The 8MB Flash Module can also be used as a pseudo-backup device for storing read-only copies of your core Palm application databases (such as AddressDB, DatebookDB, MemoDB, ToDoDB). If you run down your batteries on the road and your Visor's main memory gets wiped, you can copy the backups on the 8MB Flash Module back to the Visor and you're back in business. But if you want a complete, no-brainer backup solution for your Visor, you should look at the Backup Module as well.

Backup Module
The Backup Module is a perfectly implemented special-use Springboard module. It takes longer to explain how easy it is to use than to actually use it. You pop the Backup Module into the slot and tap the Backup Now button displayed on the screen. The Visor copies all of its internal memory to the Backup Module, as shown in Figure E. To restore data, you insert the module, tap the Restore Now button displayed on the screen, and the Visor copies all the data on the module to main memory. It's totally idiot-proof.

FIGURE E

To use the Backup Module, pop the Backup Module in the slot, tap the Backup Now button displayed on the screen, and the Visor copies all of its internal memory to the Backup Module.

The Backup Module is ideally suited for those people who don't have frequent access to a PC in order to perform regular HotSync operations, such as travelers that don't carry laptops. Provided you back up your data to the module on a timely basis, you'll never ever lose important data and applications again. The module is also a cool way of cloning a Visor's configuration, if you have multiple Visors and need to distribute applications and data. Keep in mind, though, that the Backup Module does not save incremental changes to files in memory. It backs up everything onto your Visor. It overwrites all data and applications you currently have on your Visor, including new changes, with the current contents of the backup module when you do a restore. So make sure that you don't care about wiping clean whatever is currently on your Visor.

Synopsis
The initial crop of Springboard modules from Handspring shows definite promise for the Visor platform and at least two of them, the 8MB Flash Module and the Backup Module, are must-haves in our book. We're very interested in what other modules Handspring has in store for us in the future, such as the 33.6K modem Springboard and the modules third-party vendors have up their sleeves. Stay tuned.