Handspring Visor Deluxe

The Visor Deluxe was a handheld computer with Springboard expansion slot manufactured by the Handspring Corporation and available in 1999/2000. The manufacturing origin of the circuit boards was Taiwan, whilst assembly in Malaysia. The Visor Deluxe was one in a series of models consisting of Solo, Prism, Platinum, Edge, Neo, and Pro. At the time of introduction, there were only three basic versions consisting of Solo (2 MB), Visor (2 MB), and Deluxe (8 MB). They all had the Palm operating system (OS) software and they all had the Springboard expansion slot. The Visor Deluxe version was the one that came in five colours (graphite, blue, orange, and green) with translucent case. The built-in software was usually Date Book, Date Book+, Address Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, Mail, Expense, Advanced Calculator, City Time, HotSync Manager, Games, Giraffe (Graffiti® writing game), MineHunt , SubHunt , and Puzzle. The built-in hardware was usually the Infrared (IR) port, microphone, and speaker. The accessories that came with the deluxe version included a leather slip-case, USB HotSync cradle, stylus, Palm desktop software, and AAA batteries.

Review

These are usually for sale in the pre-used market and for those new to this handheld; it can be confusing figuring the difference in specifications between these models. The Prism, Platinum, Edge, and Neo all have 8 MB memory and 33 MHz DragonBall processor. However, the Prism is the most desirable as it is the only one with a colour screen. Some people like the Edge because it has metallic finish and is only 1.1 cm in thickness. However, if you were more concerned about memory size and did not care about outward appearance and screen type, then the Pro would be suitable for you as it has 16 MB memory.

The other aspect one should consider is type of battery replacement. If you wish to future-proof your investment, then AAA batteries are the best as they are readily and cheaply available around the world, and very simple to install. The Deluxe, Platinum, and Neo use standard AAA batteries, however, the Prism, Edge, and Pro use a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery sealed inside the unit.

One of the most desirable modules for the Springboard expansion slot was the phone module, which they called VisorPhone™. It had GSM 900/1900 phone coverage, and advanced functionality such as address book integration for quick-dial function, and wireless modem. However, my most favourite was the oscilloscope module, which I never managed to get, because it is very rare and usually very expensive. There were also other modules such as the 8 MB flash memory module, and the camera module eyecontact™, which was a camera for attaching pictures to the contacts list. When I bought my Handspring Deluxe Visor, it came with the Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf game module, however due to my poverty-stricken life; I can no longer afford to play golf, and therefore opened the module to have a look inside.

These early gadgets were from a time when computer PCs were running Windows 95, and Windows 2000, and consequently looking for Windows 7 64-bit USB drivers is going to be difficult if not impossible. However, if you have an older OS then it works well.

Price/eBay

Handspring visors are a lovely part of our history, and if you can find a module to make it more useful, then it still matters today. However, many people will remember using it in their youth and therefore hold a sentimental value. You can usually pick these up at auction sites and they come in all types of condition. Ideally, you need one that comes with the original installation CD; otherwise, you will end up trawling through the internet going through many dodgy sites looking for the Desktop software. In addition, you need one with its cradle, so you can connect it to a PC to transfer software. My unit did not come with either of these and therefore I decided to do a little USB hacking project as an experiment to see if it was possible to make it communicate with a modern PC. In order to make these computers small, there is virtually no separation between the circuit board and the battery compartment, therefore I would expect many units with acid damage. Even the slightest amount of acid can eat-up the delicate and fine circuit tracks resulting in all sorts of havoc.

A scratched and dented unit that has been in someone’s sweaty back pocket for twenty years would be worth fiver. However, if it comes with the installation CD and cradle, then around ten to twenty pounds is the reasonable asking price. If it is in mint unused condition together with the box, CD, manual, and accessories, then a value close to one hundred pounds should be the commanding price.

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