While a PalmIII is $19 less dollars than the similar Visor model ($160 vs. $179), Visor offers several features not found on the Palm, most notably a better screen and the Springboard expansion port.

Handspring really shines with its Visor Deluxe, which includes 8 MB of RAM. So far, the Visor Deluxe remains unrivaled by 3Com. The Visor Deluxe costs $249, $120 less than 3Com’s comparable model, the Palm IIIx, which only includes 4 MB of RAM.

Expandability

Price is not the only difference leading the way for Handspring’s Visor. Expandability remains another important factor to consider when purchasing a Palm-sized PC. Visor utilizes a new 68-pin port that accepts Springboard modules, tiny modules that slide into the Visor to increase its functionality. Several Springboard modules are near completion in development and include MP3 players, modems, GPS receivers, sensors, and even software titles too extensive to fit in the Visor’s internal memory. Be sure to keep an eye out for reviews in VisorCentral’s Springboard section.