Springboard Fun

The Handspring Visor has now been available for months and interesting Springboard modules are starting to show up. In addition to backup modules and Flash memory modules, there are Springboard modems, digital cameras, and book modules.

This article will take a quick look at the following modules:

• Backup module
• 8MB Flash module
• Handspring modem module
• Eyemodule digital camera module
• Physician's Desk Reference module
• StarTrek BookPak module

Backup Module

The Backup Springboard lets you back up all of the contents of your Visor with the push of a button. Restoring from the module is just as easy. If you want instant restore capabilities after a hard reset or power loss, this module is for you.

The Backup module costs $39.95 and is available from Handspring.

8MB Flash Module

If you are constantly running out of space on your Visor, the 8MB Flash module provides an additional 8MB of non-volatile memory. Any applications or data files on the Flash Compatibility list can be directly run from Flash. It can also be used to individually back up specific files.

The module comes with a utility to move files between the Flash module and the Visor RAM. It costs $79.95 and is available from Handspring.

Handspring Modem Module

The Handspring Modem module is a 33.6kbs Hayes-compatible modem. This modem allows you to hotsync remotely by dialing in to your desktop. With additional software, it also allows you to send faxes, send and receive email from POP3 accounts, and browse the web.

The modem module costs $129.95 and is available from Handspring.

Eyemodule Digital Camera Module

The Eyemodule digital camera module captures either black and white or color pictures that can be viewed instantly on the Visor. The pictures can be annotated and categorized, viewed on the desktop, and converted to JPG files on the desktop (currently just Windows; Macintosh support due Summer 2000).

The Eyemodule is $149.95 and is available from Palmgear.

Physician's Desk Reference Module

If you need up-to-date information on every prescription drug available in 2000, the PDR springboard module may become your best friend. Covering both the PDR and PDR for Opthalmology, the module is searchable and entries for similar drugs are cross-referenced. Brand and generic names, common dosages, warnings, imdications and contraindications, and adverse reactions are all listed for each drug.

The PDR module costs $199.95 and is available from Palmgear. Upgrades to the 2001 and 2002 editions cost $99 each.

Star Trek BookPak Module

The Star Trek BookPak provides seven full length Star Trek novels in Peanut Press format. The novels span all four television series, and, in fact, the Invasion Saga consists of four books, one from each series.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic