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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Post tags: android, iphone, palm, smartphone, webOS

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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Post tags: iphone, palm, smartphone, webOS

Palm has extended its half-price app promotion to July 23rd. If you missed initial announcements, this means you can shop the official App Catalog and save about 50% on paid-for apps. No worries, developers still pocket the full amount (Palm makes up the difference).

If you’re like me – frugal from a business sense – then you may be clutching your money tight, vying to decide just which apps to buy.

Here’s my top ten list, in no particular order. Note that I’ve purposefully left out common apps like Twitter clients and calculators, as well as games.

1. 

   Myles reminds me to enter the ending mileage.

   Notes. Integrate pictures, audio and video with memos (notes). This app comes in handy while price shopping, documenting events and building comparison lists. Notes can be sent as emails, secured via PIN and prompt alerts. Cost: $5.00 $2.50 – Details/Download

2. Myles. Ever get caught on April 15th trying to figure out how many business miles you drove? Need to turn in mileage expense reports? Enter: Myles. This handy app is not only much more fun than tracking it all on paper, but it actually reminds you to enter ending mileage. Just key in the beginning odometer reading and choose when you want to be reminded (like in 30 minutes). No more forgetting to close out the books, because Myles supports both audible and visual alerts. At your leisure, you can export data in CSV for Google Docs format. Cost: $1.00 $.62 – Details/Download
3. Mileage Monitor Plus. Wonder just how good the MPG is for your car? This app will tell you that, and more. Mileage Monitor Plus supports multiple vehicles and gives breakdowns on MPG, cost per 100 miles and even reminds you when it’s time to change the oil. No more excuses for ignoring preventative maintenance. Cost: $2.00 $1.00 – Details/Download
4. Crosswords. You call it a game. I call it a brain massager/stimulator/maintainer. While the light version gives you plenty of puzzles to combat, the full version of Crosswords offers a slew of features, including filtering of the delivery system. Puzzles themselves are free, so who can beat an app that boasts indefinite “thinking” tools for the cost of a single magazine? Certainly, not I! Cost: $10.00 $5.00 – Details/Download
5. Shopping List. Use it for home and business. Shopping List lets you departmentalize (by store or category) everything you need to buy. But it’s also a real time saver because purchased items go into a “have” list which you can easily move back to the “need” list whenever necessary. That means you only have to enter “milk” or “copy paper” once, then just check or uncheck the box. No more scratchpads, no more hunting around for the list and no more forgotten items. This, of course, makes my husband happy, too. Cost: $2.00 $1.00 – Details/Download
6. AuctionMate Pro. If you use eBay, even sporadically, this app will streamline it all for you. Manage questions, place bids and watches… even use “Buy it Now” right from your webOS device. Just think, you’re in a meeting and the boss says you need to find some used lighting equipment for a photo shoot. By meeting’s end, your job is done. AuctionMate Pro also helps you with that midnight sniping (from bed). Cost: $3.00 $1.50 – Details/Download
7. FlashCards. Forget about those huge, clunky index cards. FlashCards takes it all to a whole new level, beyond children and students. Since anyone can create sets and distribute them, chances are there’s something already available and of interest for nearly everyone. Can’t find a set to test yourself? Create one. Cost: $5.00 $2.50 – Details/Download
8. 

   Starring articles for later reading is a plus for me.

   NewsRoom. If you’re not using your webOS device to read news feeds, you’re missing out. Get everything you need to know right at your fingertips by subscribing to RSS feeds – I’m talking tech, business, stock sites, and yes, a little entertainment. There are plenty of apps that handle RSS feeds well, but I like the layout and flow of NewsRoom. My only request? I’d love to upsize the text. Cost: $5.00 $2.50 – Details/Download

9. Done! I have to mention this app because of its feature set. I don’t work in the cloud when it comes to client data (and my tasks definitely include that), but for those who aren’t concerned (or use cryptic anagrams, etc.), Done! will give you what you need. It syncs with Toodledo, and the developer is constantly updating the app. Done! sports fully-categorized lists, audible and visual alerts, and more. Cost: $3.23 $1.62 – Details/Download
10. Poster for WordPress. If you manage a WordPress blog (or several), Poster for WordPress is a must. Using the WordPress API (you have to enable XML-RPC), Poster lets you write, edit and publish posts. You can fully manage comments (edit, reply, delete, etc.) as well as edit posts for category and tag assignments. A key benefit to using the app is making corrections after you’ve left the office or powered down the computer. Can you do all this using the webOS built-in web browser? Sure. But why would you want to spend all that time? Poster’s response time is quite good, so there’s no more excuses for being too busy to respond to a reader. Cost $2.00 $1.00 – Details/Download

Regular cost of all 10 apps: $38.23. Total cost through July 23rd: $19.24

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/07/11.
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Here are 10 features/apps I really, REALLY want!

1. Spacebar scrolling. Sometimes my forefinger gets tired and begs me to let it take a break. So, my thumb jumps up and says, “Finally! Can I help?” Sadly, I have to explain to Mr. Thumb that we’re not using a desktop right now so his little trick won’t work. Won’t you please let Mr. Thumb realize his potential when I’m using my Pre? Right now he just kinda feels left out.
2. A time-billing app that syncs with QuickBooks. You know, the accounting software so many business people use? No, I don’t want to send it to Google then back across another platform, or even to spreadsheet. I want to export and import directly, so that QB can do his job in a single click.
3. Forward-swipe in every app. When appropriate it should take me forward to the screen I just backed out of. If not, then let it take me to the beginning. Somebody, please, decide on a standard and let’s all stick to it so I don’t get too confused.
4. Voice Dialing. Please, please, let me just tell webOS who I want to call. I promise I’ll make the feature feel like it’s the top dog. I’ll use it even when I’m at my desk, or sitting on the couch.
5. Speech to text. I saw this feature demonstrated on Android. It’s cool, but I just know webOS could do it so much better. Is this a live-or-die feature for me? No – well, not unless I’m hiding from a burglar and my hands are too shaky to type – but it would be really cool to show off to potential converts.
6. Cable sync to Palm Desktop. I think everyone should have the right to choose. And I choose NOT to send my data to the cloud. Know why my fingers get sore? Cause I have to type everything by hand, because even the available sync apps do it all via the cloud or don’t sync everything I need.
7. More apps that sync with alarms, calendar and other standard features. When apps recreate the most standard features, it hinders those who want to use a fully integrated system. Give me options, please. Work with the powers that be to make it compatible. Think Agendus, Natara and other schedulers for PalmOS.
8. 

   Natara Comet for PalmOS logs all call details, allowing you to search and filter. Exporting to Excel? Bonus! Image snapshot from natara.com

   Speaking of Natara. A big part of my work is knowing just when I spoke with someone. I’m talking date and time. Natara Comet for PalmOS was an integral part of my monthly analysis and billing. In short, I want a way to export detailed call logs. While you’re at it, let me do the same for text messages.

9. Thunderbird! No, I’m not talking about a car. I’m talking about the oh-so-much-better alternative to Outlook. You know, Thunderbird, which even Cloudmark embraced? Let me sync to it, via cable or secure wireless (only if you must). THUNDERBIRD!
10. Standard Task App Alerts/Alarms. ‘Cause I’m a procrastinator and often forget to look at the app.

Am I being too picky? Well, considering half of these features were either on PalmOS or are a logical “upgrade” from PalmOS, I don’t think so. Then again, maybe my selfishness is clouding my judgment here.

What say you? What are your most important must-have features?

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/07/03.
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Post tags: palm, smartphone, Technology, webOS

If you have a Palm Pre or Palm Pixi, the rewards for time investment  are quite rich – the devices are fully functional when it comes to  handling communications, interacting via social media and keeping  track of what to do and what’s been done.

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© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/06/05.
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Post tags: organization, palm, webOS

Here’s 10 ways my Palm webOS device has changed the way I work:

1. Multi-Tasking. Let’s face it, we all should be able to schedule a meeting in our calendar while on the phone. We should be able to look up information in an email or on a web site without having to call someone back. I can multi-task with my Pre, and that alone makes the device worth every penny to me.
2. 

   The Newsroom app pulls in RSS feeds; missed calls, voicemail and email alerts are visual.

   No more “caught in the loop” while surfing for news and industry-specific information. By organizing RSS feeds and using key news apps, I spend less time finding the information I need. I used to spend nearly an hour a day keeping up with everything. Now? I spend just 10-15 minutes throughout the day, swiping through article feeds (this relies on sites using “good” headlines), bookmarking key info I need for later.

3. Alarms. Alarms. Alarms. Every one of my scheduled meetings is preceded by a heads-up ring to tell me it’s set to begin within a few minutes. I also use alarms for mundane tasks, like data backups and standard site and store maintenance.
4. Twitter. I can tweet on the fly (even post images), which means people rarely have to wait long before I can respond to a direct message. In the old days, I had to be at a computer.
5. Task delegations. Now that I use IMAP for incoming email (leaving a copy on the server so I can download it into archives), I can assign tasks to others, even  while in line at the grocery store.
6. Photo phone contacts. Think that assigning photos to contacts is just for coolness? I find it easier than reading a name. I snapshot client site logos and assign them to their contacts. Within a split second, I know  just who’s calling, every time.
7. No missed “missed call” alerts. As long as the carrier does its job (routing the call to the phone and sending voicemail alerts) there’s nagging icons which remind me I need to act. The visual (not just audible) alerts don’t leave the screen unless I tell them to, which means the chance of non-communication is minimized.
8. Sans-cord charging. You may think it’s just a fad, but Palm’s Touchstone makes my life easier. Gone are the days of me running out the door with a half-charged phone, only to run out of battery juice halfway through the day. While at the office my phone is always charged, and I can see the screen and use the device while it’s keeping the battery at 100%. The best thing? No plugging-in, unplugging, plugging-in. It’s just so much easier. So easy, in fact, that my blind husband is no longer afraid to pickup my phone and bring it to me, because he doesn’t have to worry about inadvertently yanking a cable out.
9. On-the-fly video editing. Being able to capture events on video and send to someone instantaneously sure makes the job easier. No more heading back to the office to connect a device to the computer and run video through editing software. Now I can just record, tap a few times, and send it off. Job done!
10. Visual notes. Simple textual notes are so boring. A key app for me, entitled Notes, lets me incorporate graphics into my to-do lists. It may sound like overkill, but for someone who needs visual reminders for a future job, it’s a real life saver. This feature has even spilled over into my personal life. My husband and I recently went on a quest for pricing and ideas for some home modifications. My notes include snapshots of products at certain stores, along with costs and specifications. Neat, huh?

If you’re not using a mobile device (i.e. a smartphone) to simplify your daily routines, you’re wasting a great deal of time carrying out all those tasks. Worse, you’re probably suffering from information overload.

There are actually dozens more ways my Palm device has changed my life, but I’m aware of the average attention span. So, how are you automating and being more productive these days with webOS or another device? Do tell…

Related post: 10 Things We Can Do to Make webOS Thrive

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/05/27.
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Post tags: organization, palm, Technology, webOS

And now there’s community videos to show you exactly what I mean.

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© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/05/22.
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Keep in mind that while HP can bring in the capital and the marketing experience, word of mouth is still key in selling just about anything. So if you love webOS and want to see it hit the big time, here’s 10 things you can do.

1. Keep the Signature. If you send email via webOS, you’ve probably noticed the default signature of “- sent from my Palm XXX (in my case, Pre)”. This alone can help spread the word. And if you use your device for business? It also tells colleagues, bosses and customers that they’re uber-important because you’re responding to them while you’re out of the office.
2. Offer to help – then bust out your phone. The other day I helped a guy in the grocery store find out which Probiotic yogurt was considered the best amongst all the brands the store sold. When I brought up a definitive site, zoomed in and let him take a look, he was quite impressed. We wound up talking about my Pre for several minutes.
3. Demonstrate it. When people make a comment about your Pre or Pixi, be excited and take a moment to show them what it can do. For millions of cell phone users, the only interaction they’ve had with a PDA or smartphone has been via TV commercials or the Internet.
4. Let them touch it. Unless your interested party is a total klutz, let him take a look. A few weeks back I handed my Pre to my father-in-law. Within seconds he was opening and closing applications, surfing the web and looking at photos. Now, his work doesn’t require anything more than a regular cell phone, but if it required more? He’d be using a Pre.
5. Show off pictures. Once they see how vibrant the colors are, they’ll want to see more.
6. Let them watch a Betty White / SNL clip off YouTube. Well, really, any currently popular clip will do. The goal is to show them that watching video on what they might think is too tiny a screen is actually doable and enjoyable.
7. Show off a cool app. What really intrigues people are apps that are either very logical or just really cool. My favorite show-offs? Seismograph, Flashlight, Notes, Crossword and Shopping List.
8. Slide out the keyboard. A big plus to the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi are the keyboards. So many people simply don’t want to be screen-tapping letters all day.
9. Don’t bash the competition. Instead of spending time being so negative over Android and the iPhone, just be more positive about webOS. Good people LOVE positivity, and are more apt to pay attention to what you have to say.
10. Check the weather. One of the most fundamental tools is among the most popular. People want to know if it’s going to rain or snow. They want to know what the weather is going to be next week when they take a trip or if a reported storm is headed their way.

Sure, there’s many other things toshow off – many dependent on the type of person with which you’re sharing. The key is to be enthusiastic and “teach” others just how easy webOS is to use. In short, do what the carriers should already be doing – selling the phone!

I’d love to hear your own “share” stories.

P.S. If you’re a webOS user and are on LinkedIn, feel free to join the group: webOS Enthusiasts. We talk about anything webOS.

Related: HP to Buy Palm: Here’s My Plea

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/05/19.
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Post tags: palm, pda, webOS

It will be a while before we know the solid plans, as the takeover is scheduled for June 2010. Of course, that doesn’t mean I can’t tell HP what I hope to see in the future. Here goes:

1. Don’t Drop the Palm Name.

Despite the few who think the Palm brand is synonymous with failure, it’s one of the most well-known brands in PDA and smartphones. The Palm name has a rich history. Many cringed at the change to PalmOne and applauded when it went back to just Palm.

2. Training. Training. Training.

One of the biggest problems I’ve seen with the release of the Pre and Pre Plus is carrier support when it comes to usage and troubleshooting. Hordes of posts at PreCentral.net center on Sprint users taking their Pre devices in due to a problem, and, in turn, Sprint just damaging them out. While Verizon techs seem to be more knowledgeable, there are common issues most technicians can’t immediately resolve. This also results in quick-damage-outs. Reliance on users to call Palm support has caused many to exchange devices that could otherwise become functional with a few keystrokes.

Palm has been great about providing standard training to its users. I’d like to see truly in-depth training practices for the first-responders (carrier reps and techs), since many consumers are reluctant to call tech-support centers due to previous experience with outsourced support.

Also, in the line of training, too many reps aren’t familiar enough with the operation of the Pre and Pixi models. The key selling point right now is the free mobile hotspot service via Verizon Wireless. However, many more could be sold if the phones could be properly demonstrated, as are Blackberries and Android phones.

3. Keep the App Catalog and Don’t Fall Into Price-Hike Traps.

A very attractive “sell” of the Pre is the easy-to-use App Catalog, whereas Palm charges consumers directly and prices are well within reason. As always, free apps get the most downloads, but it’s equally appealing that the average non-free app costs well under $5. There’s great competiton here, as the majority of apps don’t break the bank. And the opening of the App Catalog for WebOS, which is contrary to Palm’s previous web site offering for the Treo (which left us having to search across many reseller sites and make separate purchases), has made life so much easier for all of us.

4. Embrace the Embracers.

That is, embrace people like me. Those of us devoted to Palm products and WebOS may be a much smaller group than that of, say, the iPhone fans, but we are truly devoted none the less. Do things right and we’ll also sell for you.

When you’re done with all the hugs, which will make us feel all warm and fuzzy, listen to us. I promise if you follow us around on the web, you’ll find that committed (and wannabe) Palm users will tell you exactly what we need. Keep in mind that not all of us are pure-bred techies, so we definitely do represent a vast amount of people who are either unaware of Palm offerings, or haven’t seen just what the Pre and Pixi can do. Who knows? We just might fill you in on a top, key selling point.

Need a focus group? There are plenty of us around, and plenty of non-users we know who can also help you out. Take it a step further by getting involved in our conversations, so we really know you’re listening.

5. Give Big Companies Good Reasons.

I believe the reason why so many big companies haven’t spent the money to develop apps for WebOS is fear of a dying market for Palm. Let’s give these companies good reason to invest in providing users with the same style apps provided for Android and iPhone devices. Some of us have worked around the lack of corporate-provided apps, thanks to indy developers. In many cases, we pay for the usage (eg. I paid for an app to handle my Netflix queue on WebOS). There are several, however, we think should be provided by the companies themselves.

6. Mold New Products to WebOS.

There’s no argument that WebOS is a stellar platform. It is my hope that you mold future products to WebOS, rather than vice-versa.

7. Show the Real Deal.

Another key selling point is advertising (print, web, television) that show people exactly what the Pre and Pixi devices can do. Palm, unfortunately, missed the boat on this one. Their commercials didn’t draw nearly the amount of attention as the iPhone and Droid. It’s time to show everyone, closeup, how easy it is to swipe, connect, schedule, and wake up to multiple alarms.

8. Invest in Necessary Updates and Features.

There are some standard and expected functions the Pre and Pixi just won’t do. Voice Dial is one of them, as is picture rotation/save and PC/Mac syncing sans the need for a third-party app. Yeah, I know that remote, over-the-air backup is all the rage, but many business users don’t want their ever-important contact list and data streamed through space. We’d also like to dial our contacts without looking at our phones or waiting until we reach a stop light.

9. Don’t Abuse Leverage.

I hope your plans don’t include the attempt to force carriers to do it only your way. I am a VZW subscriber, and waited patiently for Verizon to test the Pre Plus on all fronts before finally releasing the enhanced device. Don’t get me wrong, there’s good money to be had with carriers like Sprint, who release devices more quickly. But Verizon’s lag is for good reason. I know when a device becomes available on my network of choice, it’s stable.

10. Don’t Try to Become Apple.

Don’t get me wrong, because I own Apple products and use them regularly. There are, however, some anti-selling points of the iPhone and iPad products.

The restriction of Apple’s devices to a  single carrier has cost them sales. So keep this in mind – while there are plenty of folk who will switch carriers in order to use a particular device, there are just as many who won’t switch carriers for anything. Note that it is Blackberry that has enjoyed the biggest slice of pie for years, and that company’s devices are available on a plethora of carriers.

The seemingly “over-control” of app development and distribution has also raised quite a few eyebrows. Users LOVE the ability to obtain just about anything they need, at a very affordable cost. Don’t change the game – if WebOS apps become “premium” add-ons, you have more to lose than gain.

I know that with the right drive, training and willingness to listen to current and potential users, HP can carry Palm where it’s truly meant to be – near the top of the list of devices and platforms to use.

My name is Pamela Hazelton, and even with a company merger, I’m still a PALM.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/04/28.
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© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/04/28.
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Post tags: cooking, palm