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20/04/2002 Interview with Kenny West- webmaster of PalmGear
When was PalmGear set up and how many people work for/are associated with the company?
Originally it was PilotGear then PalmPIlotGear and now PalmGear.. Started in early 1997. For number of employees let's just say less than 20...
Are you stunned at the success of the site and how many programs were originally expected to be held on it?
BEYOND WORDS!!!! We never had any expectations when it was first started.. Mostly due to it was started not as a business really as much as for fun... Honestly if we had only made $300 or so a month we would have been happy...
What PDA do you use and why?
Currently am using the Kyocera SmartPhone.. I like having a "All In One " device though it is IMHO a bit too big and may be going back to either cell phone/PDA individually or Treo??
What is your favourite Palm application and game?
App: Most used is FindHack, favorite is ThoughtManager Game: Golf Solitaire when grayscale Palm, Zapped! when Hi-Res color!
Is the site successful in your opinion and why?
Yes, definitely a success mostly so in that we never planned on it doing as well or being as popular as it is. The TRU "Community" it has fostered is a success in and of itself.
What your favourite film and why?
Probably a tie between Saving Private Ryan... The realism and way it was filmed are incredible and The Matrix for it's special effects. GRRRR Wish the sequel was not taking so long!
Where do you see the PDA industry going in the next year and where would you like to see it go?
Hmmmmm... Kind of torn so to speak on where I think it might be.. On a bad side I am leery that it will burn out to whereas there will not be as many choices and that the best may not be the winner. If not I really hope there will be some "standardization" in feel. Just look at all the PPC products.. All so different.. Would like to see, in addition to the above, easier installation process. Still MUCH too complex for the person who is not a techie..
Will PalmGear be having any upgrades in the near future / where do you expect PalmGear to be in 12 months time?
Yes, we have goals to perform many upgrades (hardware, software and usability) though as I am sure you can appreciate cannot elaborate...
Thanks to Kenny for taking the time to do the interview. Hopefully myself and Kenny can find the time in the near future for a longer interview. PalmGear is such a successful site it deserves a looooong discussion.