The MiniJam is compatible with the Springboard external expansion slot from Handspring, which provides for fast, easy, plug-and-play installation of the MiniJam to the Visor. No software drivers or special adapters are needed.

Using the included 64 MB MultiMediaCard, you can store about 30 minutes of MP3 audio. The MiniJam comes with two MMC slots, allowing you to store up to 128 MB (using two 64 MB MMCs). It is compatible with both PC (Windows 98 or 2000) and Mac (Mac OS 9.0 or later) systems that support a USB connection. Transfer files from your desktop to your Visor with the easy-to-use MJLoader application.

The MiniJam comes preloaded with several multimedia applications. The MiniJukeBox MP3 player enables you to control all functions--such as play/pause, fast-forward/reverse, volume, playlist, and equalization--by tapping the Visor's screen. You can also access these functions via buttons on the top of the MiniJam module. Additionally, the MusicMatch Jukebox desktop application is included along with an upgrade code to MusicMatch Plus (a $19.95 value).

Intuitive Operation / Reasonable Setup
This is only the second Springboard module that I have used (Eyemodule was the first). I was pleased to find that MiniJam works intuitively. I am typically put off by set up procedures involving disks and devices, but it was painless. I would have been less daunted by set up if the instructions were printed as a simple 1, 2, 3 on the outside of the box instead of the junky graphics. The unit is a lot less junky than the pictures on the packaging seems to indicate. Once it was set up, it couldn't be easier to use. It is intuitive, taking advantage of the familiar icons of traditional products like a cassette tape player and (browser-style)juke box.

Function in the Gym Environment
OK, I wouldn't say that the earphones would never fall out; running on the treadmill would require a different listening apparatus. For my workouts, though, the MiniJam worked great. I am substituting it for a Walkman tape player, so the key benefits were being able to switch to songs that I felt like hearing without winding and longer battery life -- no more droning tape. The drawbacks were losing the earphones once during weightlifting and initially getting the Prism situated on me so that I didn't inadvertently bump the buttons.

Key Observation
When I got my first handheld, I didn't feel compelled to use module expansion. However, it's amazing how when I have two of them the primary one does all the calendaring and traditional functions and -- with the Springboard platform -- the second one gets used more as I imagine Handspring had intended: sort of a Swiss Army Knife of electronic products. I would have still kept the Prism for playing games (any Wordlet enthusiasts?), but it has a lot more life left in it than that.