Handspring Visor Pro and Visor Neo

PDAs seem to become obsolete even faster than computers. Along with allowing you to upgrade your memory, wouldn't it be nice if someone came up with a PDA that let you upgrade other components like the processor? At least it's not as bad as buying a laptop, where the machine you spend an arm and a leg for is on clearance a few months after you buy it, at which point you realize that just about everyone you see has a lighter, better equipped model that they paid less for. If you're a PDA fan, you might be interested in Handspring's two additions to its Visor family, the Visor Pro and Visor Neo. Visor Pro is a rechargeable, expandable handheld with 16MB of memory that's priced at $299. For the more budget conscious, Handspring is also now marketing the Visor Neo, which it claims is 50% faster than that old Visor Deluxe you're carrying around. The Neo is available in the fancy colorful casings you see above at a price of $199. Both of the new models feature the Springboard expansion slot, to let it use Springboard modules. Handspring also told us that it is adding the eyemodule2 digital camera to its Springboard module product line. Visor Pro makes use of 16MB of memory and a Dragonball VZ processor, and has a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Handspring also says that certain Springboard modules can be recharged by the cradle when inserted into Visor Pro's Springboard expansion slot. Visor Neo has the same Dragonball VZ processor as the high-end Visors, 8MB of memory, and runs on two AAA alkaline batteries. Both models have backlit monochrome screens, supporting 4-bit grayscale (16 shades of gray) and include all the basic features of the Visor line of products, including USB support and Mac OS compatibility out of the box.

The eyemodule2 digital camera and 16MB Backup module were also announced today along with a slew of new accessories. For $199, eyemodule2 provides VGA resolution imaging capabilities. The 16MB Backup module for Visor Pro lets you backup all of the data on your Visor and is available for $59.99. Last but not least, Handspring let us know about new accessories that include a Visor belt clip holster, a stylus three-pack, and a number of new cases from InCase Designs that hold Visors and Springboard modules. Endless toys to bring you endless joy. Or new stuff to make your old stuff seem outdated.