Handspring Visor Edge - Metallic Silver

At 0.44 inches thick and weighing only 4.8 ounces, the Edge feels more like a futuristic data pad than a deck of cards containing electrical circuitry. It's far more comfortable to slide into a purse or shirt pocket, and its anodized aluminum case is likely to withstand more bumps and jostles than earlier plastic cases. Further, its superior aluminum cover is the best available screen protector we've seen that ships with a PDA. Its hinge is spring-loaded so that it snaps into place at a 145 degree angle. You can push it back further, but unfortunately can't rest it flat against the back of the Visor. Our only other minor complaint is that it takes a bit of practice to quickly release the cover's tab from the bottom of the device. Another joy is the weighted metal stylus that comes with the Visor Edge. The stylus attaches onto the outside of the Edge by clipping a retractable post into a small groove at the top. Releasing the stylus is a matter of pushing a rocker switch to disengage the latch--a motion that will take some practice.

Of course, slimness isn't the Edge's only advantage, even if it's the most notable. It packs in features common to Handspring's line of handhelds: it comes with 8MB of memory, runs the Palm OS (version 3.5.2H, which unfortunately can't be upgraded), has a crisp grayscale screen, and includes Handspring-only software like Date Book+, City Time, and an advanced Calculator. The Edge runs on an internal battery that's quickly recharged when you put it into the included docking cradle.

A new software addition is Fast Lookup, a slick feat of engineering within the Address Book application. Press the Visor's scroll up button to enter Fast Lookup mode, then use the other application buttons to tap out the name you're looking for. For example, the Date Book button represents letters A-L of a person's last name, while the Address Book button counts for letters M-Z. After a few presses, the name you want appears in the contact list. It's also worth noting that the Edge can perform a HotSync operation via infrared to your computer out of the box (earlier Visors couldn't).

The most noteworthy Visor feature is the Springboard expansion slot, which on the Edge turns out to be both an advantage and a detractor. To achieve the Edge's thin profile, the Springboard slot is no longer a part of the handheld itself. To add Springboard functionality, you must connect a rather bulky adapter onto the back of the Visor Edge, then slide Springboard modules into the adapter. On the plus side, you can use any Springboard module you like just as you would with any other Visor; the downside is that it ruins the thinness factor of the Edge. However, if you think you'll use Springboard modules only occasionally, and want the advantages of a slim and lightweight handheld organiser, you'll want to head for the Edge. --Jeff Carlson

Using its unique detachable Springboard expansion slot, you can add a wide variety of Springboard modules whenever you want--from digital cameras and MP3 players to wireless modems and cellular phones.

With a fast USB connection, synchronising the Visor Edge handheld to your PC or Mac is simple and faster than a normal serial connection. HotSync technology ensures all your data is backed up to your desktop PC.

The Handspring Visor Edge comes with a metal stylus, metal flip cover, USB recharging cradle, AC power adapter and detachable Springboard expansion slot. It also includes Palm Desktop software (for Windows and Macintosh) and a link to Microsoft Outlook (Windows only).

Important note to customers: your Visor comes with a free USB cradle, but not all computers and operating system are USB compatible. If your computer uses Windows 95 or NT or Mac OS 8.0 or below, or if your computer is not equipped with USB ports, you'll need to purchase a serial recharging cradle to synchronise your computer with your new Visor.