> > maybe when you write your little program that uses the
> > DateType as a storage mechanism - you should also write
> > a program that can store it in a less-efficient way.. or
> > at least a conversion program that can be used in 2031.
>
> I think that this is probably the best idea, all things
> considered. It might be worth Palm's while to produce
> that program, or distribute source code to do it, or put
> a new function in the API called "ConvertOldStyleDate".
what i am suggesting is the following:
1) write your program
2) write it efficiently (using DateType)
3) write it bad.. (storing all data)
4) but also write a 'fix-it' program, so that if
your application is sooooooo good, and people
still want to use it. you can fix the problem
(without having to think.. 'what was that program
about?)
right now.. you distribute the efficient version.. people
buy it.. get hooked.. love it.. become dependant on it.
nothing else comes out between now and 2031.. you have
a great retirement plan? in 2031.. you sell your 'fix-it'
program.. will be worth more then.. :))
the problem with this discussion is that people are
considering the fact that it is 3coms fault. it is not
3com.. it is an implementation problem.. for space
sake.. they put the limitation in.
in many emails about this i have tried to say
"do not become dependant on the implementation". be
prepared for change.. as it will.. in 2031 occur.
> > i am not asking palm to change the DateType structure. i am
> > happy that they have done it that way.. it does not bother us
> > right now.. it works.. we use little space.
> > just be prepared when everyone has to change.
>
> If I can find my PalmPro when it has to change, I'll be
> very surprised. If it still works, I'll be even more
> surprised.
we can probably sketch up a Palm destruction scenario
list.
20% fell down the toilet while you pulled your pants
up from having a great crap.
10% you forgot where you left it
10% you are so fat, when you sat down you cracked
the LCD display
... etc.
i doubt there will be any PalmPro, or even Palm III
around then. 3com wont say "hey! you can buy this
PalmIII - really cheap.. you dont have to buy
Palm IVXXC".
cheers.
az.
--
Aaron Ardiri
Lecturer http://www.hig.se/~ardiri/
University-College i G�vle mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
SE 801 76 G�vle SWEDEN
Tel: +46 26 64 87 38 Fax: +46 26 64 87 88
Mob: +46 70 352 8192 A/H: +46 26 10 16 11
