REVIEW: Handspring Visor Edge

[imported_Administrator]

Read the Brighthand review at http://www.brighthand.com/html/palmo...dge_page1.html

[Jim Morrison]

Exactly! For an extra $50, you can get the color Palm m505 (okay, you can pre-order it). Now that is a nice looking organizer. I really believe that non-color devices belong in the low end price range.

I'm also not a fan of another proprietary expansion slot. It seems that Compact flash is becoming outdated with all of these smaller technologies, but at least it isn't pushed by only one company (Springboard, Edge, Memory Stick, etc.)

[imported_Edward Green]

Good review.

The edge is at a price disadvantage to the new Palms, I imagine Handspring will have to drop the price once the m500 starts shipping.

Im surprised the display doesn't look any different. Handspring suggested the background was greyer rather than greener compared to existing models.

As for the backlight I have always found the reverse backlighting to be preferable in zero light - although I do feel that an option to switch the backlighting should be available in Prefererences rather than through .8

What does the Edge benchmark at? Handspring said it was faster than the Platinum.

Im also interested in how the device "feels" in ones hand ... does it feel small or big compared to a Clie or PalmVx - or about the same?

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Edward Green
http://www.khite.co.uk

[imported_Administrator]

Edward,

Excellent points. First, the screen is grayer than previous screens, which provides more contrast, but nothing new over the current Sony Clie and Palm Vx. It's certainly not black-on-white, but it is excellent. I agree that the backlighting should be easier to switch.

I haven't benchmarked the Edge yet, but when I do I'll post the result in this thread.

How does it feel in my hand? Cold. We've got a cold snap here in Atlanta and the Edge absorbs the ambient temperature. I personally don't like how you grip on the slick stylus. And the plastic that edges the device is not rubberized but smooth and slippery. I would have preferred a slight contour to its middle rather than a near perfect rectangle. But, again, those are only my opinions.




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Steve Bush
Editor-in-Chief
Brighthand
www.brighthand.com

[hockeychiro]

Good article. When can we expect to see a similar review of the m500 and m505. I have heard or read a couple comments about the m505 color screen and was interested in your thoughts.

[imported_Administrator]

Thanks. I'm awaiting both devices. As soon as I receive them I'll let you know a projected review date.


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Steve Bush
Editor-in-Chief
Brighthand
www.brighthand.com

[Jimbo]

Steve,

I've been reading Brighthand since October and I'd like to offer a suggestion. Would it be possible to include pictures of the PDA's with there screens on? Something else which I feel is very important is battery usage testing. At one point I owned an iPaq but was severly disappointed in the battery life of the unit. For me, as well as others, battery life testing on a PDA is an important for the descision making process. Many sites that review PDA's are vague or just quote manufacturer's specs. I'd like to see these units being reviewed run down and timed with a battery usage timing appliction. These are availible for both PalmOS and WinCE.

Thanks for the site BTW. I originally discovered it when searching for PocketPC sites. As the owner of both devices I appreciate the direction that Brighthand is taking with Palm coverage. At heart I'm a gadget nut so Symbian coverage (although scarce) would be a welcome addition too.

PS... and yes I will register soon

[TFM]

"...slim but with enough slots for credit cards and room for the Benjamins."

This took my wife and I 5 minutes to figure out what you were talking about... Perhaps using US slang in an international Review is not the best choice... (It's a 100 dollar bill BTW...)

Second, you have an error about the Power Switch. You state that it has an LCD when I belive you mean an LED.

Don't get me wrong, I love the rewiews and the site. Just pointing out a friendly oversite.

TFM

[MarcTGFG]

Jimbo,

do you have any URLs of programs that test battery usage time???

Marc

[Newbie]

People are always saying "why not $50 more and just go for an M505" instead. That definitely is a point, but dont overlook that an M500 costs the same as the edge.

Now why would anyone pay $399 and not get an M500? SD definitely has more potential (and lifetime) than springboard. Edge shouldve came out a year ago, or at least included SD for expansion rather than those crappy springboards.