Many companies are waiting to see just what HP is going to do with Palm’s critically acclaimed, yet not-so-popular webOS. Users like me are left wanting more, while the Android and iPhone markets continue to grow.

This past summer I gave 10 tips on shopping for a smartphone. I think if more people really took the time to do the research, they’d find that the “obvious” choice is not always the ideal one. That’s not to say that webOS devices are for everyone – I wholeheartedly agree that the iPhone, Android and Blackberry have their place in the market for good reasons. However, the sheer number of complaints people post about their devices every day speaks volumes about the need to know what you’re buying before you sign a long-term contract.

At the same time, companies need to realize that there are users of each OS that are both loyal and passionate about their devices, and they, too, are seeking all-important services and apps. This is why Palm launched the PDK, which allows iPhone app developers to easily port their software to work on webOS.

Which brings me to the most common reason app developers and companies aren’t focusing on webOS at all. Despite many announcements concerning the future of webOS, Palm’s the underdog. Many developers (like Evernote) would rather wait and see if the platform gains momentum. The problem is, waiting could be opening the door for competitors to jump in and convert users on-the-fly.

It’s already happening – many independent developers are using service APIs to fill the void. The Foursquare webOS app was developed by @zhephree. While he had Foursquare’s support, the fact that a groundbreaking service which relies entirely on mobile needed to rely on an outsider to reach millions of additional users says something. Even Square co-founder Tristan O’Tierney said that company was playing wait and see with webOS.

For developers and service providers sitting on the sidelines, unwilling to take common business risks, while waiting to see if they can benefit, I have two letters: H…P…

That’s right, one of the biggest names in tech – Hewlett-Packard – has already announced it’s going full steam ahead with webOS. If that’s not enough reason for companies to get in on the ground floor in order to reap big-time benefits later, I don’t know what is.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/10/20.
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Last week I talked about how users of “other” smartphones need to stand their ground and tell companies what they want, rather than letting companies dictate how we’re going to function based on the devices we use. This latest endeavor by the electronics & music mogul provides yet another example: companies will reward us, but only if we use devices of their choosing. Why? After all, Foursquare is already available across nearly every smartphone platform in the US. Does it need better authenticity? Sure, but it doesn’t exclude the webOS and Blackberry users.

I will note that the Foursquare app for webOS was developed by folks completely independent of the Foursquare company. The app is free, though developers gladly accept donations.

Users of "other" smartphones consistently miss out on entertainment, apps and now, store rewards.

Shopkick is just one of many apps companies are using to market and reward customers, with most of those also being available only to users of specific devices. While some app developers say it’s only going to take some time to develop for all devices, some have no plans to do so. This means users of “other” devices can’t participate, or independent developers will need to step up to the plate, in hopes the users (rather than the service company) will help fund their efforts.

I donated to the developers of the webOS Foursquare app. This means I paid money to use a service, while users of other devices gained access entirely free.

I know the arguments, which center around companies developing for the most widely used platform first. However, Apple has the strictest guidelines for app development. Porting apps to other devices should be easier, and shouldn’t take a year (which many have). I also blame participating companies (Macy’s, American Eagle Outfitters and Sports Authority have also signed on with shopkick). After all, shopkick relies on them as much as they rely on shopkick. These companies could simply say, “We’re game, but not until you make it accessible to users of all smartphones”. Instead, they’ve opted to let shopkick rule the timeline.

I have to wonder if there’s something going on behind-the-scenes that hasn’t yet been leaked. Have Apple and Google been striking deals with app developers and corporations in order to secure more sales of their own devices? Are company giants trying to tell the rest of us we’re idiots if we’re not following the masses? Or, are the powers-that-be ignorant of the fact that you gain profits and loyalty by catering to the most people possible?

Whatever it is, I’m not buying into it. I’ll simply say, “No thanks, Best Buy, et al”. If I can’t gain rewards because I’m running a Palm, then I’ll just take my business to someone else – someone who isn’t trying to bully me by putting restrictions on the devices and applications I run.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/08/19.
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Post tags: android, iphone, location apps, marketing, mobile apps, smartphone, webOS

I’ve learned a great deal from my parents, and one key lesson is that I don’t let companies tell me how I’m going to work with their devices; I tell them.

Companies need to follow Oprah's lead and vie to reach the broadest audience possible.

Where did we (society) go wrong? Of that I cannot be certain, but I can say when it comes to smartphones, it was when the first iPhone rolled out of the factory and into consumers’ hands. Before that, the big battle was between RIM (Blackberry) and Palm (i.e. Treos). Forget the number of users – I’m talking about our demands for development, which is something greatly lacking today. In fact, there were more cutting-edge apps and hardware add-ons for Palm devices than there is now; same goes for the Blackberry.

Today, it seems as if everything is developed for the iPhone, then ported to Android. You’d think other smartphones would be next, but a great many companies are stopping there.

For example, Square turns an iPhone or Android device into a card-swiping, payment-collecting machine. The interface and functionality is very slick. When I asked the company about their plans to develop for webOS I was told there currently weren’t any.

Square is but one example of a company (and there are many) that is ignoring webOS and other competing devices, and the most common reason is the number of users who would partake in the service on a particular smartphone. I argue that companies who don’t look at the broadest audience are going to lose future business to those who do. I also argue that the majority of users who complain about the lack of apps then jump ship are just as much at fault.

Could it be that it’s far easier to throw one’s hands in the air and settle for another device, even if we know it’s not ideal for us, than it is to petition companies to offer us the goods? I see door-walking tweets every day, despite the person wishing they “could” stay with their current device.

Let’s be honest. Unless your specific employer or legal requirements force you to use a different device, you can’t say you’re forced to move. If you want to use a particular smartphone, then send these companies a clear message (and I don’t mean by shouting, kicking and screaming). Simply tell them:

I’m not changing devices to use your product. If you don’t plan to create a version for my device, I’ll have no choice but to seek out a competitor.

Will they listen? That depends on their true goals. But I’ll say this… Square is crazy not to develop for the rest of the market, because it’s only a matter of time before someone else steps up to the plate. That someone else may even do it better, and convert current iPhone and Android users, too.

Including Square, there’s more than a dozen services I want to use on my Palm Pre Plus – I mean, I want to give these businesses my money – but I’m not altering my entire work environment to get them. To be honest, I don’t even “need” most of these services; they really just make things easier.

And that, my friends, is the message we need to send these guys. If not, then we’re just proving them right – that we’re willing to give up things we truly want in order to use something they offer on a different platform. Me? I’m talking with not only my voice, but also my wallet.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/08/13.
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In my guest post at webOSroundup I explain how Palm’s webOS is a great middle ground when it comes to developing and user downloading of apps.

Read the full editorial at webOSroundup

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/08/12.
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In years past I used PalmOS (Treos). Most of my colleagues used the same OS, so sharing contact information (digital business cards) was a snap. We’d just beam information to and from our devices. Today, iPhone “bumping” is gaining popularity, but, for most, sending contact info digitally is done via calling each others phones (stores number only) or sending data via SMS (which requires copying and pasting).

I feel like I’m being punished for using a Palm Pre Plus, mainly because my local friends use iPhones and Blackberries. The only way we can share information with each other is via text messaging, email or web transfer.

Steve Jobs says he’s all for “openness,” so I have to wonder what “open” means to him, as well as other manufacturers. After all, feature exclusivity can be a key selling point of any device. Then again, so can openness in the sense of how mobile devices “talk” to each other. Bluetooth can transmit this information already. Apps can create, send, read and store data. So it’s really a matter of systems allowing an open chain for users to interact.

This week Mashable spotlighted CardMunch in its Spark of Genius series. The service offers human transcription of business cards. In summary, users take pictures of business cards with an iPhone and upload them to CardMunch’s server. Within hours the information is returned, in digital form.

While CardMunch is a great idea and a good alternative to manually scanning business cards (OCR is by no means foolproof), I can’t help but think there’s a better way. And, there is…

We need some standards in the mobile device industry. In this case, a format in which devices can “talk to each other” to transmit contact information. Yes, I’m aware of the QR Code and Microsoft Tag, but even these methods require I “interact” with my phone to properly create the contact.

A standard format could be XML, basic CSV, or an entirely new format. Essentially, what I want is a means to send, via Bluetooth, my contact information to any approved device. I want to be able to accept anyone’s contact transmission, and have it save directly to my contact list.

The concept isn’t new at all. Like I said, I used PalmOS beaming for years, and Bluetooth can be used to share all types of information, including ringtones. But, for some unknown reason, with advances in technology we actually moved backwards in some respects.

So, while I think CardMunch has the potential to provide an excellent service, I want contact info immediately. After all, I don’t use an iPhone and taking pictures of every card would also be a time-consuming practice for me. I was handed more than 100 business cards at the last conference I attended. It took hours to enter them all into a database. If I could have simply swapped info with anyone running Bluetooth, I could have partaken in a much-needed post-trip nap. That, and it would have been so cool to have called any of my colleagues at the hotel without having to go back to my room and hunt for their card.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/08/10.
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Deciding which smartphone is right for you and your business, however, is not a simple task. Many people rely on advertising and what colleagues are using to make their choice, rarely taking the time to not only research all their options, but in many cases failing to actually hold devices in a showroom. Since most cell carrier stores segment brand displays – often well away from each other – the thought of looking at competing devices across various operating systems (OSs) doesn’t even enter your mind.

It’s no secret that I’m an advocate for webOS, the OS that drives the Palm Pre, Palm Pixi, and the Plus models of both those devices. I also believe, though, that decisions need to be made on a case-by-case basis. For example, some industries (like the real estate market) suggest specific types of devices to integrate with key lock systems and other functions.

Here’s 10 things to consider when shopping for a mobile device for business use:

Are you looking for compact, single hand operation? Or is a bigger screen (and device) your style? Hold phones to see if they're a good fit.

1. How it feels in your hands and pockets. You’re going to be using the phone, so you need to know if it fits comfortably, and not just in your hand. Test phones in your pocket and think about the type of clothing you wear while on vacation and what will happen if you keep the phone in your pocket, say, while driving. While this determines overall screen size, portability is equally important. Is one-handed operation a must for you? Consider this as well.
2. How responsive it is to touch. On a touch screen, you should be able to get a reaction almost immediately – meaning, it should only take you a second or so to figure out how light or hard you need to touch the device. Ideally, you want a smooth glide. Also, see if the phone is prone to pocket dialing (when objects press against the keypad and you wind up calling someone without being aware).
3. Is the keyboard usable? Are you okay using on-screen keyboards, or do you want actual buttons? Touchscreens, they say, are the wave of the future, but physical keyboards tend to be easier to control and make for quicker data entry. Some devices offer both, either within the OS or via an app.
   

   Popularity shouldn't rule your decision. Place test calls on smartphone to see how clear the mic and speaker are.

4. How are the microphone and speaker? I’m surprised how many people buy phones having never tested the speaker or microphone. Bring a friend so you can call him from the display phone, then have him call you from the device you’re considering.Navigate to the default ringtones settings and listen to them. This will tell you if the device plays sounds with clarity or static.
5. Does it offer the core features you want? Navigate not only applications, but phone settings. Jot down features it’s lacking so you can research their availability in app catalogs or at download sites. Keep in mind that no device can cover the wants and needs of every user – that’s why apps are so popular.
6. Can it store information? In other words, can you store other files on the device, even if you can’t run them on the phone? This is important because, in business, we often need to transfer files for use in the office, at home or on a laptop. Some smartphones include card readers while others can act like USB storage devices.
7. Does it multitask? There’s a lot of debate over this, but part of the need for technology is being able to do things quickly. Multitasking applications means we can research info on the web, and when an important email arrives, respond to it, then return to our previous task – all without wasting time. Multiple, open apps can also be used to remind us of other things on the to do list.
8. Does it feature background notifications? This is also key because another part of being on top of things is having something else do the work for us. Sound alerts and on-screen notifications of new email, text messages and even tweets help us keep on top of it all and respond quickly.
   

   Using your phone as a mobile hotspot comes in handy during emergencies.

9. Can you use it to surf the web from a laptop? I prefer using a separate MiFi device for internet connection, but I understand why so many businesspeople want to save money and use their smartphone for everything. Even if you have no intention of using your phone as a hotspot, it’s still a feature you should strongly consider. If you’re ever stuck in an airport for six hours with no wireless signal, you’ll wish you had another way to connect.
10. Can you shoot both photos and video? This may not sound that important, but photos and video can really come in handy. For example, if you’re at a tradeshow, being able to take a picture and text it to your colleague can speed up the decision-making process. Shooting video of a company picnic can later be used on your site to entertain customers and show them that you’re real. Editing video on the device is a plus, but shouldn’t be a deal breaker unless you plan to upload videos for public viewing immediately.

There are some key features I didn’t list – like Bluetooth and GPS – because these have already become standard features across all smartphone platforms. And, of course, you should always make sure technical specs meet your needs.

What About Apps?

A major selling point of the iPhone is the number of apps available. However, many mobile apps are overdone (30+ apps that do the same thing) and one can’t determine if an app will work for them by title alone. It’s really more about app quality and growth in development.

For example, Apple polices every app that is submitted. Thus, some apps won’t pass through based solely on what Apple thinks about the content. Android apps, on the other hand, are not policed in advance. This means any app submitted is posted, and only if the app is found to be destructive is it pulled from the catalog. Palm checks all submitted apps against the API; if it passes, it’s posted.

There’s also an issue of free apps vs paid apps. Everyone loves free, but when deciding on a device and the applications you may need for your business, the price of apps shouldn’t be the top consideration. After all, it’s the device itself that determines how everything is going to operate.

In Summary…

While there will never be a “perfect smartphone” that suits everyone’s wants and desires, you can certainly come close to your dream machine if you take the time to both listen and research, including taking the time to play with devices before locking yourself into a contract.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/07/22.
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Apple has made its mark on the smartphone market, and the iPhone won’t be “killed” by another device any time soon. More than 3 million iPhone 4′s were sold, and even if that number was just one-third, they’d still make money. Apple has a broad number of devotees, so the iPhone  isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

According to Wikipedia, as of December 2009, there were more than 285 million cell-phone toting Americans. Reported numbers of iPhones sold in the US greatly vary from 17 million to more than 20 million. Reports show Android devices have sold around 9 million. Hard data for other devices, including webOS, is hard to come by, but take note that “sold” doesn’t always mean in-use. For example, someone may have damaged their iPhone and bought a new one, but that still translates to a single user.

But even if the numbers are on a per-user scale, and accurate, that still leaves well over 200 million Americans using non-smartphones.

The way I see it, advocates of other devices (I’m particular to Palm’s webOS) need to spend less time focusing on getting iPhone, Android and other users to switch, and spend more time showing non-smartphone users why they need a full-featured mobile device. After all, the market of conversion from standard cell phones to smartphones stands to gain a lot more than the conversion of current users themselves.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/07/18.
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The way I see it, AT&T owes the bulk of its monetary success of their business to Apple. So why do they continuously offer iPhone users poor service?

Read just about any article, or watch just about any interview, and you’ll hear the same thing: iPhone users are frustrated with the service they receive from their carrier. So much, in fact, if it weren’t for the exclusive iPhone agreement they have with Apple, AT&T would have fewer stores and less revenue to advertise.

Survey results vary across mediums, but in my experience, AT&T makes a good amount of money based on iPhone exclusivity. The company stands to lose a pretty big chunk should Apple decide not to renew the contract that is up in 2012. Every iPhone-using colleague of mine left another carrier just to get Apple’s device, and plans to move to any other carrier should the iPhone be offered elsewhere.

It’s not just iPhone revenue that will be lost, either. Family plans – which save consumers money by grouping several devices and service to a single account – are increasingly popular. Most iPhone users I’ve met pay for two or more lines on a plan, even if secondary lines don’t use an iPhone. When a two- or three-line plan can cost more than $150 per month, that’s a significant amount of money AT&T’s at risk of losing.

Even worse, many carrier reps in local markets do nothing but sell phones and accessories. Employees at the store close to me, for example, weren’t aware of Consumer Reports‘ recommendations, had no knowledge of a class action lawsuit against Apple and their employer, and were ignorant of reports that thousands of users have reception issues. This means reps aren’t keeping up with news about their employer and the devices they sell, and AT&T certainly isn’t funneling information down the chain. So, when a potential customer enters the store with iPhone reservations, the rep isn’t armed with any real data because he doesn’t even know what problems have surfaced in the media.

Very public, celebrity complaints don’t help AT&T (or Apple), either, and recently Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recommended users experiencing problems pick up a Palm Pre as part of a backup plan.

Lastly, AT&T misleads potential consumers by stating it “covers 97% of Americans.” What they mean is that service is available to 97%, and even that is regularly disputed.

What say you, loyal reader? Is AT&T doomed when the contract is up? Will Apple offer the iPhone to other carriers? And, if you’re an iPhone user, would you switch carriers or devices? Inquiring minds want to know.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/07/16.
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This week a federal judge granted class action status to a lawsuit against Apple and AT&T. The suit claims AT&T “locked” iPhone users into a five-year contract with the carrier, despite having only signed a standard two-year carrier contract. It also claims Apple “locks” it’s devices, restricting which apps owners can actually install on iPhones. The term “monopoly” is used. (Source: Mashable)

While I can certainly relate and understand iPhone owners’ complaints about Apple and AT&T as companies, a class action about contracts and non-open source devices isn’t worthy of my tax dollars. My reasoning is based on already existing, acceptable, business practices throughout the country.

Most cell carriers have offered exclusive models of devices, and not all carriers get every device (Verizon never got the Nexus One, despite plans that it would). Some Android devices can only be found on single carriers.

Apple’s control over the app catalog system is nothing new. Was the fact they run it via iTunes not a dead giveaway that they control the content?

The iPhone has been locked (though it has been jail broken) since day one, and this, also, wasn’t a secret.

And no one is forcing iPhone users to stay with AT&T. It’s their choice to continue using the iPhone with carrier service. You can use plenty of features (just not calling or texting) without being connected to AT&T’s network.

Now, a few non-device related examples:

• NFL Sunday Ticket. You want it? You have to subscribe to DIRECTV. It’s exclusive.
• OnStar is a GM service. For a few years it was offered additionally, yet exclusively, through Verizon.
• There are still exclusive programming methods and feature sets exclusive to both Windows and Mac. And there always will be.

My point is, exclusive agreements aren’t new. In fact, we lock ourselves into them (either by necessity or choice) every day. My contract with DIRECTTV is up next month, but I won’t be moving to Dish. My husband loves the Sunday Ticket. Do I feel “locked”? Sure, but it’s our choice to use the service in order to reap the benefits we want.

I had considered the iPhone (Palm’s webOS wasn’t out yet), but nothing was convincing enough for me to leave my current carrier (that, and my husband refused to let me get a phone we couldn’t insure at the time). Most of my iPhone-toting colleagues did switch carriers – hesitantly – and affirm that if the iPhone ever expands beyond the reach of AT&T, they’ll switch.

From what I can tell, the issue on the contract is really with AT&T’s service. But is there a monopoly here? I don’t see it. If there is, then thousands of other companies are to blame as well.

I’ll leave you with something TO complain about:

In 2006 we purchased a new Mac (latest and greatest) and the HD version of Final Cut Pro. Months later, Apple began shipping Macs with the Intel chipset. We would have liked to upgrade to the next version of Final Cut but found that upgrading OSX wouldn’t cut it. Nope, we’d have to be another new Mac. So this Mac – advertised as a machine built to long outlast any PC (and cost more than twice as much) – soon became a dinosaur because upgrading software itself would require purchasing all new hardware.

And, a question:

At what point do we weigh what a company has done to us against what they’ve done for us, and decide if we should actually be supporting them? I don’t know about you, but if I felt duped this badly by any company, I wouldn’t just be wanting to switch carriers, I’d be switching devices.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/07/13.
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I am a Palm devotee. I’ve used the company’s PDAs and carried some model of a Treo for years, and was doubly excited to try out the Palm Pre Plus, opting to wait for Verizon Wireless to carry a flavor of the device.

In the past several years, Palm’s share of the market has bounced around quite a bit, and, let’s face it, since the inception of the Blackberry, Palm has always played at least second fiddle. The Pre and Pixi were supposed to help the company gain more edge, especially since hordes of developers agree that the WebOS platform is simply sweet.

Most recently, Mashable reported some shocking data, in an article entitled Is Palm Crumbling Before Our Eyes?

So, what happened? I’ve heard the arguments about the TV ads not being as convincing as, say, the iPod’s. But, let’s be real – who is going to beat Apple when it comes to enticing people that what they need is right in front of them? Then there’s the Droid, which also had some great commercials, but, for the most part, attracted attention because of it’s sleek look and people’s desire to have something “like” the iPhone but not the iPhone. The Palm Pre Plus actually does it better, but the marketing wasn’t as convincing.

Then there’s the people we all rely on when making our phone-buying decisions. I’m talking about carrier reps, who are the frontmen of Verizon Wireless, Sprint and AT&T (which will carry the Pre soon). The problem is, with lack of training and misconception about how the Pre and Pre Plus work, thousands of buyers were simply guided right to the Blackberry and Android devices. It happened to me – in fact, I was dead set on the Pre Plus, yet a representative did all he could to try to convince me to go with the Droid. Why? Because it’s the device he used. He admittedly had done nothing more than turn on the Pre Plus, and could not give me one bit of guidance on how to navigate its system.

I actually waited two additional weeks to have questions answered, as VZW reps advised me they were attending new training on data phones, with the expectation of learning more about the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus. Alas, the bulk of the training was about Android OS.

So, who is to blame for Palm’s most recent failure? Quite a few companies.

You know who is not? Dedicated Palm users. That’s right, people like me. The majority of my questions were answered by other users. While you can walk into nearly any wireless carrier store and get detailed info on the Blackberry and Android, getting anything solid about the Pre or Pre Plus is like asking a blind man for directions in a city in which he’s never been. Simply put, for most of the carrier reps, anyone not using the Pre or Pixi has no clue how to do anything but turn the unit on. In fact, there’s an entire thread at PreCentral.net dedicated to users explaining the tremendous lack of knowledge by carrier representatives.

Comparing Palm to Apple is not logical. Apple has a hook that’s been working for the companyfor years. Apple does it not with focus groups or intense consideration for what we want, but rather what its going to give us. For that, Apple is completely brilliant. Just look at how many devotees will buy Apple products, sight unseen – heck, Apple could package a rock in a box and call it an Apple-weight. If it dons the Apple logo, it will sell. The droves of people who lined up for the first iPod, iPhone and iPad prove this.

But, don’t think Palm users aren’t also a dedicated bunch. Many Palm users on VZW waited, albeit more patiently, for our carrier of choice to get the Pre Plus. We counted the days and eagerly checked web sites regularly to see when it became available. We share our stories not only of how we use our devices, but why we’ve stood by Palm for so long. Palm has consistently, despite some lags in actual API documentation, welcomed third-party development. Palm realizes that without it, the company simply do not exist. Palm welcomes and supports third-party apps so much that the company spotlights them, tweets about them, and uses several in-house. And with the WebOS, its created a simple and fast way for users to get their hands on them, without ever turning on a computer.

When it comes to blame, fingers can be pointed in many directions. I’ll be honest, when I find tips and fixes for my Pre Plus, I stop by my local Verizon Wireless and tell the reps my findings. They are appreciative because, aside from their own research, it seems the amount of training they receive is next to nothing. One rep said she plans to upgrade to the Pre Plus because it’s the only phone Verizon carries for which she has little documentation and next to no hands-on experience.

You could say that it’s Palm’s job to tour the country and train all these folks, even individually if necessary. I say training on ALL products at any carrier should be vast and mandatory. With so many phones and devices available today, a happy consumer is an educated buyer, and the line of education starts with the first person the consumer sees (the rep).

And then, we can echo what Ben Parr of Mashable says, that it no longer matters who is to blame. He’s right. He’s also right when he says that Palm has a lot to offer: “talent, brand, patents, and technology, all of which could be put to good use by a smart and savvy company looking to become a power player in mobile.”

My fingers are crossed tight. I am convinced that Palm is a good company and can continue to develop stellar devices. I’m not overly concerned about any company’s bid being retracted because somebody out there must see the value in Palm and will step up to the plate. Palm may not be the forerunner, but it certainly has the ability to grab a bigger chunk of the pie.

When in a scramble for additional funding, perhaps management can create more product-package relationships, like Palm did with medical device company Roche. Insulin-pump users are provided with a Palm device and specific software to track usage, blood-tests and dietary information. Not only does it put info at patient’s fingertips, but tech-driven doctors can simply download the data for diagnosis.

Either way, I think there’s a chance. Although my husband said just yesterday, “Maybe you should have waited a little longer before you upgraded your phone,” I’m not overly concerned. There are plenty of people out there, outside of Palm itself, who will help each other keep devices running. I still have time to return the Pre Plus (just a few days), but don’t hold your breath…

My name is Pamela Hazelton. And when it comes to cellular and data management, I’m a Palm.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/04/27.
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