Best Handspring
Written: Oct 19 '01 (Updated Oct 22 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Springboard expansion, 16MB, faster processor
Cons: Bulky, pricey
The Bottom Line: If you need springboard expansion and/or extra memory, get this Handspring.
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| jsnorman's Full Review: Handspring Visor Pro Handheld |
SUMMARY: Among Handspring devices, the Pro is a clear, though pricey, winner if you need to use the Springport expansion slot.
I traded in my Sony Clie to get a Handspring because I knew I wanted to use the 802.11b card that just came out made by Xircom. My choice was between the Palm m500/505, and a Handspring since these are the only two models for which the Xircom wireless internet will work (and the only two I know of that have any hope of having 802.11b connectivity; Symbol has recently announced that its CompactFlash 802.11b will eventually work with the HandEra, but as yet there are no drivers for that device).
I decided against the Palm m500/505 just based on cost, which was as I recall $350+ at the time a couple of weeks ago.
The Pro is the latest in the line of Handspring Palm-compatible devices. The main selling point, IMHO, is the Springport appearing in all Handspring devices, which allows connection of a myriad of currently-available devices, such as modems, memory, GPS receivers, books, MP3/audible players, etc. While the Handera has a CF slot, I found very few applications for the CF slot other than storage and modems. The new Palm M series has a SD slot, but again I could locate no applications for this other than memory. The Springport slot is on the back of each Handspring device, beneath a 2x2 plastic cover.
In any event, I am writing this review assuming that you want or need the Springport capability, and therefore are choosing among the confusing myriad of similar Handspring devices.
Physically, other than the Edge which is cool and sleek looking, there is very little if any physical difference between the different Handspring models.
With the exception of the Deluxe and the Original Handspring models, all feature the latest Dragonball processor (33Mhz), and with the same exception all use Palm OS 3.5.2H. All Handsprings use USB (serial port synch requires a special synch cradle, which costs more $$), which makes synching much faster than with Palm Vx and similar serial synch devices.
I eliminated the Prism immediately, since I do not like color Palms. I use my Palm for business, and color simply provides no added benefit for me and a lot of added problems (hard to read screens due to poor contrast, lower battery life).
I also wanted a rechargeable Handspring, so that left the Pro and the Edge (the Neo and Platinum use AA batteries; and more importantly for me, their cradles are not powered, and therefore cannot be used to charge Springport devices; the Pro and Edge cradles are powered, and can be used to charge devices in the Springport slot).
I came very close to buying the Edge because I am used to the slim profile of the Clie. However, the Edge had only 8MB, and requires a bulky add on (included) to attach Springboard cards like the Xircom. Both have the faster Dragonball 33Mhz VZ processor, and both are $299 retail.
As I thought about it, I decided I really didn't need the slimline, and with the bulky springboard attachment, they would be about the same size anyway. So I picked the Pro.
I am very happy with my decision.
The extra 1/4" in thickness (as compared to the Sony Clie) makes very little, if any difference. I can still put this in my suit pocket or shirt pocket.
The 16MB on board is great. No more moving stuff to memory stick or flash cards as I had to with the Clie (an 8MB device, with an 8MB memory stick). I have 20 avantgo sites, all of my email for the past two months, a handful of mapquest images, a bunch of games, 300+ contacts, and two years of calendar information, and lots of other stuff, and I haven't even come close to maxing out.
It is very fast too relative to my Clie, and the screen is larger and clearer than the Clie. Backlighting is adequate though a bit hard to read in the dark (especially with games like chess where light and dark MEAN something).
The only thing that keeps me from giving this a full ***** is the fact that I hate the design, which has not changed since the very first Handspring. Those silly grooves in the side are still there, and it is still boxy. I am really a form over function person, so this does not bother me too much, but still I would have liked to have seen SOME changes.
The Pro comes with Palm OS 3.5.2H, and Palm Desktop 4.0.1. Frankly, I notice very little difference between the old and new Palm OS versions.
Btw., I got such a great price on ecost.com by accident. They had posted the wrong price (they mixed it up with the Neo). When I alerted them to the pricing error, they ultimately gave it to me at the $187 price. So I am REALLY happy now. :-)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 187
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Epinions.com ID:
jsnorman
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Member: Jeff Norman
Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 5 members
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