Naked Apple Palm PDA seen on Web

US PC magazine Maximum PC's Web site has an intriguing pic of what it claims is Apple's prototype Palm-based PDA. The prototype looks just like a standard Palm IIIx, but comes in an iMac-style translucent coloured case, though the see-through aspect isn't entirely clear from the picture. However, the Apple logo can be clearly seen up in the top right-hand corner of the device's front panel. And you can just make out the name: iPalm. All this sounds a little suspicious to us. PhotoShopped fakes of Palm IIIs adding Apple logos and Apple-style names are nothing new. Yet the colour is common to many of Apple's original Newton prototypes -- and Apple does have a technology sharing agreement with Palm Computing, and has done since interim CEO Steve Jobs' failed attempt to by Palm from its parent, 3Com. The plan provides Palm with access to Apple's Newton PDA technology, plus the Mac maker's prototype wireless networking system. And with Palm increasingly interesting these days in licensing its platform, it's not too hard to imagine Apple gaining a Palm licence in return for all that technology. ®