Yankowski talked about the Palm becomming a wallet this year. He explained that "[Palms] will act as a debit card in your Palm with a secure IR connection which will replace a card swipe." The IR port of a Palm may soon replace a credit card.

Ingenico will manufacture the point-of-sales terminals while VeriFone will make sure that the payments are secure. The two-way infrared communication between the device and the Ingenico terminal allows a receipt to be sent directly to the Palm device. Palm will eventually allow other third-party content to be sent over when a Palm device and a terminal interact.

eWallet will be a very powerful tool. The two-way infrared beaming will enable other functions, including automatic record keeping, the collection of eCoupons and updates of loyalty programs such as airline mileage and hotel stays.

Mr. Yankowski demonstrated that the technology is not simply hype buy making several purchases himself during his presentation. Among his purchases is the Sony Aibo robotic dog.

While improvements and new ideas such as eWallet are necessary to Palm's growth Yankowski still firmly believes in Palm's Bauhaus-like design ethic of simplicity.

Making his entrance in his fully restored 25-year-old VW Super Beetle Yankowski emphasized the importance and value of classic design. A classic design is not forgotten he remarked. He took care to note that Palm would not be waiting for 25 to realize its success.