Handspring Visor Edge (Metallic Blue)

At 0.44 inches thick and weighing only 4.8 ounces, the Edge feels more like a futuristic data pad (which it should) than a deck of cards containing electrical circuitry. It's far more comfortable to slide into a purse or shirt pocket, and its anodized aluminum case is likely to withstand more bumps and jostles than earlier plastic cases. Further, its superior aluminum cover is the best available screen protector we've seen that ships with a PDA. Its hinge is spring loaded so that it snaps into place at a 145-degree angle. You can push it back farther, to about a 260-degree angle, but unfortunately you can't rest it flat against the back of the Visor. Our only other minor complaint is that it takes a bit of practice to quickly release the cover's tab from the bottom of the device.

Another joy is the weighted metal stylus that comes with the Visor Edge. Earlier styluses were plastic afterthoughts that cheapened the experience of using a Visor. This one is the exact opposite: the barrel is slightly swollen where you rest your fingers, giving the stylus more heft that translates into a better feel for writing. The stylus attaches onto the outside of the Edge's edge by clipping a retractable post into a small groove at the top; the writing tip sits snugly in a holder at the bottom. Releasing the stylus is a matter of pushing a rocker switch to disengage the latch at the top--a motion that will take some practice. But although the stylus is clipped to the side of the Edge, it's remarkably sturdy and never came close to falling out during our testing.

Of course, slimness isn't the Edge's only advantage, even if it's the most notable. The Visor Edge packs in features common to Handspring's line of handhelds: it comes with 8 MB of memory, runs the Palm OS (version 3.5.2H, which unfortunately can't be upgraded due to the type of memory it uses), has a crisp gray scale screen, and includes Handspring-only software like Date Book+, City Time, and an advanced Calculator application. The Edge runs on an internal battery that's quickly recharged when you put it into the included docking cradle (which is a minimalist piece of art by itself).

A new software addition is Fast Lookup, a slick feat of engineering within the Address Book application. Press the Visor's scroll-up button to enter Fast Lookup mode, then use the other application buttons to tap out the name you're looking for. For example, the Date Book button represents letters A-L of a person's last name, while the Address Book button counts for letters M-Z. After a few presses, the name you want appears in the contact list. It's also worth noting that the Edge can perform a HotSync operation out of the box via infrared to your computer (earlier Visors couldn't).

The most noteworthy Visor feature is the Springboard expansion slot, which on the Edge turns out to be both an advantage and a detractor. To achieve the Edge's thin profile, the Springboard slot is no longer a part of the handheld itself. To add Springboard functionality, you must connect a rather bulky adapter onto the back of the Visor Edge, then slide Springboard modules into the adapter. On the plus side, you can use any Springboard module you like just as you would with any other Visor; the downside is that it ruins the thinness factor of the Edge.

However, if you think you'll use Springboard modules only occasionally and want the advantages of a slim and lightweight handheld organizer, you'll want to head for the Edge. --Jeff Carlson

Pros:

• Thin and light
• Best screen protection on any handheld
• New Fast Lookup feature in Address Book
• Rechargeable battery

Cons:

• Springboard adapter ruins thinness advantage
• Sometimes hard to release stylus and cover
• Operating system not upgradable

In addition to such standard Palm OS applications as an address book, to-do list, and memo pad, Handspring adds extra features such as an enhanced datebook, advanced calculator, and a world clock. Plus, the Visor Edge has new usability features like Fast Lookup, silent alarms, wireless synchronization, address duplication, improved security, and enhanced navigation. And since it uses the Palm OS, you can download thousands of Palm-compatible applications and beam information to other Palm users.

Using its unique detachable Springboard expansion slot, you can add a wide variety of Springboard modules whenever you want--from digital cameras and MP3 players to wireless modems and modem connectors to cellular phones.

With a fast USB connection, synchronizing the Visor Edge handheld to your PC or Mac is simple and faster than a normal serial connection. (An optional serial cradle also is available.) HotSync technology ensures all your data is backed up to your desktop PC.

The Handspring Visor Edge comes with a metal stylus, metal flip cover, USB recharging cradle, AC power adapter, and detachable Springboard expansion slot. It also includes Palm Desktop software (for Windows and Macintosh) and a link to Microsoft Outlook (Windows only).

Important note to customers: Your Visor comes with a free USB cradle, but not all computers and operating system are USB compatible. If your computer uses Windows 95 or NT or Mac OS 8.0 or below, or if your computer is not equipped with USB ports, you'll need to purchase a serial recharging cradle to synchronize your computer with your new Visor.

What's in the box

• Visor Edge
• USB HotSync cradle
• 8 MB RAM
• Internal rechargeable lithium ion batteries
• Matching metal flip cover
• Weighted metal stylus
• AC power adapter
• Detachable Springboard expansion slot
• Palm Desktop software

Sadly, they aren't made new anymore -- you'd be lucky to find one for sale new. If you do, buy it: aside from being unfailingly reliable, it looks really smart -- particularly the blue and the red models (the silver model looks a bit trashy in my opinion). It looks more like an Art Deco device than a fancy pocket calculator, never fails to turn heads.

I have had only one problem with it, and it is quite minor: recently, the hinge on the cover has become chipped: it still works just fine, it just doesn't hold in as well as it could.

The stylus is a dream to use: it's made of steel so it feels like a real pen. And it is shaped so that it fits your hand beautifully as you write. Accessing your stylus is easily achieved with one thumb, and it has a useful spring-loaded clip to make sure it never gets lost.

It's a good idea to visit the little screws holding the case together with a small screwdriver from time to time, just to tighten them up. Wear-and-tear will make them loosen. Alternatively, do as I did and apply a small dab of clear nail polish to the threads, and they'll go nowhere.

(you can still get them off, but you need to apply more Brute Force behind your screwdriver -- just like you should.)

The docking station works equally well, whether you use a serial or USB model(I use both: a serial model at work, and a USB model at home.)

So go ahead -- ignore the nay-sayers and if you can still get one of these PDAs (cheap!) then get one.


Extremely disappointing   June 17, 2003
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have owned the Edge for two years now, and I continue to be disappointed with it as time goes on. The fact that it has been discontinued speaks for itself. This [pricey] unit was marketed as state-of-the-art at its inception, but basically it is a glorified address book. And its exterior design has proved not to be so great - the flip cover is inconvienent, the hard case is not a protection, the springboard module adapter system simply does not work, and the battery has to be recharged every day. With the recent announcement of the re-merger of Palm and Handspring, one wonders whether the entire Handspring line has been one of the most colossal cons of the electronic world.


Excellent buy   February 8, 2003
After I graduated from Middle School, my dad bought me this PDA for high school, and it's really coming in handy. I can keep track of my schedule and my assignments so I never miss anything. The ultra-thin design is excellent. Contrary to other reviews, my PDA has never crashed permanently, only when I am testing programs on PocketC, and then I can reset it easily without losing anything. I recommend this PDA to anyone. The only downside is it uses Palm OS version 3.52 instead of version 4.

Bottom line: If you're new to PDA's but still want a sleek reliable design with a good amount of space, this is for you.


Thin, light, with a great metallic finish   November 21, 2002
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I love my Visor Edge. As a college student, I need the power it packs for keeping dates and assignments and phone numbers, and those basics are perfect for me. I added a program called 4.0 student, which is a great help in keeping track of my average. Yes, the Edge is a basic handheld, with no color screen, but the rechargable battery lasts a long time, it's extremely thin and light, and I find it to be the perfect handheld if you don't need the extra bells and whistles. Great price, too.