PalmPower: Is the wireless Palm VII architecture available as part of the Palm OS license to Handspring?

MB: The Web clipping architecture is available for license, and OpenSky is our only announced licensee.

PalmPower: How has the wireless nature of the Palm VII changed the world of Palm Computing?

MB: Some day, all info managers will have wireless access built in -- either long-range wireless like the Palm VII or short-range like Bluetooth. So the Palm VII is our first step into that future. It's very important because it's enabling a lot of customers to create new uses for our systems -- we're finding that a lot of senior executives in corporations see it, immediately understand how it can help their employees, and want to get it deployed as soon as possible.

PalmPower: The naming conventions for the Palm devices (i.e., Palm III, IIIx, IIIe, V, Vx, VII, etc) are confusing, at best. Are you planning to adopt a more understandable naming convention in the future?

MB: Actually, we're re-examining our overall branding. For example, we know we need to put more separation between the name of our OS and the name of our hardware, so licensees and our hardware team have a level playing field. We'll look at product naming at the same time.

Keep in mind, though, that no technology company with multiple product lines and fast product cycles has ever come up with a completely satisfactory naming scheme. There's always a certain amount of confusion. Our current naming is actually less confusing than that of companies like HP or Casio. Quick, what's the difference between a Jornada 430se and a Casio A-11+?

[We agree. I wrote "Make sure it's got a little 'Oooh' in it…" back in June's Windows CE Power Magazine, where I discussed just that. You can read that editorial at http://www.windowscepower.com/issues/issue199906/ceeditorial0699001.html. -- DG]

PalmPower: Palm's announced some exciting products this year, but the October 4 announcements are pretty evolutionary. What do you say to critics who say you should be doing more (like introducing color)?

MB: Sorry, but I disagree with your statement. The national rollout of the Palm VII is one of the most significant announcements we've ever made. It is a revolutionary product, and a huge milestone for us.

As for when other features will come, we'll do them when we can deliver them without hurting the wearability and battery life of our systems. Shoving out a Windows CE-style color system that won't fit in your pocket or purse would be a waste of everyone's time, because it wouldn't sell -- as the Windows CE folks have proven.

PalmPower: What do you say when people (OK, us editors) look at the translucent white color of the Palm IIIe Special Edition, along with a blue lid and think "iPalm"?

MB: Psychologists will tell you that light colors communicate friendliness and ease of use, and blue is most people's favorite color. So it's an obvious color scheme and you shouldn't read anything into it, other than a desire to let customers personalize their systems.

PalmPower: Do you have any specific messages you'd like our readers to hear from you?

MB: We deeply appreciate their support, and stay tuned -- the fun is just beginning.