> I've been hearing a great deal of discussion and speculation on Palm's
move
> to a new processor, and their plans for their next OS. I would like to
> hear any thoughts, ideas, or insight that the members of the forum might
> have on the following issues:
>
> 1) StongARM processor. It sounds like the concensus is that Palm will be
> going to the StongARM processor for it's next release of the OS. What are
> the implications of such a change?
My understanding is that Palm's CEO said they were planning on using ARM
technology. That isn't just limited to StrongARM -- there are other cores
in the ARM processor family, including the very low power ARM 7. I think
more important is Palm having a good microprocessor partner who can provide
a large volume of chips with an ARM core and the required embedded
peripherials (PWM, LCD controller, GPIO, timer). Cirrus Logic had a
Dragonball-like ARM7 chip a few years ago, IIRC. One advantage to Palm is
that there are many ARM licensees, so they should be able to find one that
can handle their volume and build a high-quality solution.
> 2) OS 4.0. When the new OS is released, will existing apps be able to run
on
> it? Will they have backward compatability with the current devices
running
> the Dragonball processor?
I think it would be disaster for Palm to release a unit which couldn't run
the majority of current applications. I think they could go a long way by
having the OS native on whatever chip they use, with an efficient 68K
emulator running user code for older applications. It's also a strong
argument for their Java technology, which has been available for developers
for a few months now.
I think we're more likely to see PalmOS 3.5 be stable over the next year,
with extensions being added through new libraries, like how the Notification
Manger and Internet Libraries were added. I just hope they're able to get
3.5 deployed everywhere soon; the enhancements to allow for more modular
programming (extended gadgets, notification manager) are invaluable.
--
Ben Combee
Veriprise Wireless <http://www.veriprise.com>
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