Comments on: Rumor: New Handspring Visor Edge (Updated)

Since the release of the first Handspring Visor, many have asked for a model that is comparable to the V series in size that can still run Springboards. Recently, rumors have begun to circulate that Handspring has created a prototype that fits this description called the "Edge" that will be available in the next few months.

The challenge for Handspring's design team is that the Springboard slot is just too big to fit into a super-slim handheld. According to reports from those who claim to have seen pictures, Handspring has solved this problem by creating a "sleeve" that fits around the Edge and has a Springboard slot built into it. This is similar to the sleeve for the iPaq that allows it to access peripherals.

 Visor Edge

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/5/2001 3:18:21 AM #

The questions now then are, will the Edge ship with the sleeve? Or will the sleeve be an add-on at additional cost. And, if sans sleeve, how much less than the Palm Vx will the Edge cost?

 RE: Visor Edge

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/5/2001 11:32:50 AM #

Just think that will the Visor devices running Windows CE OS instead of Palm OS?
Or they will develop two different machines which are runnning both OS?

Carey

 RE: Visor Edge

ThePiloteer @ 3/5/2001 11:47:11 AM #

I don't understand the questions...Please try again for those of us who don't speak your language or understand your grammer.

 RE: PPC Visor Edge

Ed @ 3/5/2001 12:05:20 PM #

I think Carey is referring to rumors that the Edge will be a PocketPC device. I considered this so wildly unlikely that I didn't even mention it in the article.

While Jeff Hawkins hasn't dismissed the idea of someday having a PPC version, the idea of it happening right now is pretty much out of the question. He is just covering his bases in case things someday turn really sour for Palm and Handspring has to jump on the Microsoft bandwagon. This isn't likely to happen anytime soon so a PPC Handspring now doesn't seem to make business sense.

But that's just my opinion.

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Plenipotentiary
Palm Infocenter

 PPC? Makes no sense

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/5/2001 5:06:46 PM #

Considering that Handspring was founded by the original developers of the Palm OS, the likelyhood of a PPC version makes no sense at all.

 RE: PPC? Makes no sense

ThePiloteer @ 3/5/2001 5:13:50 PM #

I was just about to make the same comment/observation! :-)

But I am glad that others share the same idea.

 Edge at Staples

Ed @ 3/5/2001 6:07:18 PM #

I've just updated the article to point out that Staples has a section for Edge accessories on their site:

http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Matchmaker/model.asp?PageType=3&ClassID=40203&ManufacturerName=Handspring

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Plenipotentiary
Palm Infocenter

 Pulled from site (was: RE: Edge at Staples)

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/7/2001 11:41:31 AM #

The Visor Edge stuff has been pulled from their site.

 not PPC OS but it spec

bezier ajaib! @ 3/7/2001 11:45:38 AM #

i think handvisor with PPC OS is out of the question, but how if they extend the spec, 32M memory and sound capability, like PPC but with same simple OS, wouldn't it be nice?

 Running out of tricks

Lim MS @ 3/10/2001 9:05:53 AM #

With the Visor Edge, Handspring is obviously trying to pull a PalmV out of an old hat. Hawkins has previously stated in an interview that the success of the PalmV was not based on technology but on industrial design. I don't think they're going to pull this off with the Edge design. Moreover there are too many good competitions out there to justify pricing it so high.

Another take on the design is that H/S may be planning on a snap-on module that is slimmer but takes SD slot devices only. It just seems the above snap-on SpringBoard adaptor is just too inelegant compared to the Edge. With this they can say the Edge can use SD as well as S/B devices. I think they're expecting SD to have better economy of scale and hence doen't want to lose out. I pity those makers of S/B modules - it would be better to spend R&D money on making SD modules instead because ultimately the market will be bigger.