PDA Reviews

Perhaps I'm spoiled by having had a spif leather case with a detachable belt hook for my Palm VII, but this overpriced belt clip is embarassing.

Fortunately, I don't use it very often. It is so tight fitting, that it is difficult to remove the Handspring without removing the holster from your belt. Even worse, it is wearing grooves into the side of my Handspring.

It is difficult to envision this ...plastic device lasting for very long. It is better than nothing, but that isn't saying much.

This is a good idea. However, it is poorly executed. The first problem is that the case only allows you to put the PDA into it with the screen facing out. This is a great way to put scratches on your screen. The second problem is the rigid but flimsy clip. I think I broke this clip within 2 hours of placing it on my person. My hack fix was to scavange a cheap leather cell phone case for it's leather-covered metal belt clip. I cut this out of the cell phone case and attached it to the case with epoxy. This design functioned well but failed to address the exposed screen issue so I stopped using it. However, it DID solve the belt clip issue quite nicely.

I use the belt clip the way I see many people use pagers that have clips. I just put it in my front pants pocket, and slip the clip over the edge of my pocket.

I agree it doesn't seem to be the most durable thing, and it's a shame the clip base doesn't swivel a bit. But I've found my Visor much handier to carry this way as I've already got too much junk in my shirt pocket. :)

I also wish it covered the back of the Visor a bit. If you use a Visor module that has an obnoxious logo on it (most do) then if you use it on your belt it's sort of an ad to the whole world. Which is part of the reason I use it in my pants pocket instead.

it never worked;not even with the batteries it comes with!!!!
do not buy it.

This may not be the top of the rechargable battery line but it works. There are a few things you might want to consider before buying. If you want a charger that automatically shuts off when done charging, this model isn't for you. It is capable of charging both AA and AAA batteries but nothing larger. The plug prongs on the back fold down for easier storage. You can charge other brands of NI-MH and Nl-Cd batteries but this one at least starts you off with 4 AAA NIMH rechargables. You could basically spend the money you would normally on disposables to buy this (how many batteries does your PDA eat?) Wouldn't it makes sense to give it a try?

This may not be the top of the rechargable battery line but it works. There are a few things you might want to consider before buying. If you want a charger that automatically shuts off when done charging, this model isn't for you. It is capable of charging both AA and AAA batteries but nothing larger. The plug prongs on the back fold down for easier storage. You can charge other brands of NI-MH and Nl-Cd batteries but this one at least starts you off with 4 AAA NIMH rechargables. You could basically spend the money you would normally on disposables to buy this (how many batteries does your PDA eat?) Wouldn't it makes sense to give it a try?

I had every problem mentioned in the other reviews but I wanted to add that the Palm V seems too slow to handle this unit. It is particularly slow when zooming in and out of maps. I have a DVD based nav system installed in my car which I love so I may have too high standards for this handheld unit. I believe the problem is mostly software based however. Basically, this products is not ready for prime time. BTW today is Oct. 2002. I tried this system out in 2000 so I don't know if there have been any improvements

Having owned several GPS devices in the past, I bought this unit for my Palm V without hesitation. Unfortunately, some of the "fun" stuff is left out. There is no way to track current heading, speed, distance to next turn, etc. The last package for my Palm was from Delorme and had an entire screen devoted to this real-time data. The maps are very detailed, and provide excellent point-to-point capabilities. However, in order to get turn-by-turn directions, you need to have an internet connection available (Delorme doesn't require this). Overall, I'm a bit underwhelmed by this package, but will certainly find times to put it to use.

I have been using this GPS unit for a year now. It is really a very good tool. Since I'm in Europe I couldn't use the added software so I bought GPSPilot and Route. I use a PC base routeplanner (Route 66 Benelux) and download the maps into the Palm. Takes me about 10 minutes extra from the normal planning process.

The GPS unit keeps me on course all the time. Very impressive.

I just purchased this item and it arrived today (2/2/2004). I called in to activate, and according to the operator (omnisky no longer exists, it's now Earthlink which should have told me it wasn't worth the hassle to begin with) no one supports the omnisky wireless modem any longer. Just a warning to those who purchase this item... think you're getting a hot deal?? nah... just a useless paperweight worth 80 bucks...

I've already posted a terrible review about the omnisky service; how the modem crashes the visor, how the coverage is thin even in major metro areas (like, say, New York City and Chicago). Their tech service was very responsive and they did make an effort over several weeks to get my service working better, sending me new modems, giving me different IP numbers that they said could result in better service coverage. They appeared to try all sorts of things to get my service working. They failed. When I finally said, this isn't working, I want to give up, give me my money back, they said NO, the warranty period is over. They had my money and they wanted to keep it. What's worse they wanted more and they got it.

Around a month before my one-year term was set to end, Omnisky charged my credit card for another year of service. I called and told them to take the charge off my card; that I did not want to renew. They said NO. There would be a $200 fee to cancel "early." They said I had to call them again on the exact day that my current service contract ended and cancel THEN. I asked if they could just make a note now to cancel on that day. They said NO. I had to call AGAIN. If I did not call on the exact day my current term ended I would be charged for each day that passed until I got around to calling again. By the time I did call again they had gotten me for another $16.

This is what your Visor says when you insert the Minstel modem: "Omnisky. Think it, Do it."

This is what it says to me: "Omnisky. Think it. Can't do it? Tough. We'll take your money anyway. Oh, and when you're not looking, we'll take even more money. What the heck. It's all in your contract. We have your credit card number."

I bought a Handspring Visor Platinum along with this modem to allow me to access my email remotely around the city. My cell phone has NO coverage problems ANYWHERE in the area. The OmniSky service and this modem has coverage problems almost EVERYWHERE in the area. After reading many online reviews I swapped out the useless stub antenna on the modem with one that is longer, from my cell phone. This helped improve access dramatically. However, even being outdoors within 1000 feet of a cell tower (GTE is my OmniSky CDPD carrier) I had trouble. Literally, if I coughed (and my hand shook) I would lose the connection! I'm NOT kidding. When you are in a sweet spot, and it works, it works great. But the problem is that sweet spot usually entails me standing with my arm out-stretched holding my Visor up in the air like the Statue of Liberty! This is NOT a good thing. I think Omnisky (and Novatel) are on the right track, but this technology is still in its infancy. My advice, unless you need access on the road where you KNOW you will have good coverage, expect to "work" with this a bit. Technogeeks, apply, but do NOT buy this for your Mom! I must also mention, that OmniSky tech support is EXCELLENT! They answer the phone quickly and they actually know the software and hardware! I've always been happy with them, it's just the CDPD coverage that stinks. If I could rate them separately, the modem would get 4 stars and the coverage would get 1 star.

Everytime I try to charge my Ipaq it locks up. And, it does not charge it. I have tried the wall and the car charger. Both give the same results.

Sync-charger cable works fine with my laptop and docking station as well as my desktop. I love the overall concept. This is the only product I've found that gives you sync-charge capabilities plus wall, car, and international chargers all in a small package.

Unfortunately, when I plug the charging cable into the car or wall charger, I have 2 problems ...#1: When my iPAQ automatically shuts down due to inactivity, it can't be re-started using the on/off switch--I have to do a soft reset. #2: The clock stops functioning, so I have to manually set it to the correct time.

Tech support suspected a bad cord, so I received a new one...and it does the same thing.

Have used daily for 3 months on HP5450. Works as advertised with no problems at all. Charged from wall, car and USB port with simultaneously sync capability when connected to a computer via activesync.

I just had a second one die on me. The exact same thing - it worked for a while, then started giving fatal errors and erasing everything. Two of them in two years? Forget it.

The first time, I sent it back to Xircom and got a replacement. But if not used for a few months, it seems to start to melt down horribly.

I recommend avoiding this at all costs.

I suggest you download ProxiWeb instead of Avantgo (OK but a pain when on a fullsize webpage). I bought this because I didn't want to carry a cable around like the Thincom. The three AAA batteries are a pain. They last about 4 hours before they trash your Visor: Xircom what is up with this? You are suppose to be THE modem company and you need 3 AAA batteries that last only 4 hours before a Visor Trashing: BAD BOYS!!!! I had two Hard Resets and thank God for the PC backup which was a 1.5 hour pain. Since the return time was gone from my CompUSA I decided to get the Back Up Module to make this Hard Reset easier. Well go buy the Back-Up, it is worth the peace of mind. Otherwise while it is working with ProxiWeb it works quite well. I had a blast surfing the Web. Remember to buy fresh batteries and you should have no trouble. Otherwise wait for the Sixpack.

I dont know why people here sais its a good for nothing product, I had one for about three weeks now and I am very satisfied about it. I had a small problem with it, but the fix was quite easy. The problem was that the AvantGo software that comes with this modem is bad installed and each time I tried to run it was crashing my palm so I had to do a hard reset. How I figure out this ? I just copied (with File Mover) the software from the modem into the palm memory, I made a hotsync and then I ran the avantgo software (from the backup) into the Palm OS Emulator software. This reported a problem with libmal.prc, so to fix it I downloaded avantgo software again from the (...) site, I install it on my palm , then with filemover I moved it into the modem memory (great idea this writable eprom memory for the modem). Then I restarted my palm and voila ! it worked.
With this modem I am now able to use lots of cool client software (pop3, imap, vnc, http, https, wap, ssh, telnet, yahoo messenger , IRC), and I just want to say that if there is any system administrator out there .. you have to check this out, the palmVNC and ssh clients are wonderfull. I found even a http server for my Visor !

I had no problem with this case up until now (4-5 monts after the purchase date). The plastic wore out and now I cant keep this case closed. It does close but opens at the slightest disturbance. Given the price of this unit, the closing mechanism could have been designed a bit better.

Having read many of the other reviews of this case the most common complaint seems to be inadvertantly turning on the power button. I have a m500 and have never had that problem, but I do have two complaints of my own.
1. Hotsyncing is difficult while in the case, but putting the hotsync cradle on the edge of your PC desktop allows the case halves to be "folded" back at a 90 degree angle from the PDA and then placed in the cradle.
2. The interior latch that closes the case, although clever, is not that strong. I've had mine for less than a year and the piece on the back cover has already broken. I thought I was relatively careful when closing it, but at some point it just broke. The case won't stay closed now and I'm trying to decide whether to get another or just live with it...

This is a great case. I just replaced my Palm Vx with a 515, and used the Palm hard case for the Vx and loved it, despite it getting poor reviews ("its plastic, not classy, so awkward" blah blah blah.) That was a great case that saved my Palm a hundred times when dropped, fit into my jeans or pants pocket without bulk, and this new case is so far just great- the updated version. The other reviewers say it turns the palm on, and drains the battery. I almost did not get this based on the other reviews, but am so glad I tried it. I have not had that problem and have closed the case a thousand times trying to duplicate that problem. Has not happened. If you like a hard case like me, this one is great.
Unfortunately the series V hard case will not fit the m500 series- why, Palm, why? The stylus is just a little smaller. The size of the PDA is identical, but the stylus difference means the older case won't work. A real pity, since it is a slimmer, lighter case.

Somehow I missed the fact that this product is not for the Palm IIIc.

Well I was excited to get this item because my deskspace at work is limited and I just wanted to have a small cord for syncing and charging that I could easily put away when I didn't need it. First couple times I used it, it worked fine. Now after maybe a couple months (and maybe a dozen uses, if that) the connection has gotten loose and it won't sync at all. It will still charge the unit (somewhat), but I have to fiddle around with the cord on my desk and make sure the green light on my palm is on so I know it's actually connected properly.

Palm sould really be ashamed at themselves for some of the crappy accessory items they make. I mean, is it so hard to make a sync cord that works? Very dissapointing. I gave it two stars only because it will still charge the unit...and sometimes that alone is useful when I'm at work and don't have a cradle handy.

This is one of those products that you really need if you bring your Palm on travel a lot but wish it was designed a heck of a lot better. I use it almost every day on my home computer and pack it with my laptop on travel. The lack of an AC adapter brick is a real advantage, as you can charge your Palm and hotsync through the single USB cable. (Why couldn't they do that with the regular cradle also?) And once connected, it works very nicely.

Notice that I wrote "once connected", as that is much easier said than done. The two very small clips barely hang on to the Palm when attached, so the slightest jostle can disrupt the connection. The other reviewers weren't kidding when they stated that you have to use this on a flat undisturbed surface so that the connection can be maintained. I always have to check that the green light on the Palm is actually on, even though it may look like the cable is seated properly. I also agree that the flismy design of the clips make it a real possibility that they can break off with regular use.

Palm really needs to do a better job of designing its accessories.

I first had the Magellan which I returned because of the fact it could use up a lot of memory for the maps so I got the Geode with nice memory expansion slots. Well they still haven't released the software to use those dual 64MG slots.. it is impossible to maintain a lock in a car even with an RF optimized Visor (even if you screen the module with foil!). And it just eats batteries like no tomorrow. Coupled with poor mapping software that only gives you the streets if you ask.. Yes it does get a lock quick but even with the lastest 'flash upgrades' it is far from being worth $300. Give it a couple of years and if they improve power usage, mem slot usage and better locking from a car (where I need it most) then I will come back to them otherwise give this a miss.

I was right to start out with Magellan since they've be doing this for a long time and it works in a car! True it feels light and plasticky with no mem expansion (just keep about 2MG free and you'll be fine) but it works and half the cost!

The Geode had a lot of promise. Unluckily, GeoDiscovery went out of business before it those promises could be fulfilled. I do extend a lot of credit to the developer team who helped pull together as much as possible as GeoDiscovery was laying them off to help out the user community. Many of the developers continued to answer questions and work with users LONG after their paychecks stopped.

But... sadly that was 2 years ago. GeoDiscovery is now defunct, their website gone and no support to be found.

The Geode community did pull together and compile an archive of all the software that was available before GeoDiscovery's website died. I maintain the archive... which is available at davoice.net. The archive is about 1.2 gig in size, so no one in their right mind has been willing to host it online. So for the forseeable future, it's only available by mail on CD.

On the davoice.net site, there is also a relatively inactive forum for Geode users. I do try to answer the odd question that arises every so often.

Basically for all hardware except that which shipped directly from GeoDiscovery as they were shutting the doors, the best firmware is version 1.3. For the last hardware revision, 1.4beta works fairly well. Either way, the MMC slots never worked and NMEA connection was non-existant in 1.3 and flakey at best in 1.4beta.

Blessings,
Daniel

An excellent and useful module for the Handspring PDA. I enjoyed it while the company supported the product with their map database software. I cannot find the company to get updated software (Madison River Technologies). I do not believe that the module is available. The company either does not exist anymore or they are not making the module or supporting software. I see no point in tryimg to locate this product much less trying to purchase it.

People attempting to use this thing while driving should have to mount flashing strobes on top of their vehicle. I bought this thing last year (when it was already a few years old) to use with my IIIxe. Why? Because I'm an impulse buying gadget freak. I should have researched more. I only paid [money], as I ordered it new from the marketplace sellers...but sadly, it's not even worth that.

The software doesn't seem to play nice with 98SE or XP...it seems to have a limit on the number of commands you can issue before it crashes out...completely wiping the map you spent an hour customizing. On the Palm, the maps are hard enough to read sitting on the couch...reading them in the car takes some serious visual acuity...we're talking some breed of hawk, here. I had to ask my girlfriend to drive around town just so I could fiddle with the device from the passenger seat.

I don't think I've used it since that day. It just takes up room in my glove compartment. And lastly, no...this thing will not fit in your pocket. Maybe if you frequently carry VHS tapes around in your jeans you won't notice...but I can barely stand my Palm in my pocket by itself. The GPS adds a few inches and about half a pound to the package.

If you really want a GPS, you'll be willing to spend the money on a real one. Stay away from this thing. Just go tear up some money if you have the urge to order it....

I bought this product because I have a Palm IIIxe and wanted a GPS system I could use while traveling. Boy was I disappointed!! The bundled StreetFinder Deluxe 2000 PC software lacks sufficient detail to be useful. (It couldn't find my own address, while other software - notably Microsoft's Street & Trips - has no problem.) Whole neighborhoods are missing! You can download little subsets of your maps to the Palm, but because the PC software lacks detail, the Palm version really leaves a lot out to save on memory space. Going to Rand McNally's website doesn't help - there doesn't seem to be a way to upgrade the maps, so you're stuck with what you have (which isn't much.) I also had problems with the GPS. It is suppose to work on its own battery when fully charged, but I can only get it to work with the Palm when it is plugged into the cigarette lighter. When the GPS does work, the Palm StreetFinder software and downloaded map crashes a lot, requiring a complete system reset on the Palm (not fun to do while you're driving.) You also have to go through the Palm menu system to enable/disable the GPS (not fun while you're driving and the GPS is mounted to your windshield!) I would really stay away from this product, save your money, and look elsewhere. This doesn't live up to the claims. Rand McNally should just stick with paper maps.

The hardware is frustratingly close to being usable. Unfortunately it forces you to remove the palm cover which makes handheld use challenging. It's often slow to acquire a lock.

The software is nearly useless, a major disappointment. I've tried a number of palm GPS apps (the device is NMEA compliant and works well with all of them), and would rank streetfinder as the worst, for all the reasons mentioned in other reviews, and for others (a 3 CD package intended for use with laptops!).

My favorite palm GPS app is solus pro 2.0, which uses compact vector maps you generate online on the delorme.com website, and can use bulky, unscalable, bitmap maps (and directions) generated using delorme street atlas USA on a non-internet-connected PC.

In summary, if I had it to do over again, I'd get a standalone GPS with a serial cable, and would buy delorme street atlas and solus pro 2.0. That way I could upgrade out of the palm III form factor if I wanted to. I am happy enough with it to have replaced my III with a IIIxe so I'd have enough room for maps.