There is a lot to like in the new Handspring Prism   1) The internal rechargeable lithium ion battery. Yes I know there has been an ongoing debate over rechargeable Vs replaceable, with the replaceable camp arguing that if you carry a spare set around with you (how convenient is that I ask?), you'll never need to worry about data loss. Well let me debunk that myth once and for all - it is not an issue! I have never run my rechargeable down below 50% reserves - but I have run out of power (and lost data) with a replaceable (I wasn't carrying the recommended spares around). The rechargeables, recharge every time you place your device in the cradle to hotsync. The replaceables drain power every time you place your device in the cradle to hotsync - - - seems like a "no brainer" to me :)

2) Its fast - very fast, up to 50% faster than an ordinary Palm device. But what does that mean? It means that one of our favorite applications, MedRules, developed by Kent E. Willyard MD, - now loads very quickly. MedRules is an award winning piece of software written in NS Basic/Palm. (We've always wanted to give you the NFP Award, Kent, but we couldn't because it does require the installation of third party software to run). And it's because of the third party software and the NS Basic development environment that the application runs a bit slower on 'ordinary' devices, but that's no longer an issue. You'll be pleased to know that on the speedy Prism it loads very quickly. Apart from this immediate benefit, the additional speed will be required in the future.

3) High resolution .COLOR .screen. Color does matter! I'm 47 and like a lot of people (most of us are "boomers" after all) my eyes aren't what they used to be. And although the TRGpro has an excellent gray scale screen, each time I picked up the Palm IIIc I was immediately overcome with "screen envy". Now that I have the Prism with it's 65,536 (...haven't counted them, but that's what they tell me) colors, it's turn to be envious, and thereby restoring order in the universe. Don't listen to the "nay-sayers" who will tell you color doesn't count. It does. Once you have a color device it's impossible to be happy with gray scale ...you wouldn't want to work with a monochrome PC screen now would you? I'm certain there will come a time, in the not too distant future when we will all look upon gray scale handhelds as quaint curiosities.

4) Thoughtful little extras. The Prism comes standard with a deluxe stylus. Not only does the stylus have a built in reset pin, it also has a built in Phillips screw driver. When I first saw it, I thought to myself, OK, nice, so what? But I've had occasion to use it. Sitting in the car at the local mall I noticed the arm on my glasses was getting loose again, and thought "I'll have to remember to fix that when I get home", 'till I remembered my onboard screw driver and fixed it on the spot. Admittedly, that may not have been its intended use, but I found it handy nevertheless.

5) Springboard Modules. I have a love-hate relationship with the Springboard modules. Springboard modules are astonishingly easy to use. And now that you can get 16Meg modules they are becoming useful. Simply plug one in and it's ready to go. You can plug in phones, cameras, MP3 players, modems, and who knows maybe someday a food processor :) And there is a growing list of modules specific to healthcare - you've got to love that! However what I don't like is that you can't run as many applications from the modules the way you can with the TRGpro's CF Cards. Recently there has been talk of a CF adapter for Springboard modules. You still will not be able to run apps from it, but you can increase your storage capacity dramatically. See the Kopsis's site for CF versus Flash information All of this seems to me like a Rube Goldberg solution to data storage, wouldn't it be easier to just use a TRGpro?

6) Enhanced Software:

• Date Book
• Advanced Calculator
• World Clock

Specifications

• Operating System: Palm OS version 3.5.2H
• Processor: 33 MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ
• Springboard Expansion Slot
• Memory: 8 MB
• Screen: 160x160 pixel, 16bit Active Matrix TFT 65,536 Color
• Size: 4.8" x 3.0" x 0.8" (12 cm x 7.5 x 2.1 cm)
• Weight: 6.9 oz (194 g)
• USB hotsync
• IrDA port
• Built-in Microphone
• Internal Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery

Conclusions

All in all the Prism is a wonderful addition to Handspring's product line up. BUT I cannot recommend that you rush out to buy one today. The inability to run applications from the Springboard modules being just one of the two major drawbacks to Prism. The other of course being it's price. At $449.00 it's just too expensive.

So in our showdown at the OK coral, it looks for the moment, like our hero is down for the count.

But don't worry, I know he'll "be back".

Palm is set to release its new color offering: the sexy m505 and Sony already has a color Clie available in Japan. With the battle for market share in the color arena about to heat up, I'm relatively confident we'll soon see some more aggressive pricing from Handspring and the Prism may "make your day" :)

NOTE: You can get the Handspring Prism at the PDA cortex Store for $299.00

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