What is up with the Palm hate?
Being an avid user of the Palm OS for years, I never understand why there seems to be so much anti-Palm sentiment out there. The Palm OS is great for what it needs to do. The only area where I think there could be improvement would be in the video department. For example, on the Treo 680, the built in media player can play a wide assortment (well except .mov for some bizarre reason) video types. The problem is that the player is not efficient.
I copy a lot of videos to my Treo from iTunes- specifically video podcasts.
I think I got off on a tangent there, sorry about that. Back to why the Palm hate...
When using the Palm it is fast. I mean fast. Used a Windows Mobile device recently? What, is that lag you are experiencing? I like taking 1/2 a second to switch application's on my device, thank you! Oh, the Windows Mobile people will tell you it is because they can multi-task. Well, you may not know this, but the Palm multi-tasks as well, the application just has to be programmed to take advantage of it. Here are two examples: Pocket-Tunes and Mundu4 's IM application. They run in the background while you work away in whatever you are doing. The beauty is that with Palm OS, you don't have tp constantly mange your memory like you do in Windows Mobile.
Dial or message by name. 
Look up and dial contacts in an instant from the Today screen by entering just a few letters of a contact's name or phone number and pressing Send. You also have the option to send a text message or email—with just a quick press and hold.
Convenient call management.Quickly and easily put a call on hold, activate the speakerphone, mute the call, answer call-waiting, and initiate a conference call. Even check your calendar or view an email while you're still on the phone. The active call screen shows you the duration of the call and the caller’s name, number, and photo when available.
Centralized voicemail control.
Stay on top of all your voicemail accounts with a consistent set of on-screen controls. User-friendly
icons make it easy for you to listen to voicemail, save or delete messages, or skip to the next message.
Picture Caller ID.
Take a picture of a contact with the built-in 1.3 megapixel digital camera or import an existing photo.
Add it to their contact information, and you'll always see their face when they call.
Photo speed dial.
Speed dial by text or by photo from the Today Screen. Or dial using quick keys—hold down a letter or number
and the phone number assigned to that key will be automatically dialed.
Personalized ringtones.
Assign unique ringtones to individual contacts, so you can hear who's calling.
Even create fun video ringtones or record your own voice.
Web search.
We've incorporated a web search directly into the Today Screen. Enter your search topic and Internet
Explorer Mobile automatically takes you to the search results.
Chat view.
An inbox dedicated to messaging has a threaded, chat-style view. So you
can easily keep track of a conversation and review what was said.
Looks like someone at Microsoft missed the innovation email from Bill.
In the end, Palm is faster and easier to use that most other mobile operating systems, so give it a rest. Let's end this rant with a list of...
Top 10 reasons to choose a Palm product.
Easy to use.
Quite simply, there is nothing like a product from Palm. Whether it's a handheld, mobile manager, or smartphone, you'll find Palm® mobile devices so easy to use that they're almost an extension of you. The touch of a button lets you organize your life, manage your workload, and communicate across the hall or around the world.
Proven technology.
With the introduction of the Palm Pilot in 1996, we launched the product that changed the way people organize their busy lives. And as the #1 maker of mobile computing devices today, we continue to invent products that delight and amaze people everywhere.
Choice.
We make products for a variety of platforms, and just as important, a variety of people. Choose from the Palm OS® or Windows Mobile® operating system. And choose from a variety of products, knowing full well they'll be compatible with both PC and Mac desktop computers. From affordable organizers to high-end smartphones, there's a product and a price that's right for you.
Mobility in mind.
Palm products are built for a people on the go, which means they're small and light enough fit comfortably in your pocket or purse. At the same time, we've incorporated things like large color screens for better viewing, complete QWERTY keyboards for fast and easy typing, and the unique 5-way navigator that makes one-handed use a breeze.
Ultimate organization.
The Palm interface puts your entire world at your fingertips. Phone numbers, addresses, appointments and to-dos are within easy reach. And all of it can be synchronized with your desktop computer so you never have to worry about losing information. Jot notes, type on the keyboard, beam information to another device—enter data the way you want, whenever you want.
Customization.
With over 200,000 developers working in the Palm community, there are new ways to get more out of your Palm device practically every day. Software for business, finance, travel and, of course, fun. Not to mention hundreds of accessories such as GPS car kits, portable keyboards, custom cases and more.
Being your best.
Whether you're a busy Mom or a mobile professional, you want to get the most out of life. Palm products empower you to be your best by letting you manage life and work on your terms. By having your information with you wherever you go—whether it's today's shopping list or tomorrow's PowerPoint® presentation—you can be more productive and get the most out of life.
Keeping your balance.
At Palm, we understand the importance or balancing your personal and professional life. That's why we design products that help you do just that. From smartphones that allow you to communicate by email, messaging or voice—to handheld organizers that let you show off your vacation photos—you'll find the perfect balance in every one.
Wireless freedom.
It's simple really. The fewer the wires the less complicated life tends to be. Not surprisingly, Palm products push the boundaries of the wireless world, letting you do things like surf the web with Wi-Fi®, check email on your smartphone, and synchronize with your computer via Bluetooth® wireless technology.
Open email.
Like a phone call or a text message, we think you should be able to send and receive email1 from just about anywhere. That's why we support more types of email accounts across more server platforms than anyone else.
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Comments
Right now I use a HP 4700 with Windows Mobile 2003 only to carry software I use working in the ER. I sync my software using Parallels, but I don't use the device to get on the internet or to connect with others.
I would like a device that combined the features I need.
But I can see how the Palm could satisfy Windows users with more need to keep track of contacts and less need for specialized software.
I think part of it is that Palm is rather conservative, they could probably be more aggressive. However, they must be doing something right. They have had 14 consecutive profitable quarters and their phones are now on over 80 carriers worldwide. That is quite an accomplishment in my opinion.
When ti comes to the Foleo, I think I am again, blinded. I see the value, I see the vision, but I don't think other people do. A laptop is my main PC and if it was up to me, I would shell out the $500 for one- however, the wife has a different feeling.
Treo and organized and it buzzes to remind me about things.
I guess people get bored with their device and see new-shiny WM and Symbian devices and of course the Almighty iPhone and they want something new and shiny. They forget that what they have works. (Well, except for the 700p from what I hear, and it seems like that's being addressed.)