|
This is going to be interesting. The curtain has been drawn, and high-end OS5 hardware Will finally hit the market. What lays ahead for PalmOS is anyone's guess. This will either be the solidifying moment when PalmSource is able to firmly hold Microsoft in place forever...or the market will be unimpressed and find PPC to be the better choice. I plan on buying the Tungsten. My current M505 is WAAAAAAAYYY past its shelf life, and this new device offers a good mix of features that I desire for a decent price. And curiosity has the best of me. :microwave:
One of the basic problems I see is that PalmOS licensees are just now entering the high-end market at a time when PPC manufacturers are managing to produce lower-priced entry level hardware. Which means Palm and Sony won't be able to enjoy those fat margins much longer. Consumers will begin comparing a $499 Tungsten to a $399 Toshiba e310 and wonder why the Palm is $100 more expensive. The only feature Palm managed to beat PPC vendors at was integrating BT for under $499. But I have a suspicion we'll see Pocket PC hardware with built-in wireless at that price point soon.
On the other hand, this could be a serious blow to Microsoft in the longterm. If PalmOS offers all the "bells and whistles" of PPC, what reason will users have to switch platforms?
My biggest question revolves around software development. Will this "new" platform enable core software developers like Real to offer their software and content on OS5 devices? Will we see a RealOne for PalmOS, PocketTV, Macromedia Flash Players, and so on.....?
Only time will tell. So pull up a lawn chair and watch the parade go by. :P
|