The phone and PDA are like one of those couples that can't live together and can't live apart. The rationale for the merger is obvious: The PDA provides the data and features, and the wireless phone provides voice and data services.

But previous attempts to marry the two have been failures (see the Qualcomm pdQ Smart Phone), primarily because they attempted to cram a PDA into a cell phone. The Handspring VisorPhone takes a different tack by adding wireless voice and data to the PDA using its Springboard expansion slot. The result is a sensible, easy-to-use, and powerful wireless phone that will appeal to PDA-centric people.

Designed to work with the Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) wireless standard, the VisorPhone module consists of a radio and stubby antenna, buttons for the two main applications (and for powering up the phone), and a switch for alternating between two customisable rings. The 60 x 50 x 16mm module fits into the Visor's Springboard expansion slot and adds 84 grams. The module also has a built-in speaker, so you can hold it to your ear like a standard phone (using the built-in microphone on the Visor) or use the included hands-free headset with the headset jack.

By far the best feature of the VisorPhone is its simplicity, which is due, in large part, to the Springboard platform. Like all Springboard modules, the VisorPhone has all the software it needs onboard. Plug it in, and you're ready to make a call. The included lithium-ion battery, which is rated for 3 hours talk time and 3 days standby, charges through the Visor's desktop cradle, so there's no need to worry about an extra AC adapter.

The VisorPhone has two basic applications: Phone and SMS Text Messaging. The Phone App offers three different views -- Speed Dial (default), Dial Pad, and Call History. Advanced preferences are all available through the Phone App menus. For example, you can set two different ring tones (choose from a dozen varieties), volume levels and vibrate modes (on/off). You can dial directly from the Address Book (which also provides a Caller ID function).

Handspring VisorPhone
Company: Handspring

The SMS Text Messaging application lets you send short email messages directly to other GSM phones or to any email address. And the VisorPhone doubles as a wireless modem for data, letting you access email or browse the Web at 14.4 Kbps. You'll need to install third-party applications to use these features, though.

In our testing, all of the VisorPhone's features worked flawlessly. We also discovered that a lot of thought has been given to making the VisorPhone as easy to use as possible. When you turn on the phone, it automatically activates your Visor. You can easily answer calls (or hang up) just by pressing the Phone App button, even if your Visor is off. While you're on a call, you can perform any other task on the PDA, such as check your calendar, look up an address, or use the calculator. Finally, the Visor itself makes it significantly easier to use advanced phone features -- speed dial buttons, hold, and three-way conferencing -- than with a traditional wireless handset.

Pros and Cons Pros • Ridiculously easy to install and use • Dial directly from Address Book • ">Makes advanced calling features accessible • Includes hands-free headset • Supports text messaging and wireless data Cons • Bulkier than a wireless phone

If you're one of those people with a cell phone permanently attached to your ear, you'll probably still be better off with a separate, smaller headset. But for heavy Visor users, who'd like to add voice or data communications, the VisorPhone is a ringer.

Currently the VisorPhone is only available in the US where it is sold for US$299 when purchased with a mobile service plan (or US$499 when purchased as a standalone item. Handspring Australia expects that the VisorPhone will be available locally later in the second quarter of this year, but they were unable to confirm its price, nor whether it would be delivered to the as a stand alone unit or re-sold by mobile service providers.

Handspring VisorPhone
Company:Handspring Australia
Price:Not available
Phone:(02) 9425 8073

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