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James at HAL-PC


Sat Aug 12, 2000 - 7:10 PM EDT - By James Hromadka

Springboard modules shown

Thankfully, people aren’t complaining about getting their Visors anymore. Instead, they’re talking about its Springboard modules, these tiny cartridges that allow you do everything from listen to MP3s to finding out where the closest Mexican food restaurant is using GPS. One of the things that I like best about the Springboard slot is that there is no size limitation. Vendors can make modules that have buttons, antennas, etc to make the user’s experience as intuitive as possible.

I’ve been a Palm OS user for almost three years now. My first one was a Palm III that I bought after doing a lot of research on which handheld I wanted. I bought the Palm III because of its synchronization with Outlook and the thousands of software applications available for the Palm operating system. Now I have this Visor Deluxe, which I bought based on the reputations of Handspring’s founders and the Springboard slot.

To me, the Springboard slot is the most exciting aspect of the Visor, besides its low cost. Because the Springboard platform is new, the modules have been trickling out up to now, but later this year we’ll see plenty of new modules, especially if these recent component shortages can get under control.

I’ve brought with me a few of the modules that have been released.

Handspring Backup module ($39.95)
Handspring Modem ($129.95)
Thincom Modem by Card Access ($119.95)
OmniRemote by Pacific Neo-Tek ($59.95)
IntelliGolf by Karrier Communications ($39.95)

There are some very exciting modules coming out later this year.

MiniJam by InnoGear $199/$259
SixPak by InnoGear <$199
Geode by GeoDiscovery

I also have some accessories for the Visor with me.

All of the released items are reviewed on our website, and many of the upcoming Springboard modules are discussed in our PC Expo 2000 coverage.

Let's get along >>