It was the marketing that had me scratching my head most. The use of Home Shopping Network for instance. I understand the broad audience reach there, but your point on the "wider public" not getting it is spot on. The general public couldn't grasp the usefulness of the device. However, the government relations people I work with get it immediately with the PE......their combined reactions can be described like this:

"you mean I can get my corporate email, actually read word, pdf, power point, and excel documents (as opposed to a blackberry), highlight and markup pdfs to distribute while I'm in hearings/meetings, etc, and use the web at the same time. I never have to carry a single document with me anymore, unless I'm handing something out, oh and I can take notes, read e-books, let my kids draw pictures, listen to music, etc? Where do I buy this thing?"

I honestly think marketing didn't know what they wanted the Edge to be when it grew up. I thought their deal with that government contractor company (SDI?) was an interesting partnership opportunity, but sales to the government are extremely tough for startups even if your reseller is already providing products to federal agencies. Showing at the CEA made sense for the media coverage, but to what end for sales? Others have mentioned the failure to follow up with the Edge's pilot projectst at some of the colleges/universities. I just think they missed other potential markets that would have latched on this product.

It is really a good device for professionals that is easy to carry (PE at least) and I will continue to use it until it dies.