The Visor Edge is all new on the outside, but the insides are virtually identical to the high-end Visor Platinum, including the same 33MHz processor (the Motorola Dragonball VZ), same 8MB memory, and same backlit, 4-bit grey-scale display (16 shades)--although Handspring claims the display is slightly enhanced. Unlike the Platinum, the Visor Edge includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for 1 month of typical use and a redesigned USB cradle.
The Visor Edge comes with the latest version of the Palm OS (version 3.5.2 H2), which in addition to the standard Palm PIM applications includes Date Book+, an advanced calculator, and a world clock. This model also has two unique enhancements. The Silent Alarm lets you ditch the annoying beeping sound in favour of a flashing LED. And the Fast Lookup feature lets you locate a contact without the stylus by pressing a series of buttons to winnow down the choices.
In our testing, the Visor Edge worked as advertised. The installation was flawless. The new design not only looks great, but also is comfortable to carry and use, and we especially liked how the lid locked in two different positions. The Visor Edge was compatible with both Palm applications--anything that works on Palm OS 3.5 or later--and Springboard modules. Our only real complaints are that it takes a little practice to remove the stylus smoothly and that, unlike the Palm Vx, the Visor Edge does not have flash memory, so you can't upgrade to Palm OS 4.0.
The Visor Edge's turn in the spotlight may be short lived, as Palm is expected to announce shortly the new m500 series that will reportedly include an SD (Secure Digital) expansion slot and a model with a colour display. But for now, the Handspring Visor Edge has the clear edge in terms of design, features, and expansion.
Handspring Visor Edge
Company:Handspring Australia
Ph:02 9425 8073
Price: AU$899
Rating
15%
7%
