Handspring Visor Flash module $80 for limited use & crashes
Written: May 06 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: great for storing programs
Cons: costly, causes many crashes, extra weight, hogs up springboard port, must buy Handspring's flash
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| drdavec1's Full Review: EDGE Tech Corp 8M Flash Module for Handspring Viso... |
The Visor 8 MB flash module sounds great. However, it works far from great causing frequent crashes. Not to mention that many programs are incompatible, making this $80 module a mere accessory that adds extra weight and little function to the Visor.
EASE OF USE
The Flash module is simple to use. Just plug it into the springboard port in the rear, and you are good to go. When you plug it in, you will see an application called file mover. This is Visor's program to transfer data to and from Flash. File Mover is not loaded onto your Visor's memory, it resides in flash and can be used only when the springboard module is in place.
HOW IT WORKS
Plug in the module and open the file mover program. It lists all of your programs on the Visor and their sizes. Click the programs you want to move to flash and in a matter of seconds, the programs are transferred from the Visor's memory to the Flash card. Transferring from the Flash card back to the Visor works the same way and just as fast. You can use the flash to hold executable programs, or store databases. Again, you can not run databases stored on Flash Card. I will say that for storing programs, it works great. Keep in mind though, that if your program is stored on the Flash card, you will always need the Flash card to run it! Also, you should have Hackmaster disabled.
WHAT IT DOES NOT DO
An extra 8 MB of storage sounds great right? I found the idea of walking around woth 16 MB of memory in my pocket as a neat idea. However, you can for the most part only put executable Palm programs on the flash card. Don't get me wrong, it is possible to transfer databases to the Flash Card. They just won't work. When you try to run a program with a database stored on flash, pull out the paperclip because it is time for a soft reset!
IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?
8 MB that comes with the Palm Vx or Visor Deluxe is a lot. I was pushing the limit, with medical programs, Avantgo, etc. For the most part, I would say it is completely unnecessary. I recommend instead a program like !pzip. !pzip is a program that compresses Palm programs by 40-50% allowig you to squeeze many more programs on your Palm. Plus !pzip is $8.00 and the flash card is $80
CONS
1)THE WEIGHT
I'm not talking about the song by the Band. With the Flash Card in place, the weight of the Visor increases and you can feel it. For people who keep their Visor in their pants pocket, you will notice the extra weight and not like it!! When held on its own, the Flash Card i snot that heavy but I swear the extra weight annoyed me!
2)THE COST
$80 for 8 MB of flash is actually expensive. I personally recommend trying out the TRG Pro if you know you want to use the flash. Check out Gordon Slippy's review of TRG Pro. TRG Pro uses real flash cards which are much much cheaper than those made by handspring.
3)It STEALS YOUR SPRINGBOARD FROM FUN MODULES!!!
When I had the flash, my friend made a good point. IF I rely on the flash module and always use it, how could I use one of the good springboards (if they ever come out) Something to consider. You only have one springboard port, which I must say is better used for other uses
4)You have to buy a Handspring Flash Card. The Visor does not take standard Flash cards. What this means is extra cost!
5)System crashes (explained previously)
VERDICT
I will say that if you really need the memory give this a shot. Just be warned that this is not the life saver you think it will be. You may be able to use 3 MB of it. It is hard to maximally use the Flash module. Also, again, I must stress that if programs are on Flash, you need the flash card to run them. If you can avoid needing the extra space, save your money(or buy !pzip)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR-
In case you haven't seen my work, let me tell you I had rhe Visor Deluxe and sold it on Ebay, partly because of my frustration with the Flash mdoule. I bought a Palm Vx amd love it. Check out my other reviews for more info...!
Recommended:
No
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drdavec1
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Member: dave
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 44
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