MemPlug MemoryStick Coming Mid-November

Posted By: Ed Friday, November 2, 2001 11:58:44 AM

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.

It will work with the Visor Neo, Pro, Edge, Prism, Platinum, Deluxe and Solo. It supports both regular Memory Sticks and Magic Gate ones with built-in security.

The Springboard comes installed with applications to backup the Visor's RAM to the Memory Stick, copy or move applications and databases to and from the memory card, a JPEG viewer and an eBook reader, and even a registered copy of gMovie for playing movies from the card.

It also comes with PiDirect, which allows users to access read-only apps and databases on the card, and PiVFSMgr, which allows Palm OS 4.0 VFS-supported applications to run on the Visor just like they would on the m500 series or Sony Clié.

Its onbord ROM is flashable so it can be updated by the company with new versions of the applications.

Thanks to Eugene for the tip. -Ed

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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 won´t protrude or break easily. CF accesories aren´t 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.

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