: Saskatoon, Sask, Canada
Reviews written: 105
Trusted by: 61 members
About Me:
New city, new job, new car, new hair...new life
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