Handspring Somersaults Over the Competition
Kevin Martin | Staff Writer

Handspring Computing, the worlds leading innovator in handheld organizers, has released its latest pair of Palm OS computers. The latest Handsprings are sure to fill gaps in the palm market for high-end power users, and for those who want a mid-range handheld with some advanced features.

The Visor Pro is a power-user’s dream. Loaded for bear with 16mb of ram, it stores double the amount of data of Palm Computing’s largest offering. This is before you consider the availability of the Handspring "springboard" expansion slot which allows you to add even more memory, modems, cell phones, cameras, mp3 players, and other nifty toys. For the geek in you, it is powered by the Dragonball 33 VZ, which is the most recent, most powerful, and fastest processor available on a consumer Palm OS device. The Visor Pro boasts 16 shades of gray, which makes viewing pictures easier and more realistic on a monochrome screen. The Visor Pro comes with a built-in Lithium Ion battery that will last over 2 weeks, on a full charge, with normal use. If left unused, the battery will hold the device’s memory for over 2 months. The Pro also includes a snap-on cover, a ton of extra software features from Handspring, and a silver finish for that professional look. The Visor Pro retails for $300.00.

The Visor Neo is the classic Visor Deluxe on steroids. Handspring took it’s basic Deluxe model with 8mb of memory, Springboard expansion, and standard USB synchronization, added some fashionable colors (translucent smoke, red and blue), and beefed up its insides. The Neo uses classic AAA batteries for its power, making it ideal for light to moderate users who don’t mind occasional battery changes. The Neo also sports the fast Dragonball 33 VZ processor. The Neo makes use of Handspring’s customized version of Palm OS (3.5.2H3) which includes many extra software options and features over standard Palm OS devices. The Visor Pro retails for $200.00.

Both Visors are available from www.handspring.com, or soon from your favorite Target, Office Max, Office Depo, and other electronics specialty stores.

Kevin Martin is Whim’s adjunct guru of all toys geek. Ever wanting to replace his aging Palm IIIc with something better, he waits for donations.