Platinum -- not worth its weight in precious metals....
Written: Jun 03 '01 (Updated Jun 30 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 33 MHz Processor, expandability, 4 bit screen.
Cons: Size, batteries, quality/feel, weight.
The Bottom Line: Decent product but I'd rather buy the Palm M500/M505 series.
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| del-1's Full Review: Handspring Visor Platinum Handheld |
Background
Updated 6/01
I have owned a Handspring Visor, Visor Deluxe, this Platinum, and now a Palm M505.
The Handspring Platinum represents Handspring's top-of the line MID-SERIES (compare to Palm IIIxe) before the jump to the Handspring Edge (compare to Palm Vx or M500).
My package came with a "silver" Handspring Platinum with the 33 MHz Motorolla Dragonball VZ Processor, 8 MB of built in RAM, Palm OS 3.52H, 4-bit grayscale (16 shades), a metal stylus, a USB Hot Sync Cradle, Palm Desktop software, and the handspring expansion slot. The unit also contained an enhanced datebook, enhanced calculator, and a world clock application built in.
As per usual, I will spare you any technical details because you can find this information at http://www.handspring.com.
Positives
+ The speed. It's noticeably faster than the visor, visor deluxe or the III series of Palm. This was particularly noticeable when running applications with motion/movement (games, fireviewer with video files). BUT, I will be the first to admit, that the processor on the Visor Deluxe is really no slouch anyway.
+ 4-bit grayscale. The 16 shades of gray is probably, for me, a main selling point when compared to the Handspring Visor Deluxe (or lower), and the III series. When running any applications displaying graphics (fireviewer, games) or even the SilverScreen Launcher, you can see a BIG difference between those with only 2-bit (4 shades) grayscale. Again, as before, this really isn't important but it's nice.
+ The metal stylus. Out of all the handhelds (including the Palm M505) that I've owned, it had the nicest stylus. It sort of looks stainless steel like. Has a nice weight. The ends unscrew to reveal a screwdriver on one side and a reset pin on the other. Again, not really important but nice.
+ USB Hot Sync. Syncing large databases or applications between your palm and PC is painstakingly slow with a SERIAL Hot Sync. The USB Hot Sync is a lot faster (I believe ~4x the speed of Serial).
+ Expandability via the Handspring's Expansion Slot. This slot allows expansion ranging simply from MEMORY or BACKUP MODULES to GAME MODULES, MODEM MODULES, CAMERA MODULES, and so on and so on.
+ Enhanced datebook and calculator. The datebook offered extra views of your appointments and dates. It also has a few different data entry methods. Basically the Palm datebook a little jacked up. The calculator has scientific, financial, conversion functions which is extremely handy depending on what you do for a living. It is far superior to the classic calculator that comes on the Palms.
Negatives
- The casing is PLASTIC. It looks like plastic (the silver paint won't fool anyone) and feels like plastic. Overall, it doesn't give you an impression of high quality because of this.
- FRAGILE. I had my platinum in my breast pocket, leaned over to pick up a bag, and it accidentally fell out. CCCCCCRRAACCKK! There went the screen. It was from approximately 3 feet high and hit a linoleum covered floor. Handspring replaces the screen for "a mere" $80! Ugh! So be careful! (This doesn't imply that the Palm screens are any less fragile).
- BATTERIES, BATTERIES, BATTERIES. This ultimately is a pain and an expense. The only reason it's nice is if you are traveling in Europe or something like that. They claim it runs for about 2 months on a new set of batteries. I've found this to be far less. Of course it depends on how long you use it each day, if you use the backlight, etc.
- Size. It's obviously not as sleek as the Handspring Edge, Palm Vx, Palm 500/505. And trust me... It makes a difference. I think the smaller it is, the more chance you will carry it around and use it. It doesn't fit easily into my jeans pocket, especially when using the case (gotta protect the screen!!! See above!). It has substantial weight to it.
- Operating System (OS) ROM is not updateable. It is currently running OS 3.52H. Handspring claims you can use software patches and purchase modules to update the OS but I don't have any experience with this. Note: Palm has now come out with OS 4.0.
Ramblings/Overall/Summary
1. I work in the medical field and PDA's, especially those that use the Palm OS, are becoming more common place and integral. Thus, I concede that my viewpoint is skewed for the need to store large databases and to be able to carry the unit easily.
2. The Handspring Platinum, in my opinion, now represents the top of the line unit OF THE MIDDLE SERIES. It is middle of the road in terms of price, decent in terms of value. The next step up really is the Handspring Edge & the Palm M500.
3. The memory expansion capabilities are nice, but the cost per MB is more than Palm's new M500/M505 memory expansion options. This can add up if buying large amounts of RAM.
4. The fact that it runs on normal batteries has always been a drag for me. It adds additional weight, you get nervous every time it gets down to around 10% (should I change the batteries??? should I try eeking out extra use??? Oh my god... it's warning me my batteries are "extremely low"... am I going to LOSE ALL MY data????) Not to mention the cost adds up! I can't even tell you how many 8 or 12 packs of AAA batteries I've bought...
5. My opinion on Handspring Visor Deluxe vs Platinum -- Get the platinum.
6. Handspring Platinum vs the Handspring Edge -- I dunno... not enough experience with the edge ... Yah, I know... Real Helpful.... hehe
7. Expandability of the Handspring vs Palm M500/M505 -- It's a little early, but I'll say the Palm's are better because of cost and size. They'll eventually have the module options that Handspring has.
8. Handspring Platinum vs the Palm M500 -- EASILY the Palm M500. The Platinum now goes for $250 and (if you shop around) you can find the M500 for as low as $315 - $325. This extra cost in the M500 is justified because of the rechargeable battery, the size, the weight, the look and feel, the updateable OS, Palm OS 4, the new Palm Desktop, the switch of the serial to the USB Hot sync (as compared to the Vx), the Palm Expansion slot with cheaper RAM options, etc.
Well, good luck, I hope this information helps you in your decision!
Thanks!
You can visit http://www.palm.com and http://www.handspring.com for actual unit specifics.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 250
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Epinions.com ID:
del-1
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Opinionated guru on computers, electronics, technology... But, all said & done, "Trust no-one!"
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