Think about this: if the Editor-in-Chief of Windows CE Power Magazine can't for the life of him remember what number your computer is and which model is the big one, how will somebody who wants to plunk down $500 to $900 know that they want to buy your computer? Instead, they're just going to go over to CompUSA, look at all the things on the shelf and be told, "Okay, pick the third one from the left." Don't you want them to say "I want the purple one," or "I want the fancy wood grain one," or "Ooh, that would look really nice with my suit."

You want to have the same effect as when people walk into a CompUSA and ask "Hey, where are the iMacs?" Apple may only have about nine percent of the market. But remember, they have about nine percent of the market with pretty much one stupid-looking, Volkswagon Bug-shaped, bizzaro-colored, not beige computer. Wouldn't you like that size of market with your little handheld?

Palm's doing that with their beautiful brushed steel, very small, very stylistic Palm V form factor that makes everybody who holds it in their hand go "Oooh!" In fact, the Palm V is selling very, very well even though it costs considerably more than the Palm IIIx, a machine that has twice the capacity, but isn't as cool looking. If you're going to make a computer for Windows CE, make sure its got a little bit of "Oooh!" in it.

We've called this issue our "Special Design Issue", with articles about what goes into the design of the products we know and love. Engineering is certainly a big part of the puzzle. But it's not all. As more and more of these devices become part of the consumer marketplace (and part of our wardrobes), design and style must be considered equally important.

Take care and I'll see you next month.

Dan Huber is a high school junior at Palmerton Area High School. He operates CEZone, a small and expanding Web site that covers all aspects of Windows CE, at http://members.xoom.com/CEZone, and he can be reached via email at wince@bigfoot.com.