What the Heck is a 'Mobile Companion' Anyway

Network Computing's technology editors love shiny new gadgets. The Foleo -- Palm's new "mobile companion" created instant discussion among their ranks on the system's usability, use cases -- and future. Follow their debate and then let us know what you think.

Sean Ginevan: Palm's new announcement, marketed as a "new category of mobile device," straddles the line between a PDA and a full blown UMPC (ultra mobile PC). I was initially excited that this would mark the first entry of Palm's Linux platform however, while the device does run Linux, it is not the version of Linux that will power forthcoming Treos and will allow for both Palm OS and Linux OS applications to run.

It's unclear just how useful the Foleo will be, it does include Documents To Go to allow for the viewing, creation and editing of Microsoft Office files, however such conversion programs often fail to completely render the same experience in dealing with complex documents as Office (or even Office Mobile) do.

I don't see people ditching their laptops in favor of carrying just a Treo and a Foleo and if weight and size are a concern, a true UMPC may be the best bet.