I just purchased a Pilot, so here's the info as I know it so far:
cem> Also how come all the discussion on the Pilot, a Geos
cem> based system is taking place elsewhere. Hasn't anyone
cem> here got one yet?
This is *not* correct. Pilot's OS is Palm's new OS, *NOT* GEOS. Palm
chose to develop their own OS eliminating a lot of the overhead of other
highly graphical systems. Palm's OS only uses about 32k of user RAM.
The interface is graphical, and it is VERY fast -- probably the fastest
response I have seen on a hand-held. Don't forget, though, that GEOS is
more feature-filled. For example, the Pilot itself cannot print. It
doesn't know how. It's OS doesn't contain print facilities. The saving
grace is that all the apps on the Pilot are also found on the
PC Desktop which contain all printing and import/export functions.
The desktop PC keeps the same databases on file as the Pilot. When you
put the Pilot into it's cradle and press the HotSync button, it
synchronizes all its files with the PC. It is truely a one-step process
cem> I've only seen the mockup and PC demo, but I'm impressed.
cem> It has much of the Zoomer's functionality in an almost
cem> perfect form factor.
As far as size and for factor go, I just love it. It's just a bit bugger
than a deck of cards, and fits in my shirt pocket easily. It is heavy
enough to feel substantial, but does not weigh down my pocket.
For me, Pilot only has two glaring problems:
First, any native app development must be done on a Macintosh.
Second, there is no facility currently for drawing things. This was
intentional, because palm claims that it saves on RAM. That's probably
true, considering that the Pilot 1000 only has 128K (yes, that's "K") of
RAM. This is enough to be functional as an organizer, but is not very
good for drawing. Digital ink can be a memory hog.
I owned two Zoomers for several years, and just loved them. My main
issue was that Zoomer <==> PC connectivity was a pain.
One other comment about the OS. As far as GEOS-based PDA's go, I really
like them. My problem was that they were too cumborsome when it came to
desktop connectivity. The Zoomer is truely an AMAZING product. I
shocked the pants off of everyone I showed it to. I would have one to
this day, but I have since upgraded to Windows 95 and PC to Zoomer
connectivity wasn't there for me. I hope that Geoworks takes a hard
look at the simplicity and functionality of the Pilot. The Pilot's a
GREAT product, and its innovations could pave the way for TONS of other
cool products -- regardless of OS.
-Jim
P.S. If you are interested, check out the newsgroups comp.sys.pen and
comp.sys.handheld for ongoing discussions about Pilots and Zoomers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
James W. Barr, N9ONL | Get the shareware version of Geoworks Ensemble at:
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e-mail: jbarr@mcs.com | For IZL programming language for GEOS contact:
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