Struggling manufacturer palm has suffered from shrinking market share. Yet it can learn a lot from Apple. There are many similarities between the two; they've both suffered from Microsoft's marketing onslaught, and the majority of their sales in recent years stem from one product line. You have the Treo for Palm, and the iPod for Apple.

I think Apple has used its success in one area to springboard potential triumph in others. Boosted by healthy iPod sales, the company has bought time and money, working on a strategy to survive in today's PC-dominated market. Fueled by a switch to Intel and the release of BootCamp, it looks like Apple is finally expanding from its traditional niche market, while retaining its differences that will preclude becoming just another PC clone.

The same can be said for Palm: The unparalleled Treo 650 has allowed it to maintain a presence, which they need to exploit. The Treo 700w, a device that uses competitor Microsoft's Pocket PC platform, seems like a step in the right direction. It accedes to industry realities while following the adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," keeping characteristics that appeal to its established users. Palm's recent marriage with RIM also seems like a good move, providing more options without betraying its roots.

All is not lost for Palm. After all, they still command enough respect and mystique to sellout the limited Treo 650 black-tie edition, which is basically an expensive old model with mostly cosmetic changes. But time is running out. They will have to work double time to prepare for the advent of a "Treo-Killer," and take steps to regain dominance in the PDA market.