Hawkins Promises a Springboard Cell Phone by 2001

At a recent Question and Answer session on RedHerring.com, Jeff Hawkins, co-founder of both Palm and Handspring, said, "The Springboard slot was really designed for wireless communications. And you will see a cell phone [Springboard] module available before the end of the year."

There were no other big announcements at the session but the questions were wide ranging. He sees no tremendous threat for Microsoft now but said Handspring would build a WinCE-based PDA "if they [Microsoft] had a really great offering". He said his company has "a great relationship" with Palm, Inc.

He refused to reveal anything about near-term plans for new Visors. He said there would eventually be a color Visor but "Don't ask me when". When asked if they would have a Visor with the same form factor as the Palm V series, he simply said, "We will make products in all shapes or sizes".

When queried about future compatibility for Springboard slots, he responded, "We will continue to make products with the Springboard slot and intend to maintain compatibility. That's not a guarantee that all Handspring products for all time will have a Springboard slot."

Thanks to RedHerring.com