Handspring Slashes Prisms Price Amidst Module Madness

In the latest response to a decreasing demand for handheld computers, Handspring Inc. on Tuesday announced that it has dropped the price of its Visor Prism handheld computer from $399 to $299.

The Prism is Handsprings only device with a color screen. Like other Visors, it runs the Palm operating system.

Handspring also announced a promotion called Module Madness, in which 10 developers are offering a 20 percent instant rebate on 23 Springboard modules, which fit into the expansion slot on the Visor. The promotion is available at www.palmgear.com.

The Springboard developer community is what sets the Visor apart from other Palm OS handhelds, building modules that range from The Physicians Desk Reference to hardware that turns the handheld into an MP3 player. And on Tuesday, Raynet Technologies Pte Ltd. took the handheld experience to a whole new level.

Raynet unveiled the first body massager Springboard module. The Visor maintains its other computing operations as it massages, for those customers who happen to be massaging something within their line of sight.

The module comes with three basic massage modes – squeezing, chopping and tapping — along with three programs designed specifically for the back, shoulders, arms and legs. It also comes with an on-screen reference guide. “Adjustment capabilities are designed to meet peoples various builds and desires,” according to company literature.

The Personal Massager costs $99 and is also available at www.palmgear.com.