The Product

The Visor Prism comes with the standard look and feel of a Palm handheld. It features four external buttons, which are each linked to a customizable application for easy access. It also features the standard two scroll buttons commonly found on Palm handhelds.

The Visor Prism comes installed with an enhanced version of the Palm OS. However, it features most of the standard applications found with the Palm OS such as Memo Pad, To Do List, and Address Book.

Synchronization of the Visor Prism is handled via the HotSync manager and PocketMirror software, which is found with most Palm handhelds. The Visor Prism connects to the computer by use of a USB cradle, which also doubles as a recharging station for the handheld.

(Visor Prism in USB Cradle)

The Visor Prism features an infrared port for easy synchronization with other handhelds. New with the Visor Prism however is a built-in microphone.

Expandability
In the previous section I tried to list the main components, which make up the Visor Prism. From the list I presented you, your probably asking yourself what the difference is between the standard Palm handhelds and the Visor Prism. Well, the answer to that question would be upgradeability and how it is implemented in each handheld. Let me give a brief description of each technology so that you have a better idea.

Lets start out with the Palm, specifically the Palm m505. The Palm m505 offers expandability in the form of an expansion card slot as Universal Connector system. To elaborate, the expansion card slot which is built into the Palm m505 features support for both MultiMediaCard, as well as Secure Digital cards. The Universal Connector system is provided to support hardware upgradeability in the form of a keyboard, GPS, modem, etc.

The Handspring Visor Prism on the other hand features expandability in the form of Springboard modules. For those that have no idea what this technology is, a good comparison would be to that of the Nintendo Gameboy and how games were inserted into the rear of the gaming device in order to play the game. Basically the Visor Prism works the same way, simply purchase a Springboard module (which can range from a digital camera, mp3 player, to games) and slide it into the rear of the unit and its ready to be used, a very nice Plug and Play technology.

(Vrally Springboard Module inserted in Visor Prism)

(Springboard Module Slot with Cover Removed)

(Vrally Sprinboard Module)

While the possible expand abilities for the Palm seem to be great, the real draw back is that the expandability really isn't there at this point. While searching the net I was only able to come across a few add-ons for the Palm in the form of Internet connectivity and modems but nothing in the form of variety that the Visor Prism has. Currently there are over 40+ springboard modules available for the Visor Prism with more in development.

If you check out the Handspring website you can see a wider selection of peripherals such as the VisorPhone, Xircom SpringPort Wireless Ethernet Module, @ctivelink Wireless Messaging Module, Total Recall Digital Voice Recorder, eyemodule2, SoundsGood™ audioplayer, OmniRemote Universal Remote Control, and many more.

It all basically comes down to who is currently delivering and who is not, and the Visor Prism is delivering.