Your good neighbor
who's also a computer
consultant!
Friday 21 November 2008
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Your good neighbor |
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Friday 21 November 2008
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From TNPC issue #4.08... 
Springboarding into Visor Expansionby Al GordonApril 19, 2001 One of the key strengths of Handspring's Visor handheld is its simple "Springboard" expansion module system (reviewed in TNPC #4.03). Now that Springboards are coming onto the market in force, the value of the design is becoming apparent. I previously reported on the SoundsGood media player (TNPC #4.05) and here are some more items on my list of Springboard "greatest hits:" The use of handhelds for communications is on the upswing, and doing that naturally requires a modem. The CardAccess Wristband Thinmodem Portable Modem Springboard
Module is my favorite solution. As their slogan notes, size does
matter--Thinmodem is exactly the same dimension as the
Springboard slot--thus it adds no bulk to your Visor. It ships
with communications software (Pumatech's Browse-It Web Browser
and a trial version of Palm's MultiMail application). But the
latest software upgrade for the model includes a utility that
allows the user to add and subtract applications from the module,
meaning that you can put the communication apps of your choice
onto the card. A "Plus" model is due shortly that will combine the modem with an
8 MB memory expansion. The only downside is that Thinmodem operates off the Visor's own
batteries and so they drain faster when the modem is in use. AAA
batteries are cheap and plentiful, so this isn't really much of
an issue. But if that concerns you, Handspring has its own
Wireline 33.6 Modem Springboard Module, which has its own
batteries. But, of course, the batteries make for bulge on the
module and a slight increase in weight. To go wireless (as is all the rage it seems), the folks at
OmniSky have a package for the Handspring Visor. As with all
OmniSky packages, it provides CDPD service via AT&T's wireless
net at a flat $39.95 monthly fee. Not a Springboard, but still one of my favorite accessories, is
the fold-up Targus Stowaway Portable Keyboard for Handspring
Visor. Stowaways unfold into a full-size keyboard and fold up
into a unit about the same size as your handheld. But all work and no play makes for a dull handheld user so... Pacific Neo-Tek's OmniRemote Springboard Module turns your Visor
into an infrared remote control. It may seem like an odd use of a
Visor, but programmable touch-screen remotes cost $200 and up;
the OmniRemote goes for $59.95. The Eyemodule Digital Camera for Handspring Visor provides low-
resolution images for email and Web purposes. A higher resolution (at, of course, a higher price $199.99 vs.
$129.94) is available in the Eyemodule 2, which works with the
newer Visor models. Current Visors are: Handspring Visor Prism Handspring Visor Platinum Handspring Visor Edge You can reach Al Gordon at:
TNPC Hot Tips:
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© 2000-2005 by Dan Butler.
All Rights Reserved.
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