And while we poor, optimistic schmucks continue to wait impatiently for Apple's promised re-entry into the handheld computer market, neither Palm nor Microsoft is standing still. In fact, the rumors making the rounds about Palm's next move sound familiar in a very Applesque way. According to a CNET article, Palm is looking to add wireless connectivity of one form or another to its entire product line-- and we're not just talking about infrared for beaming business cards. Does that ring any bells? Maybe it's just us, but we note more than a passing resemblance to Apple's decision to build AirPort compatibility into every Mac it sells.

The similarity doesn't end there. One rumor is that Palm will "streamline" its product line so that it only offers two models (the Palm III and the Palm V) in two different flavors: full wireless connectivity, à la the Palm VII, and "Bluetooth" capability. Bluetooth, for the uninitiated, is a short-range wireless technology which would allow the Palm to use a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone for wireless access. Hmmm, two classes of products (consumer and pro) available in two versions (portable and ultra-portable)... where have we seen a similar four-corner product strategy before?

Meanwhile, Microsoft's readying the rollout of the next generation of Windows CE, dubbed "Pocket PC"-- and guess what the big buzzword is? According to Inter@ctive Week, it's wireless, wireless, wireless. When the new system is unveiled on Wednesday, Microsoft is expected to debut "MSN Mobile for Pocket PC" that will give the new devices wireless Internet access. The big difference here is that apparently Pocket PC will get full 'net access, complete with real honest-to-goodness web browsing capability, in stark contrast to Palm.net's "web clipping" technology; while Palm.net's slogan is "connecting you to the best of the Internet," it sounds like Microsoft wants to connect you to the rest of the Internet.

But what really sticks in our collective craw about this whole Pocket PC thing is that Microsoft's general strategy to compete is to be the handheld that can do "what you can't do with a Palm." Like, say, actual web browsing-- like you could do on the Newton. Microsoft's also planning to trumpet the fact that Pocket PC devices have far more horsepower than Palm ones. Palm units use Motorola's Dragonball chip, while Pocket PC systems can use much faster processors, like the StrongArm-- you know, that chip that powered the Newton. See where we're going with this? For lack of focus and a decent marketing strategy, Apple squandered what might have been a solid lead in the handheld race, and now we're sitting here waiting for the company to release something-- anything-- to get back into the game, while Palm and Microsoft slug it out using technologies and strategies strikingly reminiscent of those from Apple's own present and past. Irony: it's not just for breakfast anymore.