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Visor Prism

Sat Oct 21, 2000 - 1:29 PM EDT - By James Hromadka


Product Info
Details
» Name Visor Prism
» Company Handspring
» Color Cobalt Blue
» Memory 8 MB
» Speed 33 Mhz
» OS Palm OS 3.5.2.H
» Battery Type Built in Lithium Ion battery
» Weight 6.9 oz
» Dimensions 4.8" x 3.0" x 0.8"
» Fact Sheet & User Opinions
Availability
» Unknown
Pricing
» $169

Usability

Now that you know what went into the Prism, how well do all of these features fit together?  Very well.  The screen is very clear and easy to read in most lighting conditions.  Broad daylight is a different story.  It was very hard to read the screen because it is very dim in daylight --  it would be the equivalent of a Visor on a low contrast setting.  Because the screen is so reflective, I recommend screen protectors to reduce glare.  Who you buy them from is your own decision. :-)

This is the Visor to get if you want to make Palm users green (not monochrome green) with envy.  Everyone I show the Prism too goes oohs and ahhs over it and are amazed at how clear the screen is, and the difference that 16-bit color makes puts the Palm IIIc to shame.

The Prism does weigh more than the Deluxe but not too much.  The Prism feels better built, and the blue cobalt casing (which I love the color) feels stronger.  At $450, I won't be doing much durability testing, but the Prism at least seems stronger.  The speaker seems to be louder as well.  I don't know if it's DTMF capable, but alarms are more easily heard, and it's easier to annoy my wife when playing a game. :-)

Conclusion

The Prism is a big investment to make, but it is worth it if you have the money.  I was one of the people that said "I don't need color," but consider me converted.  Scrimp and save up.  You'll be glad you did, as this is the best handheld I have used to date.


Criteria 

Rating

Features 4
Usability 5
Upgrading 3
Cost/Benefit 4
Overall
(not an average)
Pros
- Brilliant 16-bit color
- Faster
- Makes your friends jealous
- Usable in the dark
-Newer OS
Cons
- Slightly thicker - Difficult to use in daylight
- Expen$ive - Not enough done with included apps


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