Though the Visor Platinum is just a step up from the first generation of Visor handhelds, its new metallic case and faster processor will appeal to corporate users with the budget to afford top performance.
The Platinum outruns all Palm handhelds and includes a docking cradle with USB interface -- unlike the standard serial connection on most Palms. It may not be the most affordable handheld, but the Visor Platinum tops most Palm OS-based PDAs in terms of power and storage
When Intel releases a slightly faster version of a processor, it's referred to colloquially as a speed bump. Similarly, the Handspring Visor Platinum -- one of two new models from Handspring -- is a speed bump in the popular Visor product line, and most of the changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary.
The only visible change in the Visor Platinum is its more conservative, metallic case. This new design is clearly meant to appeal to corporate types (those who were a little put off by handhelds in colours such as orange and blue) who typically opt for the Palm Vx.
However, the Visor Platinum is still exactly the same size (12.2 by 7.6 by 1.8 cm) and weight (153 grams) as the entry-level Visor and the Visor Deluxe. Like those other models, it uses two AA batteries rated for 6 to 8 weeks under normal usage and includes a docking cradle with a USB interface -- unlike most Palm handhelds, which currently ship with the slower serial connector, still an option with any Visor. The Visor line works out of the box with Macs, as well as Microsoft Windows Me, Windows 98, and Windows 2000. (If you're still using Windows 95 or NT, you'll need that optional serial cable.) Like all Visors, the Platinum offered the simplest, fastest out-of-box experience of any handheld.
1%
1%
