H.C.L. Electronics 16MB Flash Springboard Module

Pros:
--easy and intuitive to use
--should be all the extra memory you'll need in one package
--I got it for only thirty two dollars (big factor for me)
--no major problems encountered so far

cons:
--certain applications or parts of an application won't work correctly or at all if its only on the module and not internal memory (however, It'll still store them)
--the above usually results in fatal errors and will require soft resetting and/or pulling out the module (but NOT permanently, just long enough to restore files back to the handheld) to remedy it
--MAY put a small drain on your battery life
--usually won't work in low battery situations (due to safety reasons to when transferring your data)

This is a good alternative to upgrading and shelling out unnecessary money on a new PDA that may not have enough enhancements/improvements to justify another few hundred bucks. Is memory shortage about your only issue? Then you're set. But before you do buy this memory module, here are some things that you should consider:

If you're buying this and some 8MB PDA as opposed to buying a PDA that has 16+MB of internal memory, u may want to reconsider. Typically the former will be the same price as the latter, if not more.

Certain applications won't be able to run directly off the module. If you have something on both, your Visor will automatically access the one on the PDA's internal memory. Otherwise, it'll try to run it right off the module. Problems arise when the application you're using (or parts of the application, such as database files) requires modifying data, and the module doesn't let you do this directly, as the process of updating stuff on the module is really just deleting the old stuff and replacing it with a newer version of it. This means you'll still need to keep certain stuff on internal memory. You'll also need to figure out which stuff will "blow up" if you don't do this and which won't if you want to store as much as possible on the module (The documentation that it comes with gives you some recommended guidelines, but I've discovered that some of them can be broken without any fatal errors when running the app).

There's also other memory formats available for the Visor, such as flash memory and compact flash. In a nutshell, get the Springboard format if:
--you won't need more than 16MB or memory (or any large amounts of memory)
--don't need the compatibility with other media devices such as MP3 players or digital cameras.
--Just want something that'll work, without any headache from worrying about limitations from the other formats...If your using this to backup info then this is very good at backing up specific items or group of items. If you want to back up your ENTIRE handheld, get an appropriate backup module. It's faster and only requires 1 tap on your screen

Oh, and finally, This Hagiwara Springboard module also has the same type of functionality as the one made by Handspring, so there shouldn't be any reason to shell out more money for the latter when Hagiwara's module is usually offer at a cheaper price


Nice product - use with caution   November 18, 2002
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

As others state here, it is very easy to use! It's the cheapest and simplist solution to solve the lacking of memory issue. Howeve, be careful when you move your data files to the flash card. In my case, half of my applications will still function properly after the data files being moved to the flash card. The other half either crash or the application can't find the data files any more. So, you have to test each of your applications after the move. Fortunately, if it doesn't work, you can always move them back to HS memory.


Multiple memory faults   November 14, 2002
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

After 6 months of use I started receiving memory faults and had to constantly reformat the module. HCL did not take responsibility nor would they honor the 1 year warranty.


Extremely unreliable   October 31, 2002
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I spend a lot of time away from a desktop computer, and I spend a lot of time working with Palm software that is somewhat unstable. This means that I periodically end up needing to do a hard reset and then restore everything to my palm.

Well, I figured this module would allow me to keep a backup with me at all times, and even give me a little extra room in case I finally outgrew my Visor's internal memory. Not so. After every hard reset, the module typically has to be formatted. I have no idea what causes this, but it's completely useless to me in that case, and the company was not able to help me with the problem at all, aside from recommending that the module be reformatted.

If all you need is extra room, but you don't need a backup, this is probably a good module, but I'm rating it exceptionally low because of this rather stupid problem with the product.


Easy to use   August 9, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

A super product. Holds my ebook library. Extremely easy to use. It's as simple as plugging into slot and tapping an icon. Love it!!