PDA buying advice

[cjmtech]

I've had a Handspring Visor Deluxe for a couple years and had used it intermittently. I just started using it again a week or two ago, and the screen got cracked.

I'm looking to replace it, but cost is a significant consideration. I don't need a color screen, thought I would like something that has good resolution.

I was satisfied with Handspring and liked the enhanced Datebook app, but Palm offers a bunch of apps [Docs to Go, photo s/w, etc.] which Handspring does not. If I really like the enhanced calendar functions, I could always buy DateBk 3/4/5 which Handspring's is based on.

Will I really gain much by getting a Palm w/ OS 4.x vs. OS 3.x with a Handspring???

I welcome all opinions on this one!

p.s. I should probably get some sort of protection for the screen. The standard Handspring clippy lid thing was adequate, but unwieldy. I stopped using it (and look where that got me!).

Thanks!

[vollie]

you can always upgrade 3.0 to 3.5.2 .at that point you can use almost all the palm apps, there aren't that many differences between 4.1 and 3.5.2 . the only thing that will definately not run will be apps for OS 5 as that is a completely different OS with a completely different IS. actually emulating OS4.1 an lower. for backward support. however most state of the art PalmOS software runs on 3.5.2 thereby eleminating your OS dillemma. as for the rest it's a simple matter of what you like.

[plaincorgi]

how can you upgrade to OS 3.5 from OS 3.0??

[vollie]

As far as i know by putting the updates on to it. updates are available for about every OS and since i do have 'm alla at home i'm rather sure they excist;) now it could of course be that i'm missing something here but then you tell me what

ps. sorry for the slow reaction. i wasn't subscribed to the thread anymore.

[danslaterre]

Since you mentioned that a color unit is not required, but would like decent resolution, you might want to check out one of the Sony Clies -- it might meet your needs:


http://www.sonystyle.com/micros/clie/models/sl10.html

[plaincorgi]

i have upgraded my os on my handspring but i am only at palm os 3.2.h2. do you know here i can get the upgrades??

[TheSpies]

Originally posted by plaincorgi
i have upgraded my os on my handspring but i am only at palm os 3.2.h2. do you know here i can get the upgrades??

you can only add patches to a visor. you can not upgrade the OS as it has no flash rom.

[vollie]

I do have patches up to 3.5.2 so if need it just let me now. since you can't buy 'm anymore (as it seems) i guess it is not illegal (any objection here?). They are palm one's but that shouldn't make difference.

[TheSpies]

Originally posted by vollie
since you can't buy 'm anymore (as it seems)

you can download them from handsprings site:

http://support.handspring.com/esupport/forms/hsFileList.jsp?Type=Updates

but 3.5.2 is for the visor platinum and prism.

[vollie]

ok you've got to know it, still i do hope you're not implementing it's impossible to install a 352patch onto a VDeluxe? it's not as if you're using flashrom for it?

[TheSpies]

Vollie: are you talking about installing the 3.5.2 patch for Palm handhelds on a visor deluxe? if so you could not as it would first mean you had to have 3.5 in rom already which that unit does not and without flash rom there is no way to put 3.5 on it. also even if you did manage to do it (i would think there would be a check) the patch wouldnt do anything as it was not made for the visor line.

[vollie]

AHA, now that kinda sucks, glad i've IIIc

[PDASROCK]

Yes, unfortunatly you cannot upgrade any handsring beyond 3.5.2, and can't even get 3.5.2 on anything but platinums and prisms (thanks for the new info spies).

But, back to the question: what pda to get? Well, I would recommend, like danslaterre said, going with a monochrome sony clie. It has 320x320 vs. 160x160 resolution like palms and visors, and some if not all of the clies come with documents to go, and several other handy apps. Clies are also smaller than visors (thinner, I mean) and have metal bodies, much much more reliable than visor bodys (I have heard MANY stories about broken visor screens, and have a visor solo sitting in my drawer right now with, guess what, a broken screen).

Hey, if it was me, I'd get a IIIc(right vollie?) or an m505, cheap and pretty reliable, cheers.

[DrMud]

The link goes to a page on the Tiger Direct site. There is a nice price on a SONY and a super price on a couple of Palms. THE Palmvx/IBM C3 is a great little unit.
DrMud

PDA Page Tiger Direct (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlc.asp?id=19)

[schmuck]

IMHO The Sony Models Are the thing to go to. The Price is right, memory Stick Built in for storage, ( almost universal now at that ), and great looking screens at good prices. "DR. MUD" also makes a great suggestion with the Palm/IBM device.

One thing to rember also is Power type. If you are an "On-the-go" guy, you may want to concider purchacing a device that is powered by AAA bats.. much easier to get a full charge on the road without packing a "Wall Wart" charging unit. Not To mention.. it's one less thing to lose in a hotel room