jonecool
Member
Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Alabama, USA
Posts: 92 |
 Well... It may not be what you think :)
Larry,
Jeff never EVER said that he was going to consider running Windows CE/PalmPC-based software. I believe you made this assumption, based on some of the recent articles (which I can fully see happening). They do indicate that he (to paraphrase) is "Currently Happy with the PalmOS". Although, he's essentially keeping his options open.
Actually, this is a wise move. I'll bet that he was not referencing moving to a Microsoft-based produce but coming out with an entirely NEW OS (Backwards compatible to the PalmOS). At least, if I were in Jeff's shoes, I would already have a team of programmers working on it as we speak. Offering some additional capabilities that is currently lacking in the "Palm" Version of the OS. Things like Multitasking, Multi-Processor support (I know ARM is coming, but this may be awhile off), Multiple screen resolutions, User Identification technologies (Fingerprint reader on the Visor's screen allowing multiple users -i.e. Husband/Wife to use the same device and it will change modes/resolutions depending on the thumb print). Curious if he could pull it off? Well, he made Palm what they are today. He has a much more vested interest in his new company that is doing exceedingly well (have you seen the stock price difference between Palm and Handspring lately?)
Ok, sounds pretty far-fetched stuff doesn't it? No doubt that at least most of the above items have crossed Jeff's mind a few times. Will Palm Deliver such capabilities? Probably not anytime within the next 6 years (They're too afraid of doing something wrong. Have you seen any major changes from PalmOS 3.1-3.5, I hear 4.0 is totally lacking any new functionality). Coincidentally, Handspring renewed the license agreement with the Palm OS through 2009. My bet is that they will have a new OS of their own (Handspring, not Palm) at least 2 years prior to the agreement end date (enough time to transition 30-40% of the PalmOS market to JeffOS).
Remember from those previous articles that Jeff said that (Paraphrasing again-Perhaps mis-interpreting) that "We want to become leaders, if we can't get there with the Palm OS, then..." my bet he'll have his own OS competing head on with Palm and Microsoft. Microsoft won't be dropping the product, they know their future depends on it. Although, they will fall to the wayside kinda like IBM did when Microsoft took off.
Anyway, all of this is my own interpretation of recent events and my own prejudices (take this for what it's worth, very little). I'm a Prism user and think it's a great device. But there are many more things that I would like to see this thing do (that other devices) including the likes of PalmPC's can't do. Many of which are posted above.
Didn't want you to panic that Jeff was implying that he is moving to CE. There are other options and he definitely has the resources to make it happen 
Good Day.
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03-31-2001 05:11 PM
Maybe a new GEOS device
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