Unfortunately, the Visor Deluxe lacks flash upgradable memory. Higher-end handhelds include upgradable memory or ROM (usually 2MB or more) that lets you upgrade the operating system or store additional programs. To balance this potential weakness, Handspring has already delivered several Springboard modules, like the 8MB Flash Module, which gives you extra space to back up your data or store additional applications.
Setting up the Visor Deluxe to be used with either a Mac or PC is mere child's play. From the time you pull the unit out of its box, it takes only a few steps to get up and running. And because the Visor Deluxe uses a fast USB connection (instead of the older pokey serial connection), the entire software setup process can be done in a few minutes.
Like other low-end Palms, the Visor Deluxe draws its energy from two AAA batteries that offer a rated average of 12 weeks of power. However, you can expect that time to be shortened when you use a Springboard module with the device. In the future, we'd like to see the Visor Deluxe ditch the AAA batteries altogether and use a rechargeable battery pack instead.
Users will also love the Visor Deluxe's USB cradle, which has better connectivity to your Mac or PC and is far less prone to serial-port connection problems. The USB cradle offers HotSync sessions that whiz by up to four times faster than serial port. And while Palm now offers a special USB adaptor for all of its serial port-based HotSync cradles for an extra AU$79, the cradle still connects at the slower serial connection speed.
The Visor Deluxe comes with both a hard plastic case and a pocketlike leather case. And like that of the standard Visor, the Visor Deluxe's hard cover clips securely to either the back or front of the device.
At AU$519, the Visor Deluxe is in direct competition with the Palm IIIxe. While the two units share the same OS, price, and 8MB of memory, the Visor Deluxe's immediate expandability, USB cradle, and five colors is the perfect mix of options and technologies for new users and upgraders who desire a machine that will grow with them.
Handspring Visor Deluxe
Company:Handspring Australia
Ph:02 9425 8073
Price: AU$519
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