Handspring Visor vs. Palm M100

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brian_riendeau

Platinum Member
Oct 15, 1999
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Alright, I have been putting off getting a PDA device for way too long now. I have recetly read in two places that PDA manufacturers are expecting component shortages around Xmas so I want to buy one soon. My price range is about $175 which allows me to get a Palm M100 or a Visor. I am not interested in any of the higher end models that cost more. I just want a good base model PDA to carry around with me and help me keep track of times, dates, notes, whatever. Simple games and stuff are cool too.

Between the M100 and Visor, which is the better choice? Like I said earlier, I mainly want it to keep track of stuff but added functionality is always a good thing. Any comparison links or opinions will be greatly appreciated.
 
RossMAN

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
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brian_riendeau

Platinum Member
Oct 15, 1999
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Just out of curiousity, what the heck is regorilla? This isn't one of those things I am going to keep getting charged for is it? I got burned on a similar "hot deal" once and ended up spending a while on the phone with Citibank to get charges removed. I am not doubting you or anything Russ, I just want to know what redgorilla is :)

The M100 for $99 looks pretty tempting especially since the M100 comes with a sync cable. On Epinions the Visor's has a stellar 96% reccomendation rating with 57 reviews. ZDNet and CNET both pick the Visor over the M100 but neither say exactly why except the both mention the small screen size of the M100. The smaller screen on the M100 is starting to scare me off since my vision is not perfect to begin with and I never wear my glasses indoors. No local stores have working PDAs on demo so I can compare the screens in person :(

I realize the both PDAs use the PalmOS and can run the same software. I assume speedwise they are both the same as well. So basically it comes down to the question of is the larger screen and upgrade potential on the Visor worth the extra money?

 
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ragiepew

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
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I own a Handspring Visor and that one upgraded a Palm Pilot Pro. In anycase, I belive the Visor is the better choice... plus I really dont like the look of that "value" Palm. The visor also has the expansion slot (springboard) that can be used to plug extra memory, modem, mp3 player, etc... Also, the visor is USB and as far as I know the Palm is still Serial (much slower). Other than personal preference, USB, and springboard... they are virtually identical. The palm might use PalmOS 3.5(?) and the Visor uses PalmOS 3.1H but there is not much difference (I have used PalmOS 3.5) aside from being able to sync on the IrD port. Anyway... i'd get the visor... wait I already did =P.

 
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whizler

Member
Jun 14, 2000
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I own a Visor Deluxe (it's just like the regular model, but with 8mb of memory). The screen on it is sharp, with excellent contrast. It even has a "backlight" mode for viewing in the dark.

I don't know about the M100, but the Visor comes with a USB cradle, which definitely speeeds up transfers. You need Win98 to use it tho (there is a serial port version).
 
Eug

Eug

Lifer
Mar 11, 2000
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Well, I a Visor fan, but if the Palm truly is available for 100 bux with no obligations I'd have to recommend that. However, I wouldn't sign your life away... the website is quite vague.

If the M100 is $150 and the Visor (not Visor Solo) is $180, I would still recommend the Visor, since the Visor comes with Pocket Mirror, which allows proper synchronization with Outlook. I don't think the Palm products come with that, but maybe things have changed - you'll have to check that. Pocket Mirror is $40 I believe. I also prefer the Visor's USB cradle, which is compatible with Windows 98, Mac OS, and Windows 2000. I use a USB cradle at home with 98 and 2000. Much faster than serial (which I use with my NT box).

The Visor's 3.1H and OS 3.5 are both quite similar, but one must remember that BOTH have some compatibility problems with certain software. However, most current software is compatible with both.

The Visor's springboard slot is cool, but on a tight budget it's not one of the bigger considerations for most things. But one thing I consider ABSOLUTELY necessary is proper backup. The HotSync software does not do proper backups to the PC. You'll need a third party program for that. However, if you can't always sync to your computer (eg. on vacation), you'll need an alternative form of backup. The only way of doing this is with Handspring's $40 springboard backup module. Contrary to popular belief, all Palm and Visor products will crash from time to time (but much less so than Windows CE), especially if you install weird software. I use BOTH a software backup for my computer and a backup module.

I am making these recommendations based on your budget. However, if you can swing it, I would definitely recommend a Visor Deluxe or a Palm IIIxe. The extra memory is definitely welcome. A friend just bought IBM's clone of the Palm Vx, and at first he used up around 600 Kb. Then I introduced him to some software, including AvantGo, and within a week he was up to about 5 Mb or so. (My AvantGo channels alone take up around 2 Mb I think.)

See the Visor website below and my FAQ for more Visor information.

And since we're on AnandTech, here are my specs:

Visor Deluxe 8 Mb with USB and serial cradles, overclocked. :D
Backup module
ThinkOutside Stowaway keyboard (this is majorly cool)
(still waiting to buy Innogear sixpack, which includes modem)
 
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Shudder

Platinum Member
May 5, 2000
2,256
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If you can find a IIIx cheap I'd go for that, since it has 4 megs and is a happy medium. Iv'e had a Visor Deluxe since October and I love it.

If you can get a P100 for 100 bucks, that would probably be the best bet. If you CAN swing a Visor Deluxe for 250, definitely get that. 2 Megs kind of sucks and do not let the word AvantGo ever enter your brain again.

If you really just want a basic organizer and not a whole lot else, maybe a couple apps and games, get whichever Palm/Visor you can get the cheapest.
 
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Vegito

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 1999
8,329
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I like to get a visor deluxe, but everywhere I go its 249 for the deluxe... any place for cheaper ?
 
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DirkBelig

Banned
Oct 15, 1999
536
0
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I got my Visor Deluxe for $200 from a buddy at work. I went with the Visor because I kept hearing Palm users at work griping about the slooooow transfer rates with serial.

I use AvantGo and get about 800KB Dled every morning. From hitting the synch button to it being done is ONE MINUTE. That includes getting the content from the web and then blasting it into the Visor. Schweet!:D (Cable helps too!)
 
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brian_riendeau

Platinum Member
Oct 15, 1999
2,256
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Thanks for all of the info. It is just my luck I got underpaid on my check today. I have $400 from PayPal I have been saving up so that should more than to make up for it though :) What is the AvantGo software that people keep talking about? Everyone seems to like it but I have no idea what it does...

Helpless, I do not have $1,000 to start the account :)
 
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