Palm threw all they had into the Pre and it was a huge success—sort of. WebOS is powerful, fluid, convenient and fun. The form factor is relatively unique and comfortable. The accessories are even cool (see: Touchstone charger). However, they made several large errors with the device they chose as their savior.
Palm should have made a version of the phone with a metal chassis. Of course that would have made the phone more expensive, but it would have allowed them to make a “luxury” version of the phone. Judging by all of the pre-Pre buzz, I am sure there would have been plenty of people willing to fork over an additional $100 or so for a better built phone. Also, this limited edition Pre might have given the general public the impression that the Palm Pre is still something stylish and cooler than an average smart phone. Why else would a phone be worthy of an expensive limited edition? Still, the overall poor plastic build quality was not Palm’s biggest mistake.
Why, oh why, Palm, would you choose to exclusively give your flagship phone to Sprint? I understand they must have given you a little cash, or perhaps made promises of “adult favors”–but that is no excuse. I can also see how you admired the iPhone’s bold move to give exclusivity to AT&T. More importantly, I understand your desire to copy the iPhone since it was/is so wildly successful.
Well maybe no one told you, but the “Now Network” has fewer customers than any of the nations major carriers. Maybe no one told you, but Sprint is losing customers faster than Usain Bolt on more steroids (yeah, I went there). So why, oh why, would you choose them to be the sole carrier of your savior child?
AT&T might not have taken you (Apple can be a bit pushy) but I’m sure Verizon and T-Mobile would have been more than happy to sell your phone. I’m not angry at you Palm, just a little disappointed.
More Pre’s sold=more money for Palm=more money to spend on R&D=better Palm phones for moi in the future.
I just love you, and would like to see more of you. Please don’t force yourself out of business with more foolish mistakes.
