Former palmOne CEO turns Pocket PC

[Colin Dunstan]

HP has picked up former palmOne CEO Todd Bradley to run its PC and gadget business. Bradley will serve as executive vice president under the newly independent Personal Systems Group (PSG), which includes the company's notebook and desktop PCs, handhelds, monitors, workstations and related support services. The news is already all over the Net, and here are some hand-picked links:

• HP Names Todd Bradley as Executive Vice President of Personal Systems Group (Press Release)
• HP separates PC group again, names new boss (C|Net)
• HP Splits PC and Printer Units, Hires Exec (eWeek)
• Former palmOne CEO to Head HP Handheld & PC Unit (PalmInfocenter)

[Pride Of Lions]

What's going on with all of the Palm family defections? What do they know about working for these companines that we don't know as consumers? All these leavings and defections can't be good for us end-users.

Just a couple of questions. I know that lately there's been a move toward censoring talk that might be remotely construed as "anti-Palm", but as I'm locked into the Palm PDA family (being a Mac guy, even though PalmSource dropped development for the Mac OS) I'm very concerned that my only PDA option appears to have lost it's way. I'd sure hate to have to buy a PPC and muddle with the awkward "Missing Sync for PPC" just to have a decent PDA.
POL9A

[Bob Russell]

Originally Posted by Pride Of Lions

...I know that lately there's been a move toward censoring talk that might be remotely construed as "anti-Palm", but as I'm locked into the Palm PDA family (being a Mac guy, even though PalmSource dropped development for the Mac OS) I'm very concerned that my only PDA option appears to have lost it's way.

I'm glad you mentioned that because I've noticed a few people seem to be getting that impression, and when they see my editorial note on the interview posts there might even be more confusion. I can understand, with the emphasis on moderated forums, and word of PalmSource's gentle plea for non-abusive discussions, one could think they were somehow pressuring us or trying to eliminate differing opinions.

But it couldn't be further from the truth, and it's not just a plea from PalmSource, but much of the Palm Community that they want to be able to have real back and forth discussions of the issues without being attacked and abused, sometimes even wildly off-topic and personal. PalmSource has always encouraged both sides to be involved in an honest discussion. (In fact, you might be amazed at the abusive situations they've been putting up with because they really want participate in the community!) All they are saying is that they want to be a part of the discussion, not the target of a verbal lynch mob.

As you know, it's not really a change for us here at MobileRead (because, of course, we've got you guys as our readers, who are the best! ) But there's something about direct participation from leaders at Palm or PalmSource that can be a lightening rod for abuse. I've seen it, and if I was part of PalmSource I wouldn't want to be a part of it either. So yes, my moderating trigger finger may be a little too quick at times. I hope you'll understand our goals for a safe discussion, and forgive me as I learn to do that in the best way.

If you have been following some other site's forums, you'll know that we are really fortunate for the safe environment Alex has created.

I can also tell you that PalmSource was the complete opposite of censorship when dealing with me. All levels of the organization were were actually so open with me about the good and the bad that it surprised me. I've seen how people get when projects are in trouble. But I didn't see it at all in public or in private. Honestly, I think they are in good shape.

PalmSource never even hinted that they want anything more than a fair discussion. Really. They honestly just want to be involved in the web community, and of course benefit from the discussion by getting input and having a way to get the word out, even if there are those that disagree.

So I guess what I'm saying is that if any blame is to be dished out, it's to us web sites for over-exhuberance at times as we try very hard to maintain a friendly environment for discussion. It's not just for respected leadership at Palm or Microsoft, but also for the entire MobileRead community like you and me.

Oh, and as far as your frustrations with Palm right now and concerns about the future... I hear you! In fact, that's the reason I went to Pocket PC a while back. I didn't really like the available PalmOS devices, and I felt like the future of Palm was just too shaky. So I wanted to get a good look at the other side, if I might end up there soon anyway. But I sure wish you could have seen and heard what I did, and maybe some of the materials here and at other sites will encourage you. But I'm telling you the truth. While nothing is a certainty in such an uncertain market, and the competition will be really tough, I'm convinced that Palm's best days are yet to come. So in a few years, don't be surprised if I say "I told you so!"

Thanks for bringing this up for us... I'm sure there are many others wondering the same thing.

And, of course, as always anyone and everyone is very welcome to disagree with me and share their views... just please do it POLITELY, and we all win.