Palm vs. iPaq …
I have to say that although I have been using a Palm for some years (a Palm Pro, to a Palm VII, and now a Visor Edge), and hated the early Pocket PCs from Compaq, I am now seeing that we are well on our way towards the full wearable/handheld PC. In watching what I can do with a iPaq, I am now more impressed … not enough to buy one … but at the point of seeing the power of bringing Windows to a handheld.

I am still an avid believer in the coming Wearable Computer revolution, and can see that Windows XP will end up being the predominant operating system of these machines. In the mean time, there are several reasons why I believe that the Palm is limited, and the iPaq is a superior solution. I’ll use some current research as an example of the limitations:

I am currently working on a full time, wireless, presence and instant messaging research project. I would like to incorporate GPS into this solution for sharing my geographic location with friends – full latitude and longitude with altitude. Do create this solution I require the following:

• a PDA, handheld, wearable, or pocket PC
• 802.11b wireless communications
• CDPD wireless communications
• GPS satellite positioning information

Anyone that is aware of the current Palm PDA and Handspring Visor architectures knows that I can only attach one of the required devices at a time … and I could even live with being able to attach two!

I agree completely with this article … Palm is stagnating and doesn’t understand where to go next …

DataQuest: iPAQ Sales Overtaking Palm. Researcher blames Palm’s lack of innovation. [internetnews.com: Product News]