Timed to coincide with its world launch, Rectron has introduced the next evolution in handheld computers from its principal Handspring.
The Handspring Visor Edge, distributed exclusively in South Africa by Rectron, is an extremely thin, infinitely expandable handheld computer that is said to bring new levels of portability and flexibility to the Visor family.
"Visor Edge is Handspring`s first slim-design handheld computer, combining a sleek and lightweight metal casing that is only 5mm thick with the optional expandability of the Springboard platform," says Rectron CEO Mark Lu.
Available in three metallic colours Visor Edge will sell for around R 4395 (inc Vat).
Features
Visor Edge offers a crisp monochrome screen, a rechargeable battery and all of the enhanced performance benefits of the Visor Platinum edition launched in South Africa earlier this year.
Visor Edge is also the first Visor product to be available in a metal casing.
With a small and easily detachable Springboard slot that simply slides onto and off of the back of the product, Visor Edge is compatible with all existing Springboard modules, including the cell phone module dubbed VisorPhone.
The detachable slot gives users the option to use Springboard expansion products as needed while affording the benefits of a more slim design when modules are not in use.
"Consumers embraced our first Visor products because of the infinite possibilities made real by the Springboard expansion slot," says Lu.
"Visor Edge is a natural evolution of that family, adding a more stylish design and greater portability while maintaining compatibility with all the exciting Springboard expansion modules."
Software
Rectron has also released two key software functions that it says are unique to the Handspring Visor Edge: Fast Lookup and Silent Alarm.
With the Fast Lookup feature, users can access contact information more rapidly using the application buttons, without having to use the stylus or Graffiti text input facility.
The Silent Alarm feature offers users a purely visual reminder of appointments, ideal for use in meetings or other occasions when audible alarms are inappropriate.
Edge Connector
The detachable Springboard slot for Visor Edge fits into the Edge connector, a small connector on the back of the handheld, so existing Springboard modules can work easily with Visor Edge.
When expansion products are not in use, the Edge connector is protected by a small metal hinged door on Visor Edge`s metal flip cover.
Other expansion products can be built specifically to fit the design of Visor Edge.
Expansion products that fit directly into the Edge connector are expected in the coming months from third party development partners.
Specifications
Visor Edge comes with 8MB of RAM and includes the basic features of the Visor line of products such as enhanced applications, USB support, Mac OS compatibility out of the box and the innovative Springboard expansion slot.
The detachable Springboard slot provides the flexibility and power of Springboard modules without compromising the thin design when modules are not being used.
A rechargeable lithium ion battery powers Visor Edge, providing approximately three to four weeks of normal use on a single charge. In addition, Visor Edge has a fast top-off time that allows the handheld to be charged within minutes when docked in the charging cradle.
Visor Edge uses the fastest Palm OS processor, the DragonBall VZ 33MHz processor, which makes tasks such as finding data in the address book and memo pad applications, sorting records and accessing and deleting items from the applications launcher extremely fast. Its monochrome display supports 16 shades of grey (4-bit greyscale) for crisp, clear graphics.
Visor Edge is based on Palm OS that Handspring has optimised for fast performance and USB connectivity. As with all Visor products, Visor Edge is one hundred percent Palm OS compatible, allowing users to download thousands of applications.
Accessories
Rectron has also introduced a full line of Visor Edge accessories including a metal hard case and a line of quality leather cases.
Rectron will also market optional serial and USB charging cradles for Visor Edge, a travel charger and a USB HotSync cable.
Lastly, Rectron will offer replacement flip covers in all three Visor Edge colours and a replacement detachable Springboard slot.
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