Comments on: Handspring Visor Neo Review

Awhile back, Handspring released a new low-end model, the Visor Neo, which was designed to replace the aging Visor Deluxe. With a monochrome screen and 8 MB of RAM, it offers decent performance for a decent price. News Editor Ed Hardy brings us this review.
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microphone

huggy @ 12/3/2001 1:13:12 PM #
first of all, I found no differences with Visor Deluxe apart from the casing and cradle color and the OS version...

Long ago I saw a thread in the forums asking for apps that could run the microphone, but I didn't know by then, so I'll post it here:
It's impossible to run an app that uses the microphone because there's no connection; The microphone is not connected to the Visor motherboard. There's a direct link to the springboard slot, so that only a springboard can use it.

-------------- huggy ---------------

RE: microphone
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 1:22:36 PM #
The 33mhz processor is probably the biggest difference.

I think it's inaccurate to compare this model to the Visor Deluxe, because what it really is is simply a Visor Platinum repackaged in translucent plastic.

Oh, and it has the "Fast Look-Up" feature.

RE: microphone
huggy @ 12/3/2001 1:29:17 PM #
you, I forgot the 33MHz :)

As for the fast lookup, anyone had success in there? I really found it SLOW! I have about 400 contacts in my adress book... and I think the best way to find one is just typing the first two letters... Well, I'm good at that because I play the guitar and have long nails, so I don't have to take the stylus out just for a couple of letters... :-D!!!

-------------- huggy ---------------

O god ........

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 2:13:12 PM #
I don't like transparent cases, I rather they use a black case. They are making my old PalmPilot Pro look great ...

Springboard support!

skoty @ 12/3/2001 2:50:06 PM #
For those of you (mostly Sony users) who bash Handspring about giving up on their springboard expansions, the release of this device (less than two months ago) should be proof enough that they haven't. True, the Treo doesn't have a springboard slot, but it's a different product line with different targeted users. This is a Handspring Visor, and Visors have always supported springboards.

Case closed.

RE: Springboard support!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 3:25:37 PM #
Good point about Springboard support. I think the Visor probably won't go anywhere, and Springboards will stay viable for another 1-2 years. BUT, Handspring's development of smaller expandable PDAs is stunted by the SB. That's why the Edge is a failure. It's also why HS is going more toward Treo. That's their "smaller" product.

On another note, it's no secret to people who frequent these boards that it's "mostly Sony users" who bash Handspring, Palm, Handera, or any other competitor of Sony for any variety of "sins." I don't know why the Sony-istas can't simply enjoy their Sony stuff and leave the rest of us alone. I guess it's an inferiority complex--they need to play "my PDA can beat up your PDA" to thump their proverbial chests and make themselves feel superior. It's one minor reason why I refuse to buy a Clie. I simply don't want to be associated with that "element."

LOL
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 3:29:01 PM #
...

RE: Springboard support!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 3:53:59 PM #
Give me a break! You refuse to buy a certain make/model of PDA because of your blanket bias towards the 'element' of people who use them!!

That's the same logic that is used by those who try to justify racial or ethnic prejudice. Come on...EVERY Clie user is a jerk, so don't buy a Clie?!?!?

Fortunately, for those of us with a clue...there are as many different types of PDA users out there as there are PalmOS-based PDA's.

(By the way...I use a Palm Vx...but a co-worker of mine uses a Clie...and He is a very nice guy)

RE: Springboard support!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 4:17:52 PM #
(1) I took advantage of the $364 N760C Clie's from Dell.

(2) I returned it two days later.

Reasons:

(a) Screen takes WAY TOO LONG to "boot up."

(b) Images, though 16-bit and 320x320 look washed up.

(c) For $400, I'll keep my "old" IIIc. >>> Brighter . . . =), but no memory expansion . . . =(

(d) Besides, when they release the T-615C, I'll have felt much better.

Handspring bashing
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 6:49:18 PM #
I believe all those Handspring Treo Bashing is due to those Sony Bashing about how the new MS modules not supported in S-Series Palm OS Device. And strangely none of those people who bashed Sony are Clie users. "I guess it's an inferiority complex" of those non clie users too.

Then those people start to praise how Springboard's supported in all models of handspring device. but they forgot that their latest handspring toy don't even have a springboard slot. isn't that ironic ?? then they start to say things like "Treo is a totally different kind of device" ... yeah yeah , say whatever you wanna say, all I know is that's a FACT that SPRINGBOARD is NOT SUPPORTED in the LATEST Handspring devices.

Hmm .... Let's see who started the bashing ......

RE: Springboard support!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 10:45:41 PM #
The Treo is not called the Visor Treo for a reason. It is a totally different product with a totally difference audience. When Handspring release their newest Visors next year your arguement that Handspring has abandoned the Springboard will be mute.

RE: Springboard support!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 11:40:24 PM #
"....I simply don't want to be associated with that "element.."

Don't cry ! I know you are sad ! Just go home and play with your sweet Visor baby (twin ??) ...That's all you can do, you only deserve that crap

RE: Springboard support!
skoty @ 12/4/2001 10:34:12 AM #
Well, this "I don't want to be associated with that kind of crowd" line seems pretty silly to me. I don't by Sony PDAs because they take the disposable approach to them. Memory Stick add-ons not working with the S series is only the tip of the iceburg. If you want your 710c to have all of the bugs fixed in OS 4.0, you've got to send it in to them to be fixed. They make you go PDA-less for a week or two. But, if you would've waited 1.5 months, you could have gotten the 760c and leap-frogged their disposable quickie. Apparently, they guy a few posts ago did something similar.

This is analagous to the reason I don't buy PDAs that have Microsoft's PocketPC on them. They lull you in with their "features", then they keep you from buying competitor's products by "not supporting them," when actually, they've altered the adopted standards. They actually encourage non-interoperability!

RE: Springboard support!
handspring @ 2/21/2007 8:07:36 PM #
Well... now that it's 2007...

WE ALL KNOW THE SPRINGBOARD FAILED AND HANDSPRING DOESN'T EVEN EXIST ANYMORE!!!!


>>Handspring

Eh

Spell @ 12/3/2001 2:50:19 PM #
This is about the price point and "state of the art" level where I jumped in with a Visor Deluxe about 2 years ago. To be honest, this doesn't look like enough of a change from my green (transparent case) Deluxe to bother with an "upgrade," (I've never had any complaints on processor speed) but it looks like a fine unit to recommend for a new recruit not yet interested in one of those $400 color MP3 playing monstrosities.


RE: Eh
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 4:15:02 PM #
Just another boring palm..I guess I am a troll now, because I sold my M505 and got a Compaq Ipaq. I was not unhappy with my palm so to speak, except for the color. However I am very happy with my PPC. I think palm is an excellent planner. The same as a Geo Metro is an excellent commuter car to get you to point a to point b. However, if you are looking for more, then the PPC is the way to go. The pictures of my children are bright and clear, and in addition, i can drag and drop files from my pc to my ppc. WOW!! So again, I don't think Palm is a bad device, I just think the PPC is a better device!

RE: Eh
peter167 @ 12/3/2001 4:25:45 PM #
I agreed the low end models will be another boring device, but do not forget it is $200 and does not steal your pocket.

Are people's expectations being too high?

RE: Eh
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 6:21:55 PM #
Yeah ppls expectations are high, but i think that's because they compare the pda world to the computer world where every few months there's a sexier faster processor, slimmer lcd monitor, larger hard disk, etc. but pdas move slower, and seem to have fewer technological advances. so when handspring introduces a new pda, people expect it to be clearly the fastest or best in some respect, and end up disappointed when it's "just" a repackaged platinum.


RE: Eh
mikeliu @ 12/4/2001 8:36:18 AM #
heh, people complain when Sony releases products too fast, and other people complain when Palm/Handspring release products too slow. can't please everyone

RE: Eh
skoty @ 12/4/2001 10:46:04 AM #
"people expect it to be clearly the fastest or best in some respect"

To set the record streight, the Neo has a 33Mhz processor (same as Platinum, Pro, Prizm, and Edge). This is the fastest processor technology available right now for PalmOS devices. Yes, it is a repackaged Platinum, but when the Platinum was released, it was the fastest. Now everyone's caught up.

Low End Loser

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 4:30:25 PM #

Seriously, with the Clie S320 at $169 which offers rechargeable battery and a much smaller and more modern expansion platform, the memory stick (Please don't start shouting PROPRIATARY! so is the Springboard) smaller form factor, and a better backlight (the old PalmIII type), Handspring needs to price this a little lower.

RE: Low End Loser
peter167 @ 12/3/2001 4:52:32 PM #
You have made a good point that this model is a little bit pricey. However, if you need the springboard expandable modules, you cannot find enough accessories to fill up the Sony models. There are lots of modules out there. It may target a small number of audience, and maybe that's why it does not attract too many people to shop.

RE: Low End Loser
dhchung @ 12/3/2001 5:40:51 PM #
I think handspring will do so when they sell all the deluxe they have. I think it's the only 16mhz PDA out there. handspring wnat to get rid of it asap

RE: Low End Loser
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 9:21:16 AM #
One more point: a lot of peripherals for T and N series are not for S320. That's why I love Handspring: they offer excellent BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY!

RE: Low End Loser
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 11:02:51 AM #
Yeah, like the Edge?

RE: Low End Loser
Coyote67 @ 12/4/2001 11:10:57 AM #
Edge is about 80% backward compatible. It can use all the springboards, but not the stuff that uses it's port. Much better then Sony's track record of one device that works one model and then one that works for all but one.

---------------------------------------
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: Low End Loser
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 11:26:07 AM #
It is not good to not support some of your new perpherials on older low end device, but it is worse to not support all of your new perpherials in the latest devices.

who said handspring has EXCELLENT BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY !? Try plug in any springboard in a tero ... Sorry it don't even have a springboard slot. I wonder how EXCELLENT that is

RE: Low End Loser
Coyote67 @ 12/4/2001 4:06:01 PM #
OH MY GOD. What the hell is WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE. Look, lets try to get this written in stone. Visor=A PalmOS Handheld line with a springboard expansion slot.
Treo=A PalmOs Phone Handheld.
Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo,Visor, Treo.
Its not called a Visor Treo, and you know why?
BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT THE SAME PRODUCT LINE.
Try to see this concept. SEPERATE. Does Sony's walkman have memory stick? NO!
Hell, even sony's playstation2 uses a seperate INCOMPATIBLE memroy card. You know why? BECAUSE THEY ARE SEPERATE PRODUCTS. Why don't you go bashing Sony for not having memory stick in every single product. What does this mean? Well it means you are an COMPLETE idiot if you keep mentioning that the treo doesn't have a springboard slot. Cry havoc, and let the loose the trolls of PIC.

---------------------------------------
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: Low End Loser
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 4:24:28 PM #
"Try to see this concept. SEPERATE. Does Sony's walkman have memory stick? NO!"

Yes They do have Memory stick walkmans, if you know nothing about sony's other product please shut up. They even have Memory stick phones.

"Hell, even sony's playstation2 uses a seperate INCOMPATIBLE memroy card."

iti s because they need to be compatible with playstation 1, you stupid. Do some research before speaking. "People like you are a good enough reason to have abortions."

Give me reasons why Tero as a Palm OS Device (with Cell phone function) should have no springboard modules ?? I still don't understand, why !?

RE: Low End Loser
skoty @ 12/4/2001 6:03:33 PM #
You can't plug the camera or GPS memory sticks into the walkman though can you?

RE: Low End Loser
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/5/2001 9:18:39 AM #
I dont mean to bash or anything...

I think the reason why the Treo line of Handspring products wont be supporting springboards is that..

1. They probably take up more space.. thus destroying the perfect form factor similar to that of the original StarTAC (its smaller than the average Visor+Visorphone combo.. or any hybrid out there including the Motorola Accomply or Nokia 9210)

2. Some springboards probably take up power - something a cellular phone needs to stay connected with its service provider.

3. Yes.. it has been reiterated time and again that the Treo is marketed to a different audience. Its a matter of "correct product usage".

Although it would have been nice if it would support its own propriety hardware (like digital cameras.. and then sending it other compatible devices via MMS).

And besides, I have yet to see a Palm Smartphone Hybrid (with the exception of the Siemens SX45.. if it used the latest pocketpc os then it would be nice) that had or is planning to have an expansion option. Correct me if im wrong on this.. just basing these on assumptions :)

Maybe we should wait for the Nokia 7650? heehee.. check it out on their site :)

My next toy would be the Treo... and ill keep my Prism for digital photos and presentations :) heck, it could make a nice picture frame in my room :)

RE: Low End Loser
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/28/2001 11:39:03 PM #
Pfft...Sony are still stuck in the dark ages when it comes to things like this...

Fantastic company for A/V stuff, but errmm..hello..out-of-the-box MAC support?? (You know, like almost EVERY other major hardware company has..)

I'd consider a Sony if they had Mac support built-in....too bad. Visor for me (Palm M-100 series use serial and SUCK)

Bye bye

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 10:11:35 PM #
I can see Handspring is on its way out right behind Palm......

RE: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 10:48:56 PM #
Oh Mr Psychic where is the proof? Handspring is going nowhere. neither is Palm.

Yes, Handspring really IS going nowhere. Fast.
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 10:52:52 PM #
And so is Palm.

Read a little about the history of computer hardware and software manufacturers over the past 10 years. That is if you can pry yourself from your Playstation for 10 minutes...

You'll see that inertia is fatal.

Repeat after me... "Inertia is fatal."


Handspring needed the Treo 1 year ago. Now it's too late. By the time they have a decent Treo available, Nokia, Sony, Microsoft etc. will have released something smallerlighterbrightercoolerfaster and cannibalize what was Treo's market. Overnight. Don't think it'll happen? You'll see.

RE: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/3/2001 11:42:11 PM #
Actually Nokia already got one, thats the 9210 series

by 2002 Feb we'll have (may except US) Nokia phone with Epoc smaller than Tero with color screen and builtin camera (6xxx Series)

That's not a hard decision for consumers to make I guess

nokia - Epoc, Color Screen, Camera
Handspring - Palm OS, Mono screen

The brand name Nokia alone already kicked handspring's @$$, don't even get me started with the feature set.

RE: Bye bye
jeremyf @ 12/4/2001 1:50:19 AM #
Umm are you guys kinda retarded? :(

The Treo is the most anticipated product since "Ginger"... ie Nokia's phone is not only more expensive than the COLOR treo, but it will be released AFTER the color treo (in the US). Also, the Treo is much SMALLER than the Nokia (both the new one and the Communicator).

For some reason, a smaller PalmOS phone seems more appealing than a bigger EPOC phone (with a camera and 2mb of memory).

RE: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 2:32:15 AM #
"Nokia's phone is not only more expensive than the COLOR treo, but it will be released AFTER the color treo"
Where's the color Treo ? Stop talking about imaginary products please, and stop quoting imaginary price.

"Treo is much SMALLER than the Nokia" ??
Maybe Treo is "smaller" but not "much SMALLER"
Nokia : 114 x 56 x 26 mm
Treo: 110 x 69 x 18 mm

As a consumer, I think Nokia color, little bit bigger phone is more appealing than a mono little smaller Handspring "phone" Device with no springboard slot.

I'll look at handspring and think, what is handspring?? I don't remember them making phone b4, cheaper sync with PC?? nea, I just want a cool and reliable phone.

btw: Maybe it's news for you, but the world don't rotate around US ... LoL

RE: Bye bye
JET8810 @ 12/4/2001 6:59:25 AM #
what am I missing>? isn't there a color treo coming out?

RE: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 7:12:24 AM #
Treo ? Handspring ? Phone ? Neh..I would rather choose Nokia ...

RE: Bye bye HANDSPRING?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 9:51:48 AM #
Whoever can sign up AT&T, Verizon, etc. (WIRELESS BIG BOYS) to sell their product will win. I'm with AT&T so I can only by what they offer and I like their service so I will most probably not change. They have a nice bulk-purchase agreement with Nokia which means they may not even sell the Treo. If no Treo at AT&T, that means it will never hit critical mass. My point is that with a phone/PDA combo, don't discount the power of the Big Wireless Providers - right or wrong - they will do what they want to do when it comes to equipment.

RE: Bye bye
Coyote67 @ 12/4/2001 11:13:16 AM #
Really, well thats interesting. Lets take a look at something. Phone PDA devices, Samsung's sold through Sprint. Kyoceras, sold through Verizon/Sprint. All these devices were rlsed to the carriers before they came out to consumers. Why you ask? Well little one, to get support from them. Thats why the Treo was shown so early, to get support from the bells. Have no fear oh confused one, the treo will be sold by Voicestream, Cingular and the like over seas, not how the Visorphone was.

---------------------------------------
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: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 11:22:32 AM #
hey Coyote - and I think I speak for everyone - drop the stupid nerdy taglines. How old are you? 13?

RE: Bye bye
Coyote67 @ 12/4/2001 4:15:45 PM #
Because you have no clue what I'm refering to I'm suddenly a nerd? People like you are a good enough reason to have abortions.

---------------------------------------
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: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 4:43:11 PM #
Coyote - you are simply a waste of bandwith.

RE: Bye bye
Coyote67 @ 12/4/2001 6:37:12 PM #
Dude! You gotta stop using that nerdy tech talk, someone just might single you out and label you.

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Stuffing feathers up your ass does not make you a chicken.
RE: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 10:15:12 PM #
Nokia phones must be the suckiest phones on the planet. gimme an Ericcson any day. The Treo will be superior to what Nokia have to offer for the simple fact that it is using the Palm OS. It will be interesting to see if the design behind the Nokia wil be as "smart" and intuitice as the Treo.

Color Treo should be out in April. I think Handspring got a winner in the Treo..I am defintely getting one!

RE: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 11:03:38 PM #
That must be why Nokia is the biggest Cell phone maker on this planet ....... LoL ..........

Anyways Sony/Erricsons will be making phone based on EPOC too, so either way Palm's involvement in the "new" PDA Phone market is really really minimal. Maybe it'll end up just like now, everyone in US uses something like PCS (Palm OS Phone), or some GSM frequency not compatible with the rest of the world (EPOC).

RE: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/5/2001 6:24:17 AM #
NIke is one fo the biggest shoemakers in the world. That does that mean theey make the best shoes. Its all about the "brand". A lot of people still call their Clies and Visors Palm Pilots.

RE: Bye bye
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/5/2001 12:00:11 PM #
So Handspring must be the best phone maker then ........

Let's see .... O .... they don't actually make phones ... forgot about that ...

Anyway, Sony is the winner

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 4:15:49 AM #
Sony is definitely the ultimate winner, no argue

RE: Anyway, Sony is the winner
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 7:11:06 AM #
Palm & HS are definitely the ultimate loser, no argue

Looking for roles in Lord of the Rings?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 8:02:53 AM #
Gosh... the casting agents for Lord of the Rings would be rubbing their hands with glee if they came looking at this board. Please.. trolls... the movie series is being shot in New Zealand.. Kindly go there and look for work rather than tying up my precious bandwidth with your inane "My Clie is better than your visor" Palm is doomed, you all suck Nokia kicks ass type posts

I have a Prism... its great. A friend has a Clie its great too. My Prism is a year old abnd his is a month old. They both do the same job. My screen is a bit brighter, his is sharper. His plays MPS'd so does mine with my soundsgood.

His is a lot slimmer than mine, but hey, when I bought it the Prism was the best colour device around and still serves me well... and will continue to do so until OS 5.0 comes along.

So please quit being so damned childish

RE: Anyway, Sony is the winner
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 11:04:50 AM #
Sony is better. ;-p

RE: Anyway, Sony is the winner
Coyote67 @ 12/4/2001 11:16:23 AM #
I think palminfocenter needs to switch to Slashdot style forums, helps to stop the viewing of these useless stupid posts written by 10-year olds.

---------------------------------------
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: Anyway, Sony is the winner
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 10:19:48 PM #
I know I am guilty too..BUT PalmInfoCenter need to stop these anonymous postings. There is no accountability so people post a lot of crap.

wrong product name

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/4/2001 1:52:10 PM #
ED- it is called the Neo. Not the Visor Pro review.

RE: wrong product name
Ed @ 12/4/2001 2:17:56 PM #
That's weird because I remember changing that. Gremlins maybe?

---
News Editor

Any light on the graffiti area

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/5/2001 9:41:15 AM #
Hi Ed:

Is there any lighting on the graffiti area? Which Palm OS PDA has lighting on the graffiti area?

RE: Any light on the graffiti area
skoty @ 12/5/2001 10:55:15 AM #
I don't think any of them do. The HandEra might since it has a virtual graphiti area. The back light might also light up the graphiti area as well. Can any of you HandEra users confirm this? (I know there's at lease one of you that frequents this site, because there's always posts about the HandEra)

RE: Any light on the graffiti area
chuck397 @ 12/5/2001 11:55:28 AM #
Yes, the Handera has backlighting in the (vitural) graffiti area.

RE: Any light on the graffiti area
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/5/2001 12:30:49 PM #
Also on the Samsung S300 Palm Phone since the grafitti area is part of the Color LCD. Too bad it doesn't display your pen strokes.

RE: Any light on the graffiti area
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 9:44:40 AM #
I heard that the icons in the graffiti area of Palm m505 are lit up. But, you can't see your strokes. Is this true? How about Sony, Handspring and other Palm PDAs?

Did Handspring steal the ''NEO'' name from the Matrix movie?

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/8/2001 8:14:45 AM #
???

RE: Did Handspring steal the ''NEO'' name from the Matrix mo
Ed @ 12/8/2001 10:15:21 AM #
"Neo" is Latin for "New". It's possible Handspring hoped to pick up some cachet from The Matrix but not necessary. More likely they just wanted to imply that it was new and improved.

---
News Editor
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