Yesterday we came across a press release stating that Palm would launch a new mobile device today and we asked if you thought that their new device could turn things around for the company. Well, based on leaked information about the new Palm device named the Palm Foleo.

I only have one question to ask. What in the world is Palm thinking?


Palm inadvertently posted the press release for their new device their feeds introducing the Palm Foleo, a device they are calling “The First Mobile Companion”. Brighthand.com actually has a screen capture of the feed as Palm has since taken it down. We have the text here:

Palm, Inc. today announced the Palm Foleo, world’s first smartphone companion product.

Foleo has a large screen and full size keyboard to view and edit email and office documents. Edits made on Foleo automatically are reflected on its paired smartphone and vice versa.
Foleo and its paired smartphone stay synchronized throughout the day or at the touch of a button.
Foleo turns on and off instantly, features fast navigation, a compact and elegant design, and a battery that lasts up to five hours of use.
U.S. availability for Foleo begins this summer with pricing expected to be $499 after an introductory $100 rebate.

“Foleo is the most exciting product I have ever worked on. Smartphones will be the most prevalent personal computers on the planet, ultimately able to do everything that desktop computers can do. However, there are times when people need a large screen and full-size keyboard. As smartphones get smaller, this need increases. The Foleo completes the picture creating a mobile-computing system that sets a new standard in simplicity.”

What??? Is Palm frigging kidding me? If I am reading this correctly Palm’s latest invention is a $500, Linux running, laptop sized but not a laptop device that synchs with a Treo. Why would anyone ever buy this instead of just buying a cheap laptop, which, last time I checked, synchs with a Treo.

I cannot wait until the official press release comes out. Maybe it will clear some of this nonsense up.

Palm Foleo