Let's start with the faster processor. This is the faster and performance proven Dragonball processor that is becoming ubiquitous in newer Palm OS devices. The speed and stability of this processor has become incredibly important as the size and complexity of Palm programs and databases has grown. Access time is noticeably faster than Palm III devices operating at 16MHz. But this is not a huge advantage over competitors since most are incorporating this processor now.

8 MB RAM is becoming standard in most Palm OS handhelds today. As the size of many applications grow and their databases expand at exponential rates, size really does matter and this device is very well equipped to handle everyday usage. Not to mention the expanded flash area that can be accessed with certain third party applications. And as if that wasn't enough...

The Springboard module is Handspring's answer to expansion slots. Their concept is simple: incorporate an expansion slot into the unit, similar to the TRGpro and the newer Palm devices. In this slot, you can place one of several proprietary products like books, MP3 players, GPS devices, and cameras. In addition, you can add expanded memory to the device although the functionality of the memory module is in question.

From the reports I have received from current users regarding the expanded memory module, it functionally stores pre-loaded programs purchased from Handspring, but is read-only and does not have reliable write capabilities.

My issues with the springboard module are as follows:

• The Springboard Module is proprietary and thus disproportionately more expensive than other similar products. For example, the 8MB module that can only be used as a back-up device costs about $75 from Handspring. ($9.35/MB) While the average cost of Compact Flash or Smart Media cards is about $1.50-2.50/MB
• Limited function of large modules. These modules are quite large, relative to the size of the unit.

• Excess baggage. I could easily see that you could quickly end up with a pocket full of modules all with a single database or program. This defeats the purpose of a smaller more compact organizer. A Compact Flash card allows for read/write capabilities and in the case of other leading PDAs the ability to load ANY program to the CF card with virtually seamless access without the need to purchase proprietary cards.
• Limited configurabililty: You get what Handspring thinks you need. This is like a PC manufacturer promoting their system as expandable but then telling you that you must buy their hard drives loaded with software they think you need at their prices and not allowing you to add anything additional to that drive once you install it, thus forcing you to by more hard drives for other programs that cannot be used simultaneously.

Of Note: There is a springboard module that accepts a Smart Media card. I was unable to obtain this module for testing. I see this as a significant hindrance because an adequate evaluation of this product versus its competitors lies in the ability to read/write to the expansion slot and configure the expanded memory as each user sees fit. My understanding, based solely on reports from other users of this device by e-mail and discussion groups is that it is still quite "buggy" and is not quite as reliable or seamless as the AutoCF function utilized by TRG (now HandEra). This is a point that is contested by sales people at Handspring but when I contacted tech support they acknowledged that it was a significant problem they are currently addressing.

When I mentioned I was testing this device I received more diametrically opposed opinions about this one point than any other. This discussion seems to open as much of a chasm between users as the dispute over Palm OS vs WinCE. That said...

The screen is quite nice and the included demonstration photos really show off the abilities of this screen nicely. I still have to ask, though, why? The increased battery drain due to the color screen is quite noticeable. I will admit it is aesthetically pleasing to see my datebook items in color, and the games are more fun, but I do not feel the need to have this function at the expense of battery-life. And yes, there is a significant difference based on my own testing and reports from multiple users and Handspring Tech Support as well.

Battery life is critical to me. I do not have the time, or a reliable enough schedule to tie myself to a mandatory rechargeable system.

I used the Prism heavily for 3 hours upon receiving it and noticed a significant decrease (to about half) in battery charge. Over the course of two days of average use, my battery drained to empty and required a 3 hours to restore it to full charge. I do not reliably have 3 hours in a day to do without my PDA. Besides, 2 days of usage (average of about 6 total hours of usage) is a very short battery life compared to disposables in a non-color device.

Not having tested other color devices I cannot speak as to how this compares to other devices but I assume that it is fairly comparable for color devices as a group. I would prefer the option to use either disposable or rechargeable batteries. If my PDA drains to critical levels mid day on a call-day I am stuck without my PDA for at least 24-36 hours till I can get to a cradle and charge the unit. This is admittedly an issue with all devices that have only rechargeable batteries but more so in color devices. Also, there is growing evidence that the rechargeable batteries in these palm devices do in fact develop a "memory" and will drain to empty quicker after multiple charges before they are fully discharged.

Battery life might not be such an issue if the cradles resembled other Palm devices. Our offices have cradles set up for Palm III/V type devices to allow for a quick hotsync of information during the day. Being that the Visor is Palm based it would be nice to retain the same cradle system allowing users to hotsync and charge on existing cradles.

Let me start by saying I really do like the Prism. (It is really hard to go wrong with a Palm based PDA). It is fast and reliable. I think the price is rather steep in lieu of recent releases by Palm and HandEra, though. It has a nice color screen and is expandable to some degree.

But, I do see some items that detract rather than add to the functionality of this device. I think the lack of user configuration available with the proprietary springboard module combined with its higher price and obvious need for multiple modules in order to utilize its many multiple functions really detracts from this device. Had they utilized a more standard expansion port, i.e. CF or SmartMedia, or at least allowed for user configuration of the modules once they are purchased, this would have been the ideal PDA appealing to most, if not all users.

This ability to actually configure your expansion would allow you to purchase say, a text for reference, and then use the additional space on that module for storage. Handspring has tried to address this problem by providing a multifunction module that contains additional memory, a modem, and a third component. However, the expense is the limiting factor for most users when compared with equal components purchased separately.

If this issue was addressed with some form of expansion that would reliably allow for read/write configuration of this additional memory without the need for a pocket full of modules, I would say this was a near perfect PDA.

Additionally, the unique cradle design detracts from universal cross compatibility with other Palm OS PDAs. Battery life is also a major concern. While this may not be significantly different than other color devices it is a detracting factor for me. Ideally, I would like a device that allowed for the option to use disposable batteries or rechargeable based on my individual needs. (I am staying turned for the new offerings from HandEra and Palm to adequately compete and possibly push Handspring one step further.)

3 1/2 stars

Shawn A. Thomas