Handspring Visor Platinum (Silver)
by Handspring

List Price: $199.99
Our Price: $14.99
You Save: $185.00 (93%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: CE
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Digital product summary information

• 50 percent faster than Handspring Visor Deluxe
• 8 MB RAM stores thousands of addresses, appointments, to-do items, and more
• Features address book, to-do list, memo pad, date book, advanced calculator, and world clock
• Fully compatible with thousands of Palm OS applications
• What's in the box: Visor Platinum, Graphite HotSync cradle, 8 MB RAM, AAA batteries, Graphite snap cover, Leather case

• Targus CH071 Tri-Fold Universal PDA Case - Nylon
• Targus Deluxe Leather Wallet ( CHV10 )
• SiPix A6 Pocket Palm Printer (Blue)
• OmniSky Minstrel S Wireless Modem Springboard Module for Handspring

Digital camera reviews of Handspring Visor Platinum (Silver)

Digital camera Review: 16 versus 4 shades of grey
Summary: 4 Stars

What I would like to point out is the item of greyscales. Very simply, the Platinum model has 16 and the Deluxe model has 4.

This may be obvious to some, but I had a difficult time confirming how many shades of grey the Deluxe model had. Nowhere to be found in the product's technical details or on the Handspring website, I ultimately had to telephone Handspring.

The matter of greyscales is/was important to my purchase decision because I thought the Deluxe model would be sufficient, going by their printed advertisements. However, I was disappointed with the reality, and returned the product. The Platinum model should prove better.

I would say the additional 12 shades of grey are worth the ... alone. I cannot justify the price jump to the Prism model.

Otherwise, all they say about ease of use is true: walks in the park!

Summary of Handspring Visor Platinum (Silver)

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:

• Fastest Palm OS processor around
• 8 MB memory
• Expandable using Springboard modules

• Thicker than Palm Vx
• Microphone, but no voice recorder built in

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 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 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.

What's in the box

• Visor Platinum
• Graphite HotSync cradle
• 8 MB RAM
• AAA batteries
• Graphite snap cover
• Leather case

Handhelds & PDAs

• Electronics > Categories > Computers & Accessories