Tam Hanna is an enterprising 18-year old living in Vienna.  An active member of the Palm community, Tam runs his own Palm enthusiast website and develops interesting applications for the Palm OS platform.  Tam’s mixed educational background ranging from finance to electronics gives him a unique perspective on life, software development, and blogging.  Tam recently agreed to sit down with me (virtually) for another 1SRC interview.

1SRC: Tam, can you share with us what first drew you into mobile computing?  What was your first Palm OS device?

Tam Hanna (TH): Well, my entry into the Palm OS area was actually an impulse purchase to fight boredom. I snatched myself a cheap [Palm] IIIc off ebay...and was hooked for good.

Being able to use the time otherwise lost probably was the main reason that the box didn't get thrown away...boredom sucks =).

1SRC: How many Palm OS devices do you own?  What is your favorite Palm OS device of all time?

TH: Hmm. I owned a load of devices in the last years...many of them due to Palm's upgrading exchanges. Currently, I use a custom yellow E2 and a Treo600 as main handheld and phone.

In addition, I own a Palm Tungsten T3 (digitizer mad), a broken TX (lent out...a gift from my friends at Proporta's) and a variety of OS4 and OS3 broken. In addition, I own a WristPDA and loaned out a Meazura from Aceeca.

As for favourite device of all, the IIIc wins due to nostalgia. The Meazura is very, very cool too - as vivo says, it's a truly 'man' machine.

1SRC: I’ve noticed that you have a WristPDA software compatibility list on your website.  You are the only other person that I know that has a Palm OS WristPDA.  What do you think about that device?  What are its strengths and weaknesses?

TH: The WristPDA...I bought it at blowout time and ported Binary Clock - and didn't do much more to it.

The problems of the machine...bad battery life and gruesome screen. An OLED screen would have greatly helped the machine...but it wasn't available back then.

The box was simply ahead of its time...

1SRC: You run a Palm OS blog called “TamsPalm.”  Where did the idea for the blog come from and how did you get started?

TH: Oh, now that's a hairy question. Back when I started TamsPalm, the Palm OS economy lacked a site that focused on analysis and the developer point-of view.

Over time, new analysts came in and reviewing began. So, TamsPalm - in some extent - is a mix of brain dumps from my brain and other guys...and I hope that you enjoy it!

Starting TamsPalm was easy but wrong - I should have stuck to WordPress and my current host, BrainsWare (contact them per email for hosting) right from the start. Using a service like Blogger will always hurt you in the end...

1SRC: I understand that in addition to blogging about the Palm OS, you are also a developer.  Can you tell us how you starting in Palm OS application development?

TH: I started by cobbling together scripts that automated tasks in SmallBASIC. Since I knew VB6, the switch was rather easy.

Eventually, I felt like working more with the Palm...and thus eventually began to learn C.

1SRC: How many applications have you written for the Palm OS?  Which are you the most proud of?

TH: I have written many apps which I never released. To be honest, I don't really have a favourite app - I like all I created....its like with children (you shouldn’t have a favourite there, either).

1SRC: Are you working on any new applications that you can tell us about?

TH: Yes. Currently, I am working on a JezzBall clone for Palm OS.

John Wilund and I work together on a new and unique IRC client - but that will still take a bit of time...

In addition, BinaryClock and AutoSync will see updates soon!

1SRC: There are many views on the current and future state of the Palm OS.  What are your views on where the Palm OS is headed as a platform for mobile computing?

TH: IMHO, the problems of the Palm OS are mostly a matter of stupidity on the side of its owners. I wrote about this on TamsPalm some time ago...as I stated back then, many wrong decisions were made in the OS5 area, leading the OS into where it’s currently.

The OS owners for Garnet [ACCESS Co, LTD] would need to do a few modifications to give the OS two more years of life or so...but probably, the Linux kernel will be more helpful when it comes to gaining licensees!

1SRC: Do you develop for any other platforms or are you strictly a Palm OS kind of guy?

TH: Currently Palm OS only, although I looked at Symbian Series 60 (Tam Visits Reco's Palm Division) and PocketPC (stupid UI). I will probably branch out to another market next year...but can’t yet say which...

1SRC: When you aren’t writing applications, blogging, or writing reviews for TamsPalm, what do you like spend your time doing?  What was the best book you’ve read or movie you’ve seen in the last year?

TH: Hmm. I really enjoy photographing (landscapes and architecture, especially) and also love to read tech books. Traveling can be fun, too.

The best book...hmm...that is difficult. I am not a person who likes best of lists...they are too one-dimensional for me. Everything has its good and bad sides...so choosing a single thing always greatly reduces the field of view...

1SRC: Thanks Tam for taking the time to talk to us!