lefei
23rd March 2004, 02:51 PM
Introduction
One of the biggest attractions for a Visor user, this reviewer notwithstanding, would have to be the promise of expandability in the form of Springboard modules. And one of the most useful Springboard modules would have to be the 8Mb Flash Module by Handspring to go with their Visor Solo, Visor Deluxe and now, Visor Platinum and Prism models.
First Looks
Well, what is there to describe? For US$79.90, the user gets a small box which, with minimal fuss, contains the 8Mb Flash Module and a small spreadsheet of instructions.
The spartanly plain box.
And the equally unassuming instruction sheet & 8Mb Flash Module.
The 8Mb Flash Module Dissected
For memory hungry users - and I can think of many of us belonging to that category - this is a Godsend. However, my initial enthusiasm waned somewhat when I quickly realised (by way of my Visor crashing on me) that the 8Mb Flash Module wasn't going to be the seamless extension of my internal RAM as I had hoped it would be.
A few ground rules were then quickly established.
1. Writeable databases
First and foremost, the 8Mb Flash Module WILL NOT allow for the storage of "volatile" databases, or "writeable" databases.
Hence, .pdb files belonging to my not inconsiderable cache of jfile™, jfilepro™, HandBase™ and even TealDoc™ databases are condemned to reside within the internal RAM of my Visor.
2. Applications
Secondly, much to my relief, the 8Mb Flash Module WILL allow applications to be run straight off it, without needing the application to be "transferred" into the internal RAM of my Visor.
The 8Mb Flash Module before insertion.
Note only the presence of the "Memo Pad" icon in my folder.
The 8Mb Flash Module inserted into the Visor.
Note how the other Icons (5MCC™, jfilepro™, List,
Reader™ & TealDoc™) immediately appear in that folder.
This will work even if the databases are stored in the RAM, and the application in the Flash Module. The advantage of this arrangement is extended even to large applications such as Avantgo® which weighs in at a hefty 289Kb.
My many applications which include games, document readers, database managers and medical programs, amount to approximately 1Mb. All these are neatly stored in the Flash Module, freeing up precious internal RAM for other uses.
3. E-books
Finally, to my greatest delight, e-books can be read straight off the 8Mb Flash Module!
This is where I get to save megabytes of RAM, and this is where the advantage of the 8Mb Flash Module is played out in its fullest glory. I have the Merck® Manual of Internal Medicine weighing in at 4.5Mb, the Noah (version 0.65) dictionary database topping the scales at 5.5Mb, the Harrison's® manual of Internal Medicine coming in at 1.5Mb and the Physician's Drug Reference™ Handbook clocking in at 2.5Mb - all of that stored in 2 separate 8Mb Flash Modules.
And, as an added bonus, the 8Mb Flash Module works just as well as a backup module for those who may not have access to their desktops at any particular point in time.
Details
Apart from the three main issues above, there are also a few other details worth mentioning.
1. Versions
Handspring originally shipped the 8Mb Flash Module in version 1.0, which apparently only supported English as its default language. Later versions (1.2) had some software improvement into the file transfer system. I was further led to believe that later versions also supported other languages, predominantly Japanese and the European tongues.
The original version - yes I'm that early a Visor user. My second 8Mb Flash Module with the updated version
2. File Mover Software
The File Mover software included in the 8Mb Flash Module doubles up as an enhanced and improved version of the "Menu" option on the Visor's original application manager. With the File Mover, I could move, delete or copy files to and from the 8Mb Flash Module.
You can choose to display either the
applications, data, or both.
At the same time, I could delete files in the internal RAM, and even pesky database files which may not show up on the normal "Menu" Delete option are exposed wide open for my deleting pleasure.
3. Clearly indicated
The 8Mb Flash Module clearly indicates which applications are stored in the module, and which ones are stored in the internal RAM. The applications stored in the 8Mb Flash Module has a little "dot" placed next to them.
As you can see, all the programs above are
conveniently stored in the 8Mb Flash Module
(screenshots taken with DiddleBug & DiddleEx)
4. Battery Life
I have never used a Visor without the 8Mb firmly docked in place, so I wouldn't really know how many miles to the gallon a naked Visor would get from 2 AAA batteries.
In my case, I get a decent 2 to 3 weeks' worth of usage, at an average 3 hours a day, with frequent use of the e-books in the 8Mb Flash Module. This is also with most of my applications running directly from the 8Mb Flash Module. I've heard nightmares about how the TRGPro chews up batteries like a case of Pac-man gone rabid, but I reckon my Visor's batteries have held up quite well in this aspect.
5. Hotsync®
Applications and e-books moved to the Flash Module will NOT be backed up during a Hotsync®. Personally, this is fine by me, as e-books are static sources of information, unlike writeable databases, and the need to have them backed up repeated is quite superfluous.
Tips
Make multiple copies of your applications onto your 8Mb Flash Modules, if you are using more than one module. I use 2 modules constantly, and my applications (such as jfile™, jfilepro™, HandBase™ and TealDoc™) have been duplicated onto both modules.
This can really free up your internal RAM, and because the applications work so seamlessly, there's no discernible "lag time" or "delay time" whatsoever.
Pros
As close to a "seamless" 8Mb memory extension as you can get, at this point in time. The ability to run applications off the 8Mb Flash Module is a huge advantage, and really enhances its usefulness.
Snaps flush with the Visor, there are no protruding edges or loss of the Visor's form to worry about. Allows the snap-on cover to be utilized.
File Mover software is useful beyond the context of merely moving files.
True plug and play capability.
Doubles up as a back-up module for people on the road.
Cons
It's expensive, for 8Mb of not-really-seamless memory. For that price, you could probably purchase a 16 or 32Mb CF instead.
Cannot store writeable/volatile databases.
8Mb is way too little for some heavy RAM users - fortunately or unfortunately, Handspring may be coming up with a 16Mb Flash Module.
Comes only in ONE colour - graphite!
Slowish transfer - it was quoted at 1Mb per minute.
Who might want to buy it?
Memory hungry users - for example, junior doctors or habitual e-book readers.
Visor owners with an extra US$79.90 or SGD$199 in their wallets.
Who might not?
Users who MUST have perfect colour coordination - frankly, an ice visor will look pretty odd, with a black 8Mb Flash Module rammed up its backside.
The average user who finds 8Mb to be way too much memory.
Available at
Direct from Palmgear (http://www.palmgear.com/hs), Handspring (http://www.handspring.com/) or, for Singaporean buyers, Grandtech Pte Ltd's authorized list of resellers (please check the Visor Deluxe review for a list of names).
Rating :
As it stands, the inability for the storage of writeable databases lopped a whole Palmbaby off the rating. However, the ability to run programs directly off it added 1/2 a baby to the overall rating.
Review by John Chiam (johnchiam@spug.net)
30 Oct, 2000
One of the biggest attractions for a Visor user, this reviewer notwithstanding, would have to be the promise of expandability in the form of Springboard modules. And one of the most useful Springboard modules would have to be the 8Mb Flash Module by Handspring to go with their Visor Solo, Visor Deluxe and now, Visor Platinum and Prism models.
First Looks
Well, what is there to describe? For US$79.90, the user gets a small box which, with minimal fuss, contains the 8Mb Flash Module and a small spreadsheet of instructions.
The spartanly plain box.
And the equally unassuming instruction sheet & 8Mb Flash Module.
The 8Mb Flash Module Dissected
For memory hungry users - and I can think of many of us belonging to that category - this is a Godsend. However, my initial enthusiasm waned somewhat when I quickly realised (by way of my Visor crashing on me) that the 8Mb Flash Module wasn't going to be the seamless extension of my internal RAM as I had hoped it would be.
A few ground rules were then quickly established.
1. Writeable databases
First and foremost, the 8Mb Flash Module WILL NOT allow for the storage of "volatile" databases, or "writeable" databases.
Hence, .pdb files belonging to my not inconsiderable cache of jfile™, jfilepro™, HandBase™ and even TealDoc™ databases are condemned to reside within the internal RAM of my Visor.
2. Applications
Secondly, much to my relief, the 8Mb Flash Module WILL allow applications to be run straight off it, without needing the application to be "transferred" into the internal RAM of my Visor.
The 8Mb Flash Module before insertion.
Note only the presence of the "Memo Pad" icon in my folder.
The 8Mb Flash Module inserted into the Visor.
Note how the other Icons (5MCC™, jfilepro™, List,
Reader™ & TealDoc™) immediately appear in that folder.
This will work even if the databases are stored in the RAM, and the application in the Flash Module. The advantage of this arrangement is extended even to large applications such as Avantgo® which weighs in at a hefty 289Kb.
My many applications which include games, document readers, database managers and medical programs, amount to approximately 1Mb. All these are neatly stored in the Flash Module, freeing up precious internal RAM for other uses.
3. E-books
Finally, to my greatest delight, e-books can be read straight off the 8Mb Flash Module!
This is where I get to save megabytes of RAM, and this is where the advantage of the 8Mb Flash Module is played out in its fullest glory. I have the Merck® Manual of Internal Medicine weighing in at 4.5Mb, the Noah (version 0.65) dictionary database topping the scales at 5.5Mb, the Harrison's® manual of Internal Medicine coming in at 1.5Mb and the Physician's Drug Reference™ Handbook clocking in at 2.5Mb - all of that stored in 2 separate 8Mb Flash Modules.
And, as an added bonus, the 8Mb Flash Module works just as well as a backup module for those who may not have access to their desktops at any particular point in time.
Details
Apart from the three main issues above, there are also a few other details worth mentioning.
1. Versions
Handspring originally shipped the 8Mb Flash Module in version 1.0, which apparently only supported English as its default language. Later versions (1.2) had some software improvement into the file transfer system. I was further led to believe that later versions also supported other languages, predominantly Japanese and the European tongues.
The original version - yes I'm that early a Visor user. My second 8Mb Flash Module with the updated version
2. File Mover Software
The File Mover software included in the 8Mb Flash Module doubles up as an enhanced and improved version of the "Menu" option on the Visor's original application manager. With the File Mover, I could move, delete or copy files to and from the 8Mb Flash Module.
You can choose to display either the
applications, data, or both.
At the same time, I could delete files in the internal RAM, and even pesky database files which may not show up on the normal "Menu" Delete option are exposed wide open for my deleting pleasure.
3. Clearly indicated
The 8Mb Flash Module clearly indicates which applications are stored in the module, and which ones are stored in the internal RAM. The applications stored in the 8Mb Flash Module has a little "dot" placed next to them.
As you can see, all the programs above are
conveniently stored in the 8Mb Flash Module
(screenshots taken with DiddleBug & DiddleEx)
4. Battery Life
I have never used a Visor without the 8Mb firmly docked in place, so I wouldn't really know how many miles to the gallon a naked Visor would get from 2 AAA batteries.
In my case, I get a decent 2 to 3 weeks' worth of usage, at an average 3 hours a day, with frequent use of the e-books in the 8Mb Flash Module. This is also with most of my applications running directly from the 8Mb Flash Module. I've heard nightmares about how the TRGPro chews up batteries like a case of Pac-man gone rabid, but I reckon my Visor's batteries have held up quite well in this aspect.
5. Hotsync®
Applications and e-books moved to the Flash Module will NOT be backed up during a Hotsync®. Personally, this is fine by me, as e-books are static sources of information, unlike writeable databases, and the need to have them backed up repeated is quite superfluous.
Tips
Make multiple copies of your applications onto your 8Mb Flash Modules, if you are using more than one module. I use 2 modules constantly, and my applications (such as jfile™, jfilepro™, HandBase™ and TealDoc™) have been duplicated onto both modules.
This can really free up your internal RAM, and because the applications work so seamlessly, there's no discernible "lag time" or "delay time" whatsoever.
Pros
As close to a "seamless" 8Mb memory extension as you can get, at this point in time. The ability to run applications off the 8Mb Flash Module is a huge advantage, and really enhances its usefulness.
Snaps flush with the Visor, there are no protruding edges or loss of the Visor's form to worry about. Allows the snap-on cover to be utilized.
File Mover software is useful beyond the context of merely moving files.
True plug and play capability.
Doubles up as a back-up module for people on the road.
Cons
It's expensive, for 8Mb of not-really-seamless memory. For that price, you could probably purchase a 16 or 32Mb CF instead.
Cannot store writeable/volatile databases.
8Mb is way too little for some heavy RAM users - fortunately or unfortunately, Handspring may be coming up with a 16Mb Flash Module.
Comes only in ONE colour - graphite!
Slowish transfer - it was quoted at 1Mb per minute.
Who might want to buy it?
Memory hungry users - for example, junior doctors or habitual e-book readers.
Visor owners with an extra US$79.90 or SGD$199 in their wallets.
Who might not?
Users who MUST have perfect colour coordination - frankly, an ice visor will look pretty odd, with a black 8Mb Flash Module rammed up its backside.
The average user who finds 8Mb to be way too much memory.
Available at
Direct from Palmgear (http://www.palmgear.com/hs), Handspring (http://www.handspring.com/) or, for Singaporean buyers, Grandtech Pte Ltd's authorized list of resellers (please check the Visor Deluxe review for a list of names).
Rating :
As it stands, the inability for the storage of writeable databases lopped a whole Palmbaby off the rating. However, the ability to run programs directly off it added 1/2 a baby to the overall rating.
Review by John Chiam (johnchiam@spug.net)
30 Oct, 2000