I got my wife a Visor for Christmas. I wanted one when I saw it. I've been studying up since then, trying to battle off that initial lust for the technology. It looks like the Platinum model with 4-bit graffics and a faster processor is the one most likely to stave off updates to the technology, but at $299 and with an apparently poor silver paint job I'm not sure I want one that bad. Does anyone that reads this have one? Is the finish easily rubbed off? Do the 16 shades of gray make the still 120x120 pixel screen any better to look at? I'll have to order one sight-untouched, since no one local has one to play with.

Thanks,
Dave

Since Amazon.com hasn't had any platinums but do have all the other Handspring models to sell, I assume they've simply "sold out" their allotment. The platinum model must clearly be the most popular one bought as a christmas gift.

If this is so, then where are you Platinum owners?

OK, I know this is a remote control website, not a Palm website. Can anyone point me to a similarly easy to use and friendly message board, but for Palm/Visor users?

Thanks

Dave

David,

Yes, I've read complaints about paint peeling problems with the Platinum visor.

BTW, try going to: http://www.visorcentral.com/ its the best visor forum.


Cheers
Akil

Well, I ordered my visor platinum on Monday. It hasn't shipped yet, so I expect it next week.

I may take it apart and spray a clear epoxy sealer over the case paint. That ought to make the paint a bit more resistant to rubbing off. I suspect they would have avoided paint if they could have gotten a molding plastic to look metalic. Maybe I should email them about vacuum-plating. We used to use that process to apply a thin layer of chrome on plastic parts at a furniture company I worked at. Chrome was pretty tough. Easily tougher than paint.

Dave

Well, this is your "lucky" day. A Platinum owner/user/lover has happened upon this site! It's wonderful! I'm very pleased with every aspect. The paint hasn't rubbed off (got it almost a month ago), but I keep it in it's vinyl case. (The little plastic cover is useless so I've resorted to the case). The expandability is one of its strong suits, but everything else is great, too. Very easy to use, VERY easy to sync with my computer (Mac G4), very good software (flexibility, options, etc.), nice amount of memory, etc. I was worried about the fact that it isn't in color, but in the dark it changes over to a negative screen and it's EXTREMELY easy to see. Also, by being in negative, it's not too bright for anyone sitting near you. Ask away and I'll try to answer.

CSax!

Welcome to remotecentral! I've been playing with my Platinum for a bit more than a week now. Enough to need new batteries once, anyway.

My P's paint job looks pretty durable too. I'm also keeping it in the leather (that's what the tag says, anyway) slipcase. I'd rather have a flip open case that protects the top and has a removeable belt clip, but I haven't found the perfect one yet.

I agree the backlighting is good in the dark. I was initially unimpressed seeing it on my wife's Visor 2meg model. But I like it on my platinum. It DOES require it to be pretty dark to be of use, though.

The faster speed over the slower basic model is immediately obvious. Grafitti is quicker to respond. The search function is faster.

I've pretty much found answers to all my questions either by myself or with help from posts at visorcentral.com, but I know I'll think up some more questions soon.

I ordered an eyemodule just this morning. Found a $30 coupon for staples.com, and a $50 staples/eyemodule rebate form. With luck, my $150 eyemodule should end up costing $70ish. That's right about what I think it SHOULD be selling for. With the eyecontact software that lets you put eyemodule pictures in your address book, I'm hoping it's a useful module. It will certainly help me remember my student's names, anyway.

Now if we can find at least one more Platinum owner...

Dave ;-)

Thanks for the welcome! For a case, look at [Link: visorcentral.com]. I have the one Handspring made that has a lot of extras and a velcro closure, but this other one has a belt clip.

The first thing I'm considering is a backup module. The rechargeable battery module might also be good.

Before I got mine I researched supplementary manuals and have been very satisfied with "How to do Everything with your Visor" by Broida & Johnson. It keeps me feeling in control. Amazon.com has it.

The only problem I've run into so far was with the software that I loaded on my computer to be able to sync. One day I shut down and when I reopened it went back to an older file and it doesn't act like it knows of any newer one. I now back up after every few moves. (I generally work on my computer file at home and take the Visor with me--trying to remember to sync nearly every day). This is what made me consider a backup module.

Well, it's all a learning....

—C.

"The rechargeable battery module might also be good."

What rechargeable battery module? I'm a little upset with Handspring for not at least designing the Platinum with the ability to recharge NiMH batteries via the cradle. A simple .shortcut setting could allow turning on and off the charging ability, as you can identify the battery type. You can apparently recharge some springboard modules via the cradle if they are in the Visor when it's parked on the cradle. It's clear there is power available on the cradle.

I don't leave it on the cradle much longer than it takes to sync, but if I knew it could be recharging while there I might. I've got a very nice battery charger, but it's a bit of a pain to be swapping batteries every week or so. I'm worried the battery cover will eventually break.

I've got a Pronto remote control, and it had an option for a rechargeable battery pack which I got. It's Sooooo nice to simply park that remote on it's base station to charge, rather than go in and out of it with batteries. Why couldn't handspring be so smart?

Oh well. ;-)


Dave

try EB Cases, they make a lot of diff. cases for PDA's
My last Visor lasted almost a year ( I dropped it with thw cover open and it landed on a table corner right on the glass...) aw shucks ...I was forced to buy the Platinum!

I use a case called the slipvisor (with detachable belt clip)...it's great. I didn't like it when I first got it but once I started using it I was hooked.

David C.

http://www.ebcases.com/

I have a visor platinum and have had one for about 6 months. I looked at several different brands and models and for the money, platinum was the best I could find. Have had no problems with mine whatsoever. I installed "Fireviewer", available at firepad.com, and view pictures with exceptional clarity. It allows you to capture any image that appears on your desktop. I also have the omniremote. It is an excellent program as well. There are literally thousands of programs available for the Palm OS. Most of them being freeware. Have not had any problems with paint-peeling, use both the hard slip cover and leather case though. Any other questions, feel free to e-mail me. Trust me, you can't go wrong with the platinum.

Hello - This might be a little late in coming, however, I have had miy Platinum for 5 months now. No complaints other than the paint peeling off of my case. This problem is a result of using the "snap-on" hard cover for the screen. I have the problem on the outside edges of the top part of the unit. Other than that no other complaints. It works great. I use it everyday and sync 3 times a day @ work and once more before going to bed. Any other syncs during the day are due to loading of add-ins that I happen to come across. GREAT PRODUCT!!