Here's to the crazy ones... the dreamers... the optimists. The folks like us still holding out hope that the fabled Apple-Palm device isn't just a rumor. Because the people who are crazy enough to put their faith in vague rumors and pipe dreams are the ones who get to say "I told you so" if the blasted thing ever actually sees the light of day. Think Positive.

Seriously, we've heard way too much about this Apple handheld from far too many different sources not to believe that it's in the works. As for an actual release date, well, heck, your guess is as good as ours. We're trying not to get too excited over this upcoming Palm Color Device Developer Connection event, though. Palm's been resisting the move to color units for years now, citing increased complexity, higher costs, and lower battery life as all being contrary to the company's central goal of simplicity. Finally, though, they caved; color is coming to the Palm OS, and according to a CNET article sent to us by faithful viewer David Schwartz, on February 2nd Palm will unveil the first Palm OS device that uses color.

The intriguing bit is the wording that Palm used in the letter sent to developers: "...one of the hardware manufacturers that makes products based on the Palm OS will release a device with a color display!" Maybe it's just us, but that makes it sound like the first color Palm device to be shown will not be the Palm IIIc, but a third party device instead. Some people think it's a new Handspring Visor, but we doubt it-- they've had their hands full just trying to fulfill demand for their current black and white model, so we don't think they've had the time or resources to crank out a new color device as well. Is it possible that Palm's decision to keep the name of the developer under wraps is due to a certain mercurial iCEO's penchant for huge surprises? Given that attendees of the February 2nd event will be required to sign nondisclosure agreements, we may have to wait until later in the month to find out for sure, but we eternal optimists are keeping our fingers crossed.