Handspring Visor Handheld Platinum User Guide

About This Guide Page 1
About This Guide
Welcome to the Visor™ handheld computer. This guide is designed to 
help you get up and running quickly on your handheld. It describes 
all you need to know about how to use your Visor handheld and the 
applications that come with it. 
It walks you through:
nLocating all the parts of your handheld
nViewing and entering data
nUsing your handheld with your computer
nPersonalizing your handheld with your own preference settings
After you become familiar with the...

Page 2  

Chapter 1 Page 3
Chapter 1
Introduction to Your 
Visor Handheld
This chapter explains the physical buttons and controls on your Visor 
handheld computer, how to use your Visor handheld for the first time, 
and how to use HotSync
® technology to synchronize your Visor 
handheld and Palm™ Desktop software.
Getting to know your Visor handheld
What is a Visor handheld?
With your Visor handheld, you will no longer have trouble getting to 
meetings and appointments on time, remembering people’s names 
and...

Page 4  Introduction to Your Visor Handheld
System requirements
To install and operate Palm Desktop software, your computer system 
must meet the following requirements:
Minimum requirements
nWindows 98 or Windows 2000 (for USB cradle)
--or--
Windows 95, Windows, 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT 4.0 
(for serial cradle)
nIBM-compatible 486 (or higher) computer
n8 MB RAM (memory) minimum, 
16 MB recommended
n25 MB available hard disk space
nVGA monitor or better 
nCD-ROM drive (you can also download Palm...

Chapter 1 Page 5
2. (Optional) To ensure against any data loss, go to the folder that 
stores Palm Desktop software, copy your user name folder, and 
store the copy outside the Palm Desktop software folder.
3. Follow the installation instructions in “Installing Palm Desktop 
software” later in this chapter. Be sure to install the new software 
in the same folder as the old software.
4. To prepare for the first HotSync operation that synchronizes your 
new handheld with your new Palm Desktop software, go...

Page 6  Introduction to Your Visor Handheld
Visor components
Locating front panel controls
Visor 
handheld 
screenDisplays the applications and information stored in 
your Visor handheld. It is touch-sensitive and 
responds to the stylus.
Graffiti
® 
writing 
areaThe area where you write letters and numbers using 
the Graffiti® alphabet. See Chapter 2 to learn how to 
write Graffiti characters. 
Application 
buttonsActivates the individual applications that correspond 
to the icons on the buttons: Date...

Chapter 1 Page 7
Using the backlight
If you have difficulty seeing the information on your Visor handheld, 
you can use the backlight to illuminate your screen. 
To activate the backlight:
nPress the power button and hold it down for about two seconds. 
Release the button when the backlight turns on.
Tip:In addition, you can assign the full-screen pen stroke to 
activate the backlight. See “Pen preferences” in Chapter 9 for 
more information.
To turn off the backlight:
nPress and hold the power button...

Page 8  Introduction to Your Visor Handheld
Protective cover
The cover protects the Visor handheld screen when it is not in use. 
To remove the cover:
1. Unclip the top of the cover from your handheld.
2. Lift the cover off your handheld. 
To reattach the cover:
1. Insert the pegs on the bottom of the cover into the holes on the 
bottom of your handheld.
2. Gently press the top of the cover onto your handheld until it clicks 
into place.
Unclip top edge to 
remove cover
Align pegs to 
replace cover 

Chapter 1 Page 9
Locating back panel components
Springboard 
expansion slot 
protectorSlides in and out of the Springboard expansion 
slot. You can replace the slot protector with a 
Springboard expansion module to add features to 
your handheld.
Stylus
Slides in and out of the slot in the back panel of 
the handheld. To use the stylus, remove it from 
the slot and hold it as you would a pen or pencil.
IR port
Uses infrared technology to transmit data to and 
receive data from other Palm OS
® handhelds....

Page 10  Introduction to Your Visor Handheld
Installing the batteries
To use your Visor handheld, you must install two AAA alkaline 
batteries. The batteries fit behind the battery door on the back of the 
handheld. See “Battery considerations” in Appendix A for more 
information.
To install the batteries:
1. Press the latch on the battery door and lift the battery door away 
from your handheld.
2. Install the two AAA alkaline batteries supplied with your 
handheld into the battery compartment.
Note:A...