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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 102 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
The good: Faster processor; updated Palm OS; 8MB of RAM.
The bad: No real advantages over the Deluxe for the average user; more expensive.
The bottom line: Only power users need apply.
Specifications: OS provided: Palm OS 3.5.2 ; Installed RAM: 8 MB DRAM ; Processor: Motorola 33 MHzMC68VZ328 ; See full specs
Price range: $109.98 check prices
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 10/15/2000
Upscale Visor
The Visor Platinum is identical in size and shape to the Visor Deluxe and is slightly thinner than the comparable Palm IIIxe, but the Platinum's look is decidedly more upscale. It is offered in only one color choice--a stylish, somewhat conservative, metallic silver, matched with a removable black plastic cover, which should appeal to both executives and Oakland Raiders fans alike.
The Platinum has the same 8MB of RAM as the Deluxe--the current maximum found in Palm OS handhelds. The only difference found under the hood is the Dragonball VZ processor, which gives the Platinum a significant performance boost. It proved about twice as fast as the Visor Deluxe on Quartus's freeware Palm benchmark. This kind of performance increase is pretty dramatic if you use large databases and games such as Dreadling, but we noticed almost no difference in performance when using ordinary PDA applications.
The software bundled with the Platinum is essentially the same as the Deluxe's and is comparable to that of other Palm OS devices. But it does come with Palm OS 3.5.2, which offers improved synchronization over 3.1, as well as greater IR capabilities.
Unlike Palm's devices, the Platinum ships standard with a USB HotSync cradle, which Mac users will appreciate. Windows 95 and NT users will have to shell out an extra $30 for a serial cradle. Windows users can HotSync the device straight out of the box with the included Palm Desktop PIM or Microsoft Outlook; Mac users can use only the Palm Desktop. But plenty of third-party software is available if you use another PIM, such as ACT.
An interesting feature found on all Handspring devices is the Springboard expansion slot. While it has taken a while, useful Springboard modules, such as Good Technology's SoundsGood AudioPlayer and the Handspring EyeModule digital camera, are now beginning to appear on store shelves.
Handspring's target market for the $299 Visor Platinum is the true power user. If you run mainly PIM applications, along with some AvantGo or Vindigo programs and a few games, you probably don't qualify. If it's the unique expandability options that interest you, check out the $249 Visor Deluxe and put your savings toward a Springboard module.
User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 102 reviews
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Where to buy
Palm Visor Platinum (Silver):
$109.98
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