Microsoft Corporation will drop the name "Palm PC" that describes Windows
CE devices that fit in your hand, though a new name hasn't been decided on
yet. Microsoft is dropping the name in response to a lawsuit from 3Com,
which produces the PalmPilot line of electronic handheld personal
information managers. 3Com charged that the name "Palm PC" would cause
confusion in the marketplace, as the product is so obviously a rip-off of
the PalmPilot, which practically owns the handheld market right now.
"Microsoft will no longer use the Palm PC name. We expect an announcement
in the next few days. There is a good likelihood [there will be a new]
name for the devices," said Eric Benhamou, 3Com's president and CEO.
As a result of the settlement, 3Com will drop the copyright infringement
lawsuits it filed against Microsoft and the hardware companies that will
make the new palm-sized Windows CE devices. Microsoft refuses to comment at
this time