Handspring Visor Platinum

But the Visor Platinum's selling point is its new processor, which performs faster than other Visors or Palm handhelds (Handspring claims an increase in speed of up to 50 percent). While we didn't put a radar gun to the Platinum, it certainly felt speedier than the Visor Deluxe--tapping on an application opened it almost instantaneously.

Using a USB cradle, our desktop synchronisations sped along nicely, usually completed in just a few seconds unless we were adding applications. Additionally, since the Platinum uses the Palm OS, most third-party programs written for Palm handhelds will work for the Platinum.

One difference between the Visor Platinum and the Palm V series that Handspring most likely won't boast about is its size. Where the sleek Palm V series sports a depth of only 0.4 inches, the Platinum retains the standard Visor form factor of 0.7 inches.

But when you've got the expandability that the Handspring's Springboard module slot offers--allowing you to add a digital camera, a cell phone, a Tiger Woods golf game, or an MP3 player--you don't need to quibble over slimness. Also, like other Visors, the Platinum features a built-in microphone (though you will need to add a module, such as a voice recorder or the phone module, to use it).

If you are already a Palm or Handspring user, there may not be enough about the Platinum to sway you to pick up this new product. But if you are looking for the cutting edge of handheld speed, the Platinum is ready and raring to go. --J. Curtis

Really fast. Because the Visor Platinum is 50 per cent faster than the Visor Deluxe. Which means you can organise your life really, really quickly. What's more, playing games, accessing data and using everyday applications on your Visor Platinum is super speedy. And, with the Springboard expansion slot, you can instantly snap in a digital camera, wireless modem or even a phone.

For those who crave speed, power and performance

If you are one of those people who uses lots of RAM, keeps tons of records, plays games or uses apps that have high-performance requirements, the Visor Platinum has the very speed you need.

Reach peak performance

Now you can access all your data without the wait. And the greyscale graphics--with 16 shades of grey--are so crisp that every picture is as clear as day. What's more, since the Visor Platinum is based on the latest Palm OS, it's got new usability, security and navigation features, too.

It looks fast too

The Visor Platinum has a shiny new silver metallic colour so it looks as fast as it works.