@ctivelink Springboard Requires Special Visor

Posted By: Ed on Friday, September 22, 2000 10:49:15 AM

The new @ctivelink Springboard module from Glenayre has to be purchased in a bundle with a specially shielded Visor Deluxe because the @ctivelink emits so much RF a regular Visor would have problems.

The module receives and stores e-mail 24 hours a day, even when removed. Just insert it in the Visor to check the latest messages. It can store up to 500 e-mails and lasts up to 4 weeks on two AAA batteries.

The @ctivelink Wireless Communication Pack is now available for $428.

Wireless service for the @ctiveLink module is available through SkyTel's SkyWriter service. Check SkyWriter coverage in your area.

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@ctivelink Springboard Requires Special Visor

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/22/2000 11:10:52 AM #

Way to go guys.
Springboards are coming!
Springboards are coming!

Just wait, they are on their way.

Oh, Look, here is a really cool new springboard
that is now here, but it cannot be used by any current visor owners!!

You have to purchase a special one that is shielded.

Boy I be they sell a lot of those springboards.

RE: @ctivelink Springboard Requires Special Visor

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/22/2000 12:07:19 PM #

This seems to be the only springboard module that requires a special visor. With a regular visor, I can now: plug in a modem, plug in a camera, plug in a back up module, plug in more ram, plug in a IR remote control, plug in a game and play MP3 files.

Why are you so bent out of shape when this one springboard require a new visor? If you don't need it, don't buy it and shut up.

oh boy...

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/22/2000 12:30:27 PM #

Yeah, but when all of these Springboards were mentioned, no one ever mentioned the possibility that we'd need a *special unit* to use them! The whole idea behind the Visor was that all of these Springboards would be able to slap into your existing unit and expand *it*. If I have to buy a new Visor for different Springboards, what's the point of the slot? Defeats the whole purpose of the "infinate expandability" that the Springboard program is *supposed* to offer.

Now granted, I don't fully blame Handspring for this. The companies making the Springboards need to take this into account when making new mods.

RE: @ctivelink Springboard Requires Special Visor

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/22/2000 1:37:37 PM #

i'm a visor owner, but recently i've notice that Palm users could slap on a modem, camera (better than the one for the visor), IR remote, etc. AND they have wireless internet (OmniSky) already available on a regular, unshielded Palm. hmmm..is a visor THAT much different when compared to a Palm is it?

RE: @ctivelink Springboard Requires Special Visor

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/22/2000 2:59:31 PM #

modems are old news
the camera sucks and is a waste of money
backup module is sorta useful
more memory can be useful
who really needs an ir remote
the mp3 player is trivial

BUT...

a wireless springboard...now thats something. but not if i gotta buy another visor...

RE: @ctivelink Springboard Requires Special Visor

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/22/2000 5:46:25 PM #

I know it is disappointing for a lot of people, but the module isn't responsible, its a design flaw in the Springboard connector that wasn't exposed until the wireless modules were well into development. A 2-way pager has the potential to radiate a lot of energy briefly when it send out a message, and the close proximity of the Visor electronics to that transmitter setup a situation that couldn't be fixed in the current units.

I'd bet that the GSM phone module will require the shielded Visor too. Perhaps Handspring could offer some sort of retrofit program once they get over the inital hump of shipping these bundles.

RE: @ctivelink Springboard Requires Special Visor

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/24/2000 6:22:36 PM #

I guess this is not for the squeamish, but there should be a way to modify your /current/ visor so that it's shielded properly?

Ideas that 'spring'(haha!) to mind include the silvered paint they use to RF shield the old Apple cases (is it available to end-user types?), thin, grounded metal pieces around the well the springboards sit in, and metal replacement cases or backs, ala the ones currently available for the III (But hopefully not as pricy.)

IANAVO (I Am Not A Visor Owner) and IANAEE (...Electrical Engineer), but it seems like a refit is a definately doable thing.

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