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Handspring Visor Platinum (Graphite)
Manufacturer: Handspring ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics  All Handhelds & PDAs
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ASIN: B00005AQ29 |
Product Description
The Handspring Visor, the first infinitely expandable handheld computer, is now even faster. In fact, the Visor Platinum is 50% faster than the Visor Deluxe. The Visor Platinum gives you enhanced power, speed and performance so you can access all your data and view crisp grayscale graphics without the wait. And, like the Visor, it comes with the unique Springboard expansion slot, so you can instantly snap in a digital camera, wireless modem or even a phone. Best of all, it is Plug and Play so there are no drivers to load. Just snap in a module and it works!If you're one of those people who uses lots of RAM, keeps tons of records, plays games or uses apps that have high-performance requirements, the Visor Platinum has the very speed you need. Now you can access all your data without the wait. And the grayscale graphics - with 16 shades of gray - are so crisp that every picture is as clear as day. What's more, since the Visor Platinum is based on the latest Palm OS, it's got new usability, security and navigation features, too.Amazon.com Review
One of Handspring's two new Visors running with the faster 33 MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ processor, the Visor Platinum offers a competitive option to the Palm V series. Although it doesn't sport a color display like its new sibling, the Visor Prism, the Platinum offers 16 shades of gray, providing sharper graphics output for games and applications. It also features 8 MB of memory like the Visor Deluxe, providing plenty of room for storing contacts, notes, and e-mail.But the Visor Platinum's selling point is its new processor, which performs faster than other Visors or Palm handhelds (Handspring claims up to a 50 percent increase in speed). While we didn't put a radar gun to the Platinum, it certainly felt speedier than the Visor Deluxe--tapping on an application opened it almost instantaneously.
Using a USB cradle, our desktop synchronizations sped along nicely, usually completed in just a few seconds unless we were adding applications. Additionally, since the Platinum uses the Palm OS, most third-party programs written for Palm handhelds will work for the Platinum.
One difference between the Visor Platinum and the Palm V series that Handspring most likely won't boast about is its size. Where the sleek Palm V series sports a depth of only 0.4 inches, the Platinum retains the standard Visor form factor of 0.7 inches.
But when you've got the expandability that the Handspring's Springboard module slot offers--allowing you to add a digital camera, a cell phone, a Tiger Woods golf game, or an MP3 player--you don't need to quibble over slimness. Also, like other Visors, the Platinum features a built-in microphone (though you'll need to add a module, such as a voice recorder or the phone module, to use it).
If you're already a Palm or Handspring user, there may not be enough about the Platinum to sway you to pick up this new product. But if you're looking for the cutting edge of handheld speed, the Platinum is ready and raring to go. --J. Curtis
Pros:
Amazon.com Product Description
The Handspring Visor Platinum is an infinitely expandable handheld computer that's 50 percent faster than the Visor Deluxe. With its enhanced power, speed, and performance, the Visor Platinum satisfies your need for speed and makes accessing all your data and viewing crisp gray scale graphics even easier. It runs Palm OS 3.52 for the Handspring on a Motorola 33 MHz Dragonball VZ processor.In addition to an address book, to-do list, and memo pad, the Platinum Visor features an enhanced date book, advanced calculator, and world clock. The 8 MB memory stores approximately 12,000 addresses, 10 years of appointments, 6,000 to-do items, 6,000 memos, and 400 e-mails. It has usability features like address duplication and improved security and navigation. Since it uses the Palm OS, you can beam information with other Palm users or download thousands of existing Palm-compatible applications. With the Springboard expansion slot, you can instantly snap in a digital camera, wireless modem, an MP3 player, and more.
The Platinum's USB connection makes synchronizing with your desktop computer fast and easy. You can quickly back up, update, or exchange information between the Platinum and your computer with the USB charging cradle and HotSync technology.
The graphite Visor Platinum comes with a protective leather case, Palm Desktop software for Windows and Mac, and two AAA batteries. It is backed by one-year limited warranty.
Important note to customers: USB connectivity is compatible with Windows 98/2000/Me and USB-enabled Macintoshes running OS 8.1 and later. If you use Windows 95, Windows NT, or Mac OS 8.0 or lower, or your computer does not have a USB port, you will need to buy a separate serial cradle.
Customer Reviews:
THE BOMB!!!!.......2001-12-18
If you don't use backlit a lot, this is it........2001-12-07
Overall, it's a good product with reasonable price.
If you don't use backlit a lot, this is it........2001-12-07
Overall, it's a good product with reasonable price.
Worth having if you need a central location for info........2001-12-04
My excuse for buying the Visor Platinum was a program called DietLog for PalmOS (not available on WinCE). My dietician recommended it (I'm trying to lower my HDL cholesterol level -- that program on a PalmOS device makes it kinda fun I guess).
Other reasons for buying a PDA: if your hard drive has ever crashed, you know how frustrating it is having to cull all your personal contact info. again and typing it in. But with it all backed up on your PalmOS device, you can simply reinstall the Palm HotSync software, sync the device and there is all your old info!
Travel alarm clock: I use an application that turns the Visor into an alarm clock (also, the DateBook+ app can function like this).
Offline web browsing: I use AvantGo's offline web browser to take web sites with me to read on the go.
Vindigo also makes a cool web-like application to find restraunts, movies, and shoppping places wherever you are (it downloads the latest info from its servers).
These are just a few cool and useful applications of the Handspring Visor Platinum. I know the extra memory will come in handy (I learned this when I had a WinCE device -- even if you don't think you'll need the extra memory, you'll be glad you got it later).
Also, if you want a wireless connection and you own a cell phone with a wireless web capability, you can buy a cord that attached your cell phone to the Visor so the cell phone acts like a modem for the Visor. These connecting cords are available from several online retailers(...). I've not tried this yet, but it's a cheaper alternative to buying the expensive module that allows wireless access.
Overall, I'm happy with the unit and agree with what most reviewers have posted here. However, I have two concerns/complaints:
1) the glittery silver finish looks painted on to me, so it'll probably start to wear off after two years of use (though conventional wisdom is that if you get 3 or more years out of a PDA, you got your money's worth).
2) the backlight is a joke -- you can't really use this in the dark.
I still recommend the product. The PalmOS is just more intuitive than WinCE.
Handspring Visor Platinum (VPL) review.......2001-11-06
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