Handspring introduces Visor Pro, Neo models

Handspring Inc. today announced two new models to its line of Visor handheld PDAs. The new Visor Pro and Visor Neo have been added to the company’s stable of Palm OS-based devices. Both products feature the Dragonball VZ processor, and backlit monochrome screens that support 4-bit grayscale graphics.

The Visor Pro comes equipped with 16MB of memory, and carries a suggested retail price of US$299. The system comes in a silver case design. The Pro incorporates a rechargeable lithium ion battery that juices up when the unit is put it its sync cradle. Handspring also notes the unit can flash its LED as an alarm, for situations where an audible beep may disturb people.

The Visor Neo is the company’s new entry-level model. It comes in a three case colors — smoke, red and blue. The system sports 50 percent better performance than the Visor Deluxe, according to Handspring. The Neo runs on two AAA alkaline batteries. The Neo’s retail price is US$199.

As with other Visor products, these two new models sport Handspring’s “SpringBoard” expansion system — the interface enables users to attach new modules to the PDAs to provide them with new functionality. Such devices include wireless networking products, MP3 players, digital video and more.

In related news, Handspring announced the addition of the eyemodule2 — a SpringBoard-based digital camera — to its product line. Handspring also announced today a $59.99 16MB SpringBoard backup module for the Visor Pro, which provides users the ability to completely backup and restore the memory contents of their Visor Pro. Other new accessories introduced today include a belt clip holster, a stylus three pack and a number of new cases created by InCase Designs.

Both units are available immediately in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.