Comments on: MemPlug MemoryStick Coming Mid-November

Portable Innovation Technology is now taking pre-orders for its MemPlug MemoryStick, which it says will be available in the middle of this month for $70. This is the first Memory Stick Springboard module to be commercially available. It comes with seven applications that make use of the Memory Stick, all of which become available as soon as the Springboard is inserted.
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Handspring is dead.

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 12:10:13 PM #
Anyone with any sense would either buy a Clie or one of the new Pocket PC's.

RE: Handspring is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 12:15:17 PM #
That's not the point, but I guess your "sense" doesn't extend far enough for you to be able to grasp the point.

RE: Handspring is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 12:21:36 PM #
> That's not the point, but I guess your "sense"
> doesn't extend far enough for you to be able to
> grasp the point.

Yes, your point of paying $70 for a memory stick adapter is senseless.

I bet you think the vibrator attachment for the Visor makes sense, too.


RE: Handspring is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 12:37:53 PM #
Say you have a springboard. You realize that you need more memory. You don't have alot of cash or you don't want to upgrade until the ARM processor is released. It would make beautiful sense. You could still use your memory sticks for the ARM-powered Clie you upgrade to. Personally, I prefer the 505 for form factor, but the hi-res screen of the clie is pretty nice, as is the jog-wheel. I'm holding on to my 505 until I can buy an ARM equipped PDA w/ wireless, expansion card, and sizse closer to the 505 than the clie.

New Life for Handspring
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 12:59:08 PM #
Actually, the Memplug product line clinched my decision to purchase a Visor Prism w/Visor Phone vs the Samsung. With Handspring's current pricing and available accessories such as the visorphone, memplug, and other modules, I think they are poised to have a breakaway holiday selling season.

Re: New Life for Handspring
james_sorenson @ 11/2/2001 2:00:04 PM #
Ahhhh...another wise one has discovered the joy of a VisorPhone with a Memplug. I swear, this combo is just perfect! Get the E3 leather case. It fits and protects your VisorPhone, gives you a swivel belt-clip, and has a pocket to store your Memplug adapter in the empty space under the VisorPhone battery. It's going to be a long time before I need to upgrade with this combo.

-------
James Sorenson
RE: Handspring is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 2:26:00 PM #
Thanks for the tip! (Also, thanks for your helpful info on media, below.)

Based on the current back order for the VisorPhone, I think a lot of people agree with you.

One question - Do you mean the E&B case? Do you have a link to the case that you mean?

Thanks, --Charlie


RE: Handspring is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 3:06:57 PM #
I am the original poster of "Handspring is dead" and I have to say that you have changed my mind. I'm going to run out and buy a Visor now.

**********************
This isn't true. I'm not the original poster and I think he's a few beers short of six pack. I just wanted to make the point that if you post anonymously, anyone can come along later, say they are you, and put any kind of words they want on your mouth.

RE: Handspring is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 4:32:39 PM #
I'm the guy who just posted. I have to apologize. As it turns out, I really was the prior poster who said that they didn't want to get one and now I really do. Or was I joking about that too? I'm not sure anymore. Wait, I'm not that guy, I'm somebody else entirely.

RE: Handspring is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 7:26:58 PM #
You're all wrong. I'm the original poster.

You guys need therapy ASAP. Me... I'll grab some beer and some weed.

Later...

RE: Handspring is dead.
popko @ 11/2/2001 8:55:52 PM #
Maybe it is time for this site to start to log the IP address of anonymous posters. Yes, I've seen websites that do it.

RE: Handspring is dead.
JET8810 @ 11/3/2001 2:57:12 PM #
why not just require people to register a name in order to post? I would be extremely happy to see that happen.

RE: Handspring is dead.
EGarrido @ 11/3/2001 3:17:07 PM #
Logging IP addresses would work only if everyone had a static IP. There are still millions of dial-up users who recieve a new IP every time they log on. User names are the best deal.

Eric Garrido
RE: Handspring is dead.
james_sorenson @ 11/3/2001 6:51:23 PM #
Okay, Charlie, I found where I got my VisorPhone case from. Go to: http://www.ebcases.com

It is not a cheap case ($50), but it's leather, has a swivel belt-clip, and a pocket for another module or your earphone. It uses a velcro flip-top, and is formed so that all buttons (including those on the Visorphone) are accessible. Basically, I wanted a case where I didn't have to pull it out to use it.

Cheers.

-------
James Sorenson

RE: Handspring is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 7:07:42 PM #
If being registered is required to post comments, then I won't post any more, 'cause I get an error when trying to post while logged in and I can only post anonymously. I've told that to tech suport here and I've posted it in the forums but NOBODY has even answered me. Does anyone have this problem too?:

Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers error '80040e14'

[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Line 4: Incorrect syntax near 't'.

/comment.asp, line 164

RE: Handspring is dead.
popko @ 11/4/2001 3:06:13 AM #
You are not alone, I sometimes gets the same error as well.

Moderator Needed!

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 12:37:17 PM #
This "handspring is dead" comment has nothing to do with this discussion topic and therefore, should not be here.

The fact that these boards are not moderated, is beyond irritating to me... How hard would it be to do? You have a great site here, don't you want it to be the best?

It seems like you can't get through one discussion without some jackass crying that his/her model is the best. Let's stick to the topic people.

RE: Moderator Needed!
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 12:56:58 PM #
I 100% agree! How about putting up a new poll on this idea?

RE: Moderator Needed!
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 1:01:27 PM #
This "Moderator Needed" thread is not on topic, and should be removed. :)

Look, some idiot's always going to make comments like this, and in a way it is relevent. Is it any worse than fanboys who shout "Woo Hoo! Now Handspring is the most expandable PDA around!"?

RE: Moderator Needed!
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 1:08:52 PM #
Whether you like it or not, Handspring IS THE MOST EXPANDABLE PDA. And expansion modules in general are not more expensive than CF cards. You can bother yourself and check.

RE: Moderator Needed!
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 1:20:48 PM #
> Is it any worse than fanboys who shout "Woo Hoo! Now >Handspring is the most expandable PDA around!"?

Yes, it is worse and here's why: At least fanboy would be telling us what he thinks is so great about Handspring - it's expandable. The original "Handspring is dead" poster's viewpoint might be valid, and even important to convey to readers considering the purchase of this product. Unfortunately, the poster did not offer any support for his statement, making his post worthless.

Even worse, the tone of his post was clearly inflammatory, which was probably his sole purpose of posting to begin with. That is why he deserves to be moderated.

RE: Moderator Needed!
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 2:33:51 PM #
Handspring is in no way the most expandable PDA which is pretty obvious. Compare the number of springboards to the number of compact flash, pc card and SD devices. I mean get real. Also the guy who thinks Handspring is going to have a breakaway christmas season with five year old technology needs to get out of his basement and look around. BTW I am the original poster of "Handspring is dead". I don't really need to back that statement up since any regular reader of this website should already know they are.

RE: Moderator Needed!
volcanopele @ 11/2/2001 5:25:19 PM #
What SD and CF devices?? I have only heard of one CF device for the Handera that will come out soon and no SD devices. Mind you this deals with only those that would work with a PDA so there maybe others.

Handspring, right now, allows you to expand your PDA beyond that of memory. I have a eyemodule2 that I can't live without. I take maybe 15 pictures a day with it.

I have no problem with the m505 or the Clie or the Handera. But until the Palm ARM PDA's come out, I would upgrade, except maybe to the Prism.



RE: Moderator Needed!
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 6:03:44 PM #
SD devices??!! MS devices??!! Just an announced SD Bluetooth card and a MS Camera. Now let me check PalmGear: 57 Springboards (backup, memory, bar code scanner (easy to have on PPC, no?) mp3, GPS, massager (not that useful), line modem, wireless modems, fitness module, pagers, wireless ethernet, bluetooth, TV remote, PowerPoint remote, software modules, sound and vibe modules, digital camera, voice recorder, etc; most of them wonīt protrude or break easily. CF accesories arenīt chepear or more convenient...

57 Springboards and nothing on...
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 8:51:34 PM #
(With apologies to Bruce Springsteen)

RE: Moderator Needed!
MacPrince @ 11/3/2001 2:39:26 PM #
>>What SD and CF devices?? I have only heard of one CF device for the Handera that will come out soon and no SD devices.

Let's see here:
http://www.handera.com/accessories/compat.asp

5 landline modems, a wireless modem, two digital phone cards, two serial port cards, 5 ethernet cards, two GPS cards, and a barcode scanner card. Oh, and the 802.11b wireless card that HandEra is writing drivers for. No CF perhipherals? Hardly.

RE: Moderator Needed!
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 4:57:54 PM #
No moderator is needed. It's a free country. People have to right to have their say no matter how stupid or irritating they may be.

RE: Moderator Needed!
volcanopele @ 11/3/2001 6:34:00 PM #
I stand corrected, there are a few CF devices. However, not as much diversity in this group as with springboard modules. Plus with the exception of the GPS devices ,most of these just move data from one place to your Handera, be it through a modem or ethernet card. No MP3 players, cameras, or phones.


RE: Moderator Needed!
bradhaak @ 11/3/2001 7:26:10 PM #
Actually, on my HP Jornada 568 I have a CF camera that is much better than the EyeModule 2 (I'm and ex-owner).

I don't need an MP3 Player 'cause it's built into the OS. I guess that HandSpring wins the expandability contest on that point since there is no option to spend more than a hundred dollars for a feature that I already have.

No CF phone, but there won't be one for long for HandSpring users either since it is out of production and HS is just selling backstock until they run out.

RE: Moderator Needed!
volcanopele @ 11/3/2001 9:00:40 PM #
There is not just the Visor Phone anymore. Sprint has a phone out for the visor and there is a cordless phone attachment for the Visor. the base for this also acts as a hotsync cradle. In addition to the devices I mentioned earlier, there is a module that allows you to use Powerpoint presentations with a projector without a laptop. There are voice recorders and there is even a GPS module device made specifically for Golf fanatics. I don't know why I would want that but certainly somebody does.

So needless to say, the springboard slot is not dead.

Jason

RE: Moderator Needed!
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/4/2001 10:51:46 AM #
> Actually, on my HP Jornada 568 I have a CF camera that is much better than the EyeModule 2

You are the very first person I've ever heard of who likes that camera for the Jornada. Everyone else I've ever talked to about it thought it was horrible.

RE: Moderator Needed!
bradhaak @ 11/4/2001 12:36:04 PM #
I didn't say it was the best camera in the world. I said I liked it better than the EyeModule 2, which is the worst canera that I have ever used except for the original PalmPix. The HP camera needs to have higher resolution, but outside of that, it isn't bad. Personally, I don't care about haveing a movie mode, but that might be important to some people. The Emodule 2 does have this feature, but with the limited resolution, limited memory, and miserable frame rate, it is pretty worthless.

The Hp camera does take decent pictures and the software is excellent.

RE: Moderator Needed!
volcanopele @ 11/4/2001 1:59:15 PM #
I love my Eyemodule2. A lot easier to carry around than my dad's two clunky cameras. Some of the images I have taken with the eyemodule I never would have thought to take with a larger and more expensive digital camera. Plus I definitely like the movie mode. I often take a movie with the EM2, convert it to a gMovie, send it back to the VPL, and show the movie to all my friends. It was used in my AP Physics class to determine the speed of an RC car. I definitely never leave home without it.


Which Media?

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 1:03:14 PM #
Out of the 3 Memplugs available, Compact Flash, Smart Media, and now Memory Stick, which is the best choice?

I could see how if you already owned another device that used one kind of media, you might want to be able to use the same kind on your pda. Other than that, are there any advantages of one media over the other?

Thanks,
--Charlie

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 1:23:22 PM #

Speaking generally in terms of media, cf in particular is a better deal than memory sticks in terms of cost per megabyte. For example, a 128mb CF card is $60 at Costco, but a similar sized memory stick is hovering at $120 or so the last time I checked. In addition, there are far more accessories available in terms of usb>cf/smartmedia and PC Card > cf readers than there are for the memory stick format. This might start to change now that lexar and other 3rd party companies are staring to make memory stick format media on their own.

RE: Which Media?
james_sorenson @ 11/2/2001 1:42:47 PM #
Hoo boy, you have asked a question that has started many a war. It seems comparing medias is akin to comparing PalmOS models! Here is how you should consider which Memplug to buy:

1: Do you already have a certain type of media? You might as well standardize a little so that you only need one USB-reader for your computer.

2: Do you have friends or family with a PDA that uses a type of memory expansion? I find that sharing data by swapping cards can save A LOT of hassle when moving documents around. However, they have to be the same type of media.

3. If you currently have no media, have no friends with media, and don't intend to purchase any item in the near future that uses a certain type of media, THEN you might as well shop for price. Compact Flash is certainly the winner, here.

Smart Media seems to be gaining popularity with the smaller devices due to its small-size. Personally, I find it to be slow, over-priced, and sometimes unreliable. The contacts are exposed, so use a case. Size sells in the digital-age, I guess.

Compact Flash is my favorite. It's robust, cheap, and fast. However, it is larger than Smart-Media, and CF devices tend to cost a slight bit more. However, having a cheap, durable 256MB chip makes it worth it. Compact Flash is a requirement for me when I buy a device.

Sony Memory Stick. This one is a severe Love/Hate relationship. It's small and expensive, like Smart-Media. However, it has the ability to be a device as well as memory, like Compact Flash. From what I've seen, the Memory Stick is a bit more durable than Smart Media, but not as sturdy as Compact Flash. The major selling point is that it uses a secure-protocol when working with MP3s. This is a nod to the music industry, so future MP3-players may start using these. It is the most costly, though he price seems to be dropping rapidly.

-------
James Sorenson

RE: Which Media?
skoty @ 11/2/2001 1:46:16 PM #
Can you run applications that reside on the memory stick or do you have to move it onto the memory in your visor before you can run it? Is this a problem with CF or SM expansions? I've heard differing stories.

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 1:47:19 PM #
128 mb Memory Stick for $94.95
http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10297925

128 mb Memory Stick for $97.95
http://www.outpost.com/entry?site=cn:a101&sku=97218

Just a quick search on shopper.com reveals several places to get 128 mb MS for under $100.


RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 5:28:17 PM #
CF is cheaper and faster.
MS has a "lock" to prevent writing, it's very good.
However, I would choose CF for my visor.
But I'll buy a MemPlug MemoryStick
because I can read data from my friend's MS if needed.

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 5:35:19 PM #
I don't like Memory Stick. It's very slow and expensive. Compact Flash is much better.

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 7:16:40 PM #
Memplug for Memory Stick definetely is a good stuff for Visor user. But what about iPaq, Jornada and Cassiopeia user which mostly depend on their CF slot? Look out the CF adapter for MMC/SD adn CF Adapter for Memory Stick from www.datafab.com! It will more benefit those Pocket PC user!

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 8:56:32 PM #
"I don't like Memory Stick. It's very slow and expensive. Compact Flash is much better."

Actually, it's the second fastest of the bunch (marginally): (source PC Mag Nov13, 01)

CF 2.5 Mbps
MS 5 Mbps
MMC/SD 2 Mbps
PC card 2.5 Mbps
Springboard 6.4 Mbps

ALSO

to clear up some confusion MS is not SDMI compliant i.e. no copy protection; MS Gate (white stick) is

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 9:26:19 PM #
james_sorenson is correct. Look around you and see if any of your friends already have any of the existing memory. Then look at any gadgets (i.e. digital cameras, MP3 players, etc) that you're interested in and what they need for memory. This should point to what format would be best for you.

If neither of those is a concern, heck, go low bid!

Good luck!

RE: Which Media?
Coyote67 @ 11/2/2001 10:26:36 PM #
memory expansion is all about preference, very little about price.
People who have CF cameras use CF, people who are sony mindless drones user memorystick, I use SM cause I have a digicam that uses it. All about preference.

---------------------------------------
When you find yourself in the company of a halfling and an ill-tempered Dragon, remember, you do not have to outrun the Dragon...you just have to outrun the halfling.
RE: Which Media?
skoty @ 11/2/2001 11:16:36 PM #
This thread has really brough out one of the beauties of having a Visor. It will work with whatever memory you use with other devices. The only one missing so far is SD card support. I've heard rumors that support for those is comming soon.

But where Handspring excells in expandability, it currently lags behind in displays and built in features. They have yet to release a device with anything other than a 160x160 display. I actually don't mind this, but alot of people do. I beleive that's an enhancement that they've overlooked or forgotten. Maybe the drop in the price of the Prizm is signalling a new hi-res color device comming out in the near future. That would be great.

This post is not meant to stir up comments bashing anyone or any device. I just admire the different memory options that are available for Handspring Visors. Lets stay posetive.

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 1:49:58 AM #
It's true that visor users have a wide range of expansion card options and have great expandability.
I would only say YES to both if the Visors are equipped w/ dual springboard slots - once you got your expansion card module plugged into the slot, your Visor is no longer expandable, and that basically make your Visor no different from the m505 or the 760.

Sony and Palm should have also provided their Palms with dual Sd/MS slot. Yes of coz you could swap your Springboard/SD/MS device, but it's kinda stupid that i got to remove my memory stick and take photos w/ the MS eye module on that tiny daxn piece of 8mb Ram. And if i plug in the wireless bluetooth module, I can't go online if i got my browser stored in my SD/MS, which is the most likely case as those browsers are always RAM eaters.

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 10:27:48 AM #
"CF 2.5 Mbps
MS 5 Mbps"

I don't believe!!
I have both CF and MS, I have their card reader too.
When I backup data to the CF or MS, I found the CF always faster.
I know some good CF cards are very fast, several times faster than bad ones.

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/5/2001 10:46:51 AM #
That person's numbers are so wrong, it isn't even funny. SD and MMC don't have the same specs. CF and SD specs support speeds way above what MemoryStick currently handles. I actually doubt any of those numbers are right.

RE: Which Media?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/5/2001 6:49:13 PM #
Those are PC Magazine's numbers. If you're so adamant that they're wrong, please provide backup, not conjecture.

Comes with PiDirect? Are you sure?

Scott @ 11/2/2001 4:40:33 PM #
Ed, do you know for sure that this comes with PiDirect? The website is unclear but seems to indicate that PiDirect is sold separately. I know that it's sold separately for their other MemPlugs.

Scott

RE: Comes with PiDirect? Are you sure?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 4:59:33 PM #
Pidirect is included, but only supports 20 apps
in the directory. You have to purchase a separate
license, to get unlimited access.

RE: Comes with PiDirect? Are you sure?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/2/2001 6:13:50 PM #

Springboards didn't work out too well...

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 12:32:36 AM #
Let's be realistic. Springboards themselves are niche equipment. That's why springboard makers are always going out of business. Handspring won't even have them in their Treo line because they realized that the Springboard is unimportant.

Now, that said, Handspring is finished. Their stock is going to $0. Just wait. The Treo line just prolongs the inevitable. The gambled on PalmOS and lost.

RE: Springboards didn't work out too well...
james_sorenson @ 11/3/2001 3:36:56 AM #
Not totally true. The reason that the Treos do not have a Springboard slot is because the cell-phone component takes up that circuitry. Remember, the Treo is a miniaturized, updated version of a Visor with the Visorphone module. To make room for an additional springboard would require dual-springboard capability, which wouldn't be feasible in such a small model. The 16megs of RAM should ease the loss of memory expansion. The Treos aren't really designed to replace the Visor line, so the Springboard still has a future.

As for this whole "Handspring is Dead" because they gambled on the PalmOS and what not: come back when you can support that statement. Handspring is fine. Why? PalmOS is still the majority PDA, and two new comapnies just licensed the OS. The Treos are hitting news stands before they are even released. There are 57 springboard modules for the current Visors, which is more than I'll ever need. As proven by this article, more modules are being made.

That, my friend, is how you make a statement in this group.

-------
James Sorenson

RE: Springboards hwve worked out well
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 9:11:34 AM #
James, very well articulated. I love the springboards and their architecture seems to be a superset based on all of the different memory types that it is supporting. I have seen the springboard bashing in many forums that is hard to understand. I know, as a user, I really like the springboard devices and have several. The article is good representation of another flexible option for the visor line be announced.

Are Handsprings any good?.
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 1:12:05 PM #
I'm not trying to stir up the muck, but would like honest opinions from Handspring owners. The Springboard certainly has the most options, and now that you've got memory sticks with something like PiDirect, memory expansion should be pretty awesome. My question is this? Do they crash alot? I had a Vx and at the same time a Visor Deluxe. My visor would hard-reset often (3-5x/month with much use) , sometimes when changing batteries (I could do it in <10 sec) It wouldn't receive beams ( beaming palm device would always say beam interrupted). My unit was one of 24 that my hospital bought for us slaves (residents). The others were the same way. They were bought from a comp-usa in Cincinatti, OH. They were not factory-seconds. I assumed that some programs that were written for Palm OS got tripped-up on the springboard. Anyway, it turned me off to Handspring. The same software ran fine on our TRG Pros, IIIc's and Vx's. Did we just get a bad batch? We used no Spring board modules. Were the visors a uniquely bad model? Serious replies would be nice.

Tuckermaclain@yahoo.com (love my 505)

Springboards rock
dwarchbold @ 11/3/2001 1:36:32 PM #
I am a Handspring owner and a Clie 710 owner. In my opinion, the Springboard offers the best expansion option for any Palm platform. I especially like the Memplug boards.

You like CF? There's a CF Springboard.

You like SD/MMC? There's a Memplug Springboard.

You like Memstick? Now, there's a memstick springboard.

Right there, it supports all of the major memory modules. Not to mention the ability to add 56K modems, MP3 players, etc. And every Springboard module I've used is rock solid stable. Sure, there are probably flaky modules out there but they are far and few between. Most come with the neccessary software built into the module itself, so you do not need to waste internal RAM with drivers, software etc.

My only real complaint about the Springboards are their price. Most are really way overpriced in my opinion. But still, the Springboards made my decision to jump to the Clie line very very difficult and if Handspring ever released a Visor that matched my needs like the Clie does then I'd probably jump back to their camp :)

RE: Springboards didn't work out too well...
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 3:37:29 PM #
Not so fast there...

>You like CF? There's a CF Springboard.
>You like SD/MMC? There's a Memplug Springboard.

Seems to me that a HandEra 330 which can use both at the same time gets extra points for expandability. I have hundreds of databases and apps on an external card (192MB), and it wouldn't be very useful to have to unplug all that to use a modem, ethernet, or 802.11b connection.

Then there's the issue that, unlike springboards, you can use those CF devices (and soon, non-memory SD devices when they arrive), on your laptop or desktop saving you duplication of devices. The sole problem with springboards is that they're proprietary, and that's hard to stay in business with. CF device manufacturers generally don't make their cards for just one target market. I can use any NE2000 ethernet card on the market (dozens) for example in my TrgPro, Handera 330, my laptop, my desktop, or a PocketPC if I had one. A consumer shouldn't have to buy all his devices twice.

>Most come with the neccessary software built into the module itself, so you do not need to waste internal RAM with drivers, software etc.

Again, that's only needed if you can't have your cake and eat it too. So you're stuck with the software that the manufacture gives you on the card. In the case of a Handera 330 owner, they can use other software which they believe is better suited, and put it on one card, while they use the device in the other slot. Maybe it's an alternative database they're using with a bar code wand or laser scanner, or some other combo with a GPS, ethernet card, CDPD modem, etc. Or even many different apps that make use of the card. If they're all VFS apps, both the cards and the data can be on the memory card and take up no RAM, while I use the accessory in the other slot.

As for the thread on card speeds, max rated speed on cards in nearly irrelevant on PalmOS hardware. The constriction is the Palm hardware which levels the playing field. The maximum speed for any card is going to be the same. The only differences comes in the memory handling routines of the card controllers, and more significantly, the number of address lines the card has. CF has double or quadruple the number of address lines of the other card formats (springboard excepted), which is why it can still outrun them in large transfers. It's a parallel transfer rather than a serial one.

RE: Springboards didn't work out too well...
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 5:04:04 PM #
I don't think that Handspring would have fared any better had they adopted WinCE. Put it this way: how many of the WinCE Mark 1 or Mark 2 manufacturers made any money? Zero. Except for iPAQ, none of the Mark 3 version of the WinCE handhelds have done any better. Even Compaq has barely passed the break even point and the iPAQ's future is not looking so rosy neither (they are now literally giving them away as part of "package deals").



RE: Springboards didn't work out too well...
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 11:27:35 PM #
Anyone who thinks "Handspring is fine" needs to check out their stock price and sales charts. Handspring is over.

RE: Springboards didn't work out too well...
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/3/2001 11:35:44 PM #
Hmmm based on your analysis, I guess Palm is dead too. Their stock price is in the gutter as well. Handspring's stock price will get better when the economy in general and the sotck market in particular gets better.

RE: Springboards didn't work out too well...
popko @ 11/4/2001 3:13:15 AM #
I'm a Visor owner and I don't have deep pockets, so most Springboards are out the question for me.

I beg to differ...
TDS @ 11/4/2001 12:14:03 PM #
I have clients using Visor Edges with dictation modules to take verbal notes, and then Email the file to their transcriber. I have another client who will be using a fleet of Visor Platinums and Pros with Eyemodule II Cameras and GPS's to map out animal trails in the mountains of Southern Arizona for conservation purposes. One of my Home-Builder clients takes photos of his homes on his Smartmedia-equipped Fuji camera and shows them to potential clients of his Visor Prism/Memplug SM combo.
These are just a sampling of some of the "niches" that are filled by the Handspring series. There is no other single handheld that can be modified and upgraded the same way that the Handspring can.
The new memory plug will fill another niche. Existing Sony product owners will not be forced to buy a clie for compatibility with their Memory stick devices. (Don't get me wrong, the Clie is a great device).
Bash away, Handspring haters. There are those of us out here who see the benefits of true expandability.

Doug

How could Springboad design be profitable?
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/4/2001 11:57:10 PM #
Last summer I was in the market to purchase my first pda basically because I needed help staying organized and the concept seemed cool to me. After looking at all the models, I decided to go with one with 8MB memory and go with the Palm brand. The salesmen showed me Visor Deluxe, and the concept of Springboards made a lot of sense to me, so it was an easy purchase as it offered USB along with it being expandable. Buying before any of the major Springboards were released, I was shocked when I found out that I could purchase a high quality standalone mp3 player with the same or ever more memory for the price of either of the mp3 Springboards. I'm curious if any Springboard manufacturer actually made any money when they signed with Handspring.

RE: Springboards didn't work out too well...
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/5/2001 11:13:04 PM #
Please learn how to spell...

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