Comments on: Quickies: Palm Rumor, Palmtop User, HanDBase, Backdrop GC

Later this year, PalmSource is expected to split off from Palm Inc. According to rumor, the remaining part of the company, which makes hardware, will not be named "Palm Inc.". PalmSource will own the brand "Palm" and the hardware division will get a new name. It is not yet known what that new name will be. -Ed

Palmtop Publications has published the first issue of Palmtop User, a magazine designed for anyone who uses a Palm, Handspring, Sony, or other handheld computer or communicator. It includes news, in-depth reviews and features, tips and solutions. -PR

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Question about HanDBase 3

ardee @ 8/15/2002 9:35:34 AM #
Some users here said 3.0 was buggy. I like the feature list but want to wait until the major bugs are fixed.

Any users of it care to comment?

RE: Question about HanDBase 3
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 10:16:26 AM #
I must have missed the bugs. I've been using HandDBase since it rolled out. It does what I really wanted it to, have the databases on the external card, so you can move the app to a card if you need to, saving on internal memory (PowerRun). Moving it to the internal only the app moves and leaves my oversized databases on the card. Then you can move across only those you need. Thusly it is very much quicker. All the new editing features are as they should be, easy to use and understand what you are getting into.
RE: Question about HanDBase 3
fkclo @ 8/15/2002 10:50:16 AM #
I have a smooth ride also. The only thing I need to do in migrating to the new version is to ensure "recalculate if necessary" to get back the values in the calculated fields.

I also noted that the database file size is now quite a bit bigger than the v2.x files, properly due to forms and views data associated with the database. For a Treo user like me, this is not particularly good news since I have over 20 database in RAM, and sucking away over 2MB!

RE: Question about HanDBase 3
arw4f @ 8/15/2002 12:45:50 PM #
I'd say it's buggy. I've been a long time user of HanDBase and I'm having some real issues with the new encryption feature (which is what I was really waiting for in 3.0). Although, outside of encryption, for my purposes it seems fine.

It's now on it's second bug fixing release 3.0c - the only saving grace in all this is that the DDH Software team is so responsive in addressing issues.

RE: Question about HanDBase 3
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 1:12:16 PM #
Official name "Pilot"...Trust me.
RE: Question about HanDBase 3
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/1/2002 5:41:51 PM #
I just loaded up new version 3.0e. I like being able to put database on memory card. Moving stuff around and trying to do a handheld over pc sync caused some errors and soft reboot x 2. I'd say it is still a little buggy.

Palm name change

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 9:36:23 AM #
I have been told by two people that this was actually reported in the Wall Street Journal some time ago... Anyone who subscribes to the online version should be able to do a search for the link...
Palm Hardware's new name
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 9:40:32 AM #
Sony!

JBH

Palm's New Name Will Be.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 9:44:00 AM #
OSLO!
RE: Palm's New Name Will Be.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 9:47:40 AM #
FOR SALE!
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 10:17:40 AM #
I got the feeling they are abandoning the sinking titanic called Palm and moving all deck chairs into the Palm source life boat. 22 more days until Naz delisting warning, somebody beter start thinking about tying up a helium ballon to those stock paper to lift it up from the ground.
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 10:35:03 AM #
Handspring, of course!
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 11:23:48 AM #
"Your company logo here!"
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 11:39:33 AM #
"complacent"
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 12:08:21 PM #
BANKRUPT
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 12:20:18 PM #
Bonehead. Why squander *the* most recognizable brand name in the PDA space? Apparently the hardware side of the business isn't where they see the future despite all the hooha about it being the bulk of revenues (maybe it's also more costly than those revenues) if the software side gets to keep the brand.
RE: Palm name change- Wise IMHO
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 6:39:25 PM #
The success of "Palm" devices NEVER had as much to do with the specific shape or look of the devices as much as it was due to the simplicity of operation and the finely designed Operating System. SO it makes perfect sense to put that brand "in trust" so it can be applied appropriately by ALL licensees and not obtain disproportionate advantages for the one firm that was first to use the OS.
My guess is we'll see the Palm brand able to be used FAR MORE by folks like Sony and Handspring, and get more awareness of the distinction it offers compared to WinCE-PPC.
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 7:03:50 PM #
Roadkill
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 9:29:20 AM #
Sony already has brand identity. They're not going to buy into a Palm-branding scheme.
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/19/2002 11:25:01 PM #
Heel!
RE: Palm name change
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/19/2002 11:25:41 PM #
or "kiss our... er ... posterior"!

The trademarked names....

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 9:33:06 AM #
Could this be a reason that those names were trademarked, yes? What were they again? Poor Palm, always changin' its name :) From the US Robotics Pilot to whatever its going to be now...
RE: The trademarked names....
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/18/2002 11:15:49 AM #
Thanks to 3Com

Magazines losing Palm-only coverage

kevdo @ 8/15/2002 9:56:44 AM #
First Handheld Computing, now PalmUser, er... PalmTop magazine is now covering PocketPC, Symbian, etc. along with Palm OS coverage.

I've seen this first issue of PalmUser and it sucks. There is about a five page article describing (with all hype and barely any critique) the standard features of PocketPC. It is a glowing review and is essentially a sales pitch.

I find it disturbing that the Palm community cannot support a single magazine devoted to the platform itself.

These two magazines were the best for Palm content. Now, that content is very watered down. I don't know whether I should "hold dear" any bit of PalmOS info I see in these rags or if I should just let my subscription lapse in protest.

-Kevin Crossman

Commercial Business
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 10:37:36 AM #
You have to know that these companies are all for commercial purposes, ultimately when the market for Palm-centric is not growing as fast as the sales of the magazines these people have to do something about it else they will be joining the thousands jobless people in the slow global market.

Take for example, I am from an asian company that devoted in the design and manufacturing of Palm handhelds accessories and some mobile solutions too. When Palm handhelds are not selling as well and with more corporate users going for Pocket PCs, what should the company do in order to survive? Bite the bullet and hold onto it? we tried but the economy is not doing that good and worse of all the entire market (Singapore) is so quiet (http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/bizit/story/0,2276,53990,00.html?) that we have to do something about it else we will need to be laid off workers.

But do you think Palm, Singapore will stretch its hand out and said that your company has been with us for years, let me help you since you are a true developer that stands side by side with us? I never receive any calls from them because we do not have anymore freebies for these leeches that will claim to be best of friends when time is good but avoid you when they themselves are struggling.

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 10:58:24 AM #
ouch, that got to hurt.
RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 11:11:54 AM #
I am the original writer "You have to know that these companies are all for commercial purposes, ultimately when the market for Palm-centric"

You bet that it hurts like crazy and have to hand those retrenchment letters to those that been with you for so long, fighting alongside to build the company.

Today, everythings is almost gone.


RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
kevdo @ 8/15/2002 11:44:25 AM #
If you read my comments I said I was disappointed with the Palm community for not supporting a Palm-centric magazine. I clearly understand the magazines are run as a business.

OTOH -- I may be considering dropping the two subs I already have and if others do the same the plan could backfire...

-Kevin Crossman

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 7:05:20 PM #
Could it be that as Palm market share continues to decline palm-centric magazine circulation declines? Could it also be that as many palms are feature deficient compared to Pocket PCs that the uber-geeks buying these magazines have already moved on to the PPC? Joe Blow M100 user isn't reading this stuff.
RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 9:41:28 PM #
> Could it be that as Palm market share continues to decline

The Palm marketshare isn't declining. Go back to your PocketPC hole where they actually believe that stuff. You are right though, the average Joe Blow m100 user doesn't want to read this stuff, nor does he need to. That's why he bought a Palm in the first place.

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 3:28:52 AM #
Yes, the change to Palmtop User was mainly business-related, there just weren't the numbers needed to keep it going as Palm OS only.

BUT: There are still *63* editorial pages of *direct* Palm OS relevance, which is hugely more than any other publication in the *world*. In case you hadn't spotted, the three 'Steves'(!) are all big Palm OS users and so of course Palm OS will get a LOT of attention.

Yes, the overall amount of Palm OS editorial content has decreased somewhat, compared to PalmUser magazine, but don't you at least find it *slightly* interesting what's going on elsewhere in the handheld world? In these days of increasing commoditisation, the OS a handheld runs is becoming slightly less important, IMHO.

Steve Litchfield
Palmtop User, http://www.palmtop.co.uk/

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 5:00:07 AM #
...BUT: There are still *63* editorial pages of *direct* Palm OS relevance...
"relevance" is relative.
Away from that - it doesnt hold water even if you would count the numerous cheap ads selling mostly useless products.
The German Palmtop-Pro Magazine instead has 96 pages of Palm deep-rootet informative Palm only orientated reports and is without any advertisement. Away from that - even for a higher price it gives a far better value. Get a magazine, compare and follow.
my two cents.

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 5:20:04 AM #
The problem with PalmTop Users actions is not that they have chosen to mongrelize their content. That is their right. It's their company.

What bothers me is that I am a new subscriber. I subscribed to the magazine because of their promises of so much wonderful Palm coverage. They spoke about 100+ pages of coverage on their webpage. I sent them a great deal of money (granted a lot of it was for shipping to the US). The first issue I received was NOT a Palm OS magazine. It was a mishmash of computing coverage and most of it was simply general common information. If I had wanted this type of content, there are several magazines in the States and UK that I could receive. I chose to spend my money with these people because they had what I wanted - a Palm OS magazine.

Their behavior of not saying a single thing about changing their focus until after teking my money is what bothers me. They could have at least contacted me and given me a choice. Other magazines I have subscribed to have given me choices when they change their focus. Offers of another magazine they publish, extra issues as a form of apology, or cancellation with refund. Unfortunately, PalmTop User was not mature enough to act so responsibly.

If the problem was that they were losing subscribers from their Psion / Symbian magazine, they should have just dumped that magazine. Then they should have just remained true to their lights at PalmUser. (My opinion, I'm not a rich entrepeneur so you know what it's worth)

As other writers have said, they are in this for commercial reasons and profit. Obviously the satisfaction of customers does not figure into this strategy.

I hope they are happy in their pursuit of riches. I will not contribute to this and I will be requesting a refund later this week. So long PalmUser, It was nice while it lasted. Good luck PalmTop, I think you're going to need it.

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
Steve T @ 8/16/2002 5:31:11 AM #
Hi, I'm one of the Technical Editors of Palmtop User (Palm OS side). Steve Litchfield -- who posted earlier -- is the Sub-Editor.

I just want to say I understand Kevin's issues -- it was one of the major concerns we all had when we discussed changing the format of the magazine.

Some key aspects of my job are to make sure (a) the Palm OS aspects of the magazine continue to be accurate, compelling, good value, and still the most comprehensive coverage available in a magazine, and (b) to make sure that the Pocket PC / Symbian side doesn't make incorrect assumptions about how they might be 'better' than Palm OS.

The Pocket PC intro wasn't meant to be a critique, but it also wasn't meant to be a sales pitch (although the writer is VERY fond of his Pocket PC - go figure). The new magazine has a very large pre-existing readership based in legacy Psion devices and these readers want to understand the basics of the alternative OSes they may consider adopting.

It's been a bit of a tightrope, but I think we've succeeded in sustaining a good level of informative Palm OS content, but the feedback from Palm OS readers is essential to help ensure we're continuing to meet their needs.

Cheers

Steve T

Palmtop User Magazine
www.palmtop.co.uk

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 5:35:44 AM #
Give me some credit - of course I ignored the ad pages. I was talking about *editorial text*.

As a Palm OS fan and PDA enthusiast, I think we've got the balance about right. And we've had *hundreds* of emails and letters praising the decision, to balance out the few dozen against, etc.

Steve Litchfield

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 7:42:19 AM #
I have read every issue of Palm User and loved the magazine. I just resubscribed after issue 11 and suddenly Palm User doesn't exist anymore. Having said that, this was the first issue of Palmtop User and I doubt they're going to have such a sales pitch on Pocket PC every time, I guess this was just an introduction to those (like me) who have tried to keep away from them all this time.

As for Palmtop, I got a recent issue and was horrified to find it was around half the size of older issues of the mag, so it was obviously going down the dumper. I'm no expert but people who live and breathe Psion are going to stick to them as long as they can, but for those new to the PDA game this mag will no doubt help them to decide on what form factor they want to go for. It's a shame that there is no longer a Palm-dedicated mag out there but if the move to Palmtop User guarantees a future for a magazine that will still feature impartial and informative reviews and news on Palm OS products (something Palm are incapable of) then we're all winners.

And let's not forget the main thing here, it was just issue 1 so they deserve a chance to get some kind of balance going.

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 8:18:14 AM #
And, to respond to the comment a few above this, it also goes without saying that anyone who's received the magazine and feels hard done by should contact info@palmtop.co.uk at once. We'd hate to have anybody out there who was regretting their subscription.

Steve Litchfield

RE: Magazines losing Palm-only coverage
Steve T @ 8/19/2002 8:04:57 AM #
> Their behavior of not saying a single
> thing about changing their focus until
> after teking my money is what bothers
> me. They could have at least contacted
> me and given me a choice.

I can see your point, and if we were to do the same thing again I'm not sure we'd do it in exactly the same way. We did (and do) sincerely believe that the new magazine continues to be just as worthwhile to former PalmUser readers -- this was an important point raised at every editorial meeting of the new magazine -- hence the way we proceeded. I hope you'll consider the new magazine on its merits, but if we handled the transition less than perfectly, then I do encourage you to write to the Publishing Editor letting him know.


Steve T

Palmtop User Magazine
www.palmtop.co.uk

Why change names?

rldunn @ 8/15/2002 10:37:13 AM #
I thought the whole point of the software division being called PalmSource was so the hardware division could retain the Palm name. One of the biggest things that Palm handhelds have going for them is their name. For many people, when they go shopping for a PDA, they go to their favorite electronics store and ask to see the Palms. So if they don't exist anymore under that name, they're going to look at all PalmOS units available, and probably would be more likely to buy a non-Palm device. If the new name doesn't have Palm in it, it will be a big mistake.

RE: Why change names?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 10:57:57 AM #
Ever thought that the company name could change but the product they sell might still be called a Palm something?
RE: Why change names?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 11:47:10 AM #
The success of "Palm" has had little to do with the specifics of various devices as much as it has been due to the very efficient way you can "do what you want to do" quickly and easily on the Palm OS device no matter who made it.

With the record Palm, Inc. has for covering up problems (remember the static situation?), it would be better for the OS to not be affiliated with them. When you ask for a "Palm" or "Palmpilot" you are going to be pointed at the whole shelf of licensee products--so the name should reflect that and the Solutions Group should not be able to benefit from the goodwill really due to the very well designed OS and UI.

IMHO.

RE: Why change names?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 2:39:17 PM #
they're just trying to 'stay in the news'... why bother doing all this name changing and reorganizing? Palm, develop some new (innovative) products. stop releasing the same old crap under different names.

i give palm a lifespan of two more years... either (hopefully) sony will devour them and spit them out like the spoiled milk that they are, or they'll be overrun by the pocketpc machines that seem to be converting everybody nowadays.

RE: Why change names?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 2:45:24 PM #
"With the record Palm, Inc. has for covering up problems (remember the static situation?), it would be better for the OS to not be affiliated with them."

If that's the case, why is the *OS Company* the one that's (rumored to be) keeping the Palm name?

So They Can Have the Name "SONY"
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 2:50:38 PM #
Their not retaining the name because their going to sell the hardware division to Sony.
RE: Why change names?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 10:33:28 PM #
> With the record Palm, Inc. has for covering up problems (remember the static situation?), it
> would be better for the OS to not be affiliated with them. When you ask for a "Palm" or
> "Palmpilot" you are going to be pointed at the whole shelf of licensee products--so the name
> should reflect that and the Solutions Group should not be able to benefit from the goodwill
> really due to the very well designed OS and UI.

This comment really doesn't make sense to me. You can't really separate the OS from the device...especially since they have been (until OS5) been developed together. The "goodwill"shouldn't go to the OS or to the hardware...it goes to the integration of both.

I think spinning off the OS into a separate company is a stupid move for Palm as a company. Sure it might help get more licensees but considering they aren't making any money right now without Palm hardware group, does it make sense. Also, the motivation for the reverse stock split is to help with the spinoff...well we know what that news did to the stock. Also, does this economic environment look really promising for an IPO? Giving up the Palm Brand would be an even bigger mistake, but I figure Eric Benahmou and the other fat cats will be richer..so they could care less.

RE: Why change names?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 6:00:56 AM #
One reason to separate the PalmOS (Palmsource) from the hardware company is the fact that PalmOS may be applied to many different appliances other than PDAs once the PalmOS groups goes independent from PDA hardware group. Take a look at PalmOS 5 design and you will realize that the OS can go into many more devices than just PDAs, so in a way, it is a good idea to separate OS from hardware.

Another reason to do so, in my opinion, is that Palm is secretly planning an exit on the hardware scene. Look at what happened in the last two years: Palm simply cannot keep up with the competitor (SONY) on the hardware side. So a timely exit on the hardware scene is perhaps the best for Palm (and PalmOS). Even if Palm hardware flops, we're still gonna have more PalmOS products from various manufacturers, maybe even setup boxes, and cell phones, or Digicams?

Everyone is getting out of hardware. In the hardware scene, only the biggest survives. Look at SEGA.

TotalEclipse
http://www.imed.idv.tw

What about palm logo on oslo?

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 12:46:56 PM #
If they're changing their name then why would they so clearly label the oslo with a blue palm logo right on the top? I think the actual name of the company may change but they will still sell "palm" branded products.

Remember when IBM was selling palms with IBM logo. Companies do this all the time. Some car manufacturers will sell the same car under two or three different "brand" names. Example: Ford Escape=Mazda Tribute and so on.

PalmUser blew it

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 5:46:07 PM #
More variety does not mean better. More variety does not NESSESARILLY mean more sales. Yup I got my "Palmtop user" mag, instead of Palmuser. In it was an offer to renew my subscription. "Aint gonna do it." With Palm covertage being watered down, from a "Palm user" perspective it is BY FAR the worst issue ever.

"Pen computing" and "Laptop" mag are just as good from a Palm perspective. The current "Pen computing" is far better than this mag. If I had a PPC I would rather subscribe to "Pocket PC Magazine." They arent going to get the FLOOD of new subscriptions that they expect. And they will lose thousands like me.

And what a lost opportunity with Handheld computing abandoning "Palm only" coverage, Palm User could have promoted itself as "The only magazine 100 percent devoted to Palm OS. As it is it is just one of many Portable computing type magazines. IDIOTS

PalmUser blew it - but there is a alternative
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/15/2002 8:29:03 PM #
I subscribe the German language Palmtop-Pro magazine and are very happy with it. These chaps are truly competent indeed - 95% Palm content.
There damned expensive but worth every cent.

www.palmtop-pro.com

RE: PalmUser blew it
Steve T @ 8/16/2002 6:17:13 AM #
Well, if you look at it as a successor to PalmUser, then it's the first issue not 100% Palm OS, but we're still working to make the new magazine compelling for Palm OS users.

One of the things the editor has done is rip out all the static 'reference' pages at the end (this info will be available on the web, by the way) to provide for more pages dynamic editorial content (i.e. articles). So although the magazine is multi-platform, we're not forgetting our roots and we're devoting as much space as possible to Palm OS articles.

What would you like to see in the magazine? (besides ripping out all the Symbian / PPC pages... :) )

I haven't been called an "idiot" in a long time -- which reminds me, I wonder where my ex-wife is nowadays?



Steve T

Palmtop User Magazine
www.palmtop.co.uk

RE: PalmUser blew it
mrscarey @ 8/16/2002 7:45:26 AM #
I was a subscriber to PalmUser magazine but my subscription just lapsed.

I am not a narrow minded person who thinks that Palm products and OS are the be-all and end-all. Adding the PPC contigent potentially adds variety.

BUT

What neither magazine has/had is something that really grabs you. OK, we don't need to see half dressed women, like PC Format used to do but the magazine is boring.

What I would like to see in the magazine is something dynamic. I know that the readers/subscribers are going to be a little geeky but lets have some real world stuff. For example, there are some cracking business reasons for having a handheld computer and there are some fun reasons. Lets expand on that perhaps.

I would like to see myself in your magazine. If you would like me to submit something I will do that out of this loop but please get a little more excited about a very interesting and exciting subject.

MrScarey@palm-x.co.uk

mrscarey

palmist and visionary

RE: PalmUser blew it
Steve T @ 8/16/2002 8:25:37 AM #
> What I would like to see in the magazine
> is something dynamic. I know that the
> readers/subscribers are going to be a little
> geeky...

Hey, I resemble that remark! :-)

> ... but lets have some real world stuff.
> For example, there are some cracking
> business reasons for having a handheld
> computer and there are some fun reasons.
> Lets expand on that perhaps.

Some excellent suggestions! You'll recall that PalmUser had a regular feature "Working for a Living" where we invited people from various industries (salesmen, teachers, pilots, writers) who wrote about how they used their handhelds to assist in their work.

And of course, every issue has had the "Games Zone" to review the latest time wasters :-)

Steve Clack is always interested to hear from potential contributors... if you have an idea for an article he's at editor@palmtop.co.uk

Cheers

Steve T

Palmtop User Magazine
www.palmtop.co.uk

RE: PalmUser blew it
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 9:06:15 AM #
Palmuser mag has only one single, but the biggest disadvantage a computer related publication can have: It is simply from ground up boring
RE: PalmUser blew it
Steve T @ 8/16/2002 10:25:44 AM #
> Palmuser mag ... is simply from ground up boring

Huh! I'm a bit surprised, not a criticism I hear a lot. We actually get a lot of praise from readers about how interesting the magazine is. Personally there's always something I take away from proofing the articles which makes me think "I didn't know that, that was worth reading!"

Well, hopefully you'll find the new Palmtop User more to your liking. :-)

Cheers

Steve T

Palmtop User Magazine
www.palmtop.co.uk

RE: PalmUser blew it
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 10:51:30 AM #

Certainly not at PIC – as you can see. The hundreds of frenetic readers seem to be rare here.
Probably you better get moving over to the PPC sites – there you have certainly more luck. PPC readers are not so choosy anyhow.

RE: PalmUser blew it
Steve T @ 8/16/2002 10:53:44 AM #
> Probably you better get moving over to the PPC sites

Thanks but no thanks, I'm not a PPC fan, never owned one, and I doubt I ever will. I've no interest in them.

I've owned a PalmPilot Pro, III, IIIx, IIIc, Prism, Handera, m505, m515, and NR70V. My next purchase will probably be an OS 5.0 device. Over the bast four years I've purchased and registered 70 or so Palm applications.

I've contributed to comp.sys.palmtops.pilot and alt.comp.sys.palmtops.pilot since 1999 and I'm a moderator at Brighthand's Palm-sponsored forums.

Cheers



Steve T

Palmtop User Magazine
www.palmtop.co.uk

RE: PalmUser blew it
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 11:45:42 AM #
Did I see this right? Almost $7 an issue. You've got to be kidding me!

Lucan

RE: PalmUser blew it
Steve T @ 8/16/2002 11:58:54 AM #
No, I wish I was. Kidding you, that is.

The magazine is UK based, and mailing to the US isn't cheap. We've tried to find ways to bring the cost down for US subscribers but it's very difficult. The cost for an annual subscription is £27 which converts to about $41 US. It used to be worse (about $54) but we were able to do some savings last year.

Anybody who has doubts about spending that much for a subscription to a magazine they haven't seen (and that's very understandable) I suggest you try a sample issue -- you can get one by filling in the on-line subscription form and putting "one sample issue only" in the comments box. You'll be charged £4 (about 6 dollars).

We get an excellent re-subscription rate (and even better for people who's last issue has been the new PalmTop User and are resubscribing deliberately for the new magazine) so it looks like people who've been receiving the magazine seem to feel it's worth it.

If you check with your local PUG you may find one or more of the other members has a subscription, so you could cadge a look from them to see what it's all about.

Finally, you could do a search on Google under newsgroups for 'PalmUser Magazine' -- we've had nothing but praise from people who've read the magazine and posted their opinions, and this is reflected in every single post from PalmUser readers in the newsgroups.

(...or so I assume - I never got around to translating the postings in the Chinese newsgroup :-) ...)

Cheers

Steve T

Palmtop User Magazine
www.palmtop.co.uk

RE: PalmUser blew it
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 2:21:43 PM #
A couple of posts ago, Steve T asked what we wanted to see. Here are my ideas for what they are worth.

First, I don't have a terrible problem with the price. As a US reader, postage on a foriegn magazine is high and nobody can do anything about it. Several UK magazines I receive are MUCH more expensive (PC Plus 100 pounds for 1 year - I really like PalmUsers price in comparison - US readers need to grow up about this).

I don't mind Symbian coverage. I don't know about in the UK, but if it's like here, the only coverage Symbian gets is one page per issue in Pen Computing. That's it. I have a Psion 3 and 5 and liked them. If Nokia and others have their way, Symbian will continue to be around. This coverage is needed if only to provide a view of the alternatives to Pocket PC.

To have true diversity, I suppose you must have some coverage of Pocket PC. I really think this should be minimized - not because I don't like Pocket PC (I don't), but I think Microsoft spends quite enough money getting Pocket PC shoved in our faces in print and TV. My wife uses one of these beast and I'm not real sure that all the coverage of the Pocket PC is factual and I don't think their fire needs any more fanning. If you are going to have Pocket PC coverage, make VERY sure of all your facts and do NOT just reprint a Microsoft press release. This will do nobody any good.

I've always enjoyed your reviews - especially the multi page, more indepth ones. I would like to see the games section expanded a little to have an actual opinion expressed about them and not just a description.

I think one thing I've always liked about UK magazines is the different perspective on many issues. This isn't going to sound right, but they seem to be a little less commercialized and more honest. I mean take a look at the authors pages of many UK magazines. It's obvious that many of these people are not "professional journalists" but actual users of the technology and maybe even enthusiasts (some might say uber geek). I like being able to get editorial content that isn't as obviously sponsered (bought off). This is a long way of saying that I find your aparrent freshness very appealing. I'm a little tired of Jim Seymour, Bill Machrone, John Dvorak and company.

I'd also like to see more negativity in the content. I like being told what is good about a product, but what I find more valuable is what needs work in a product. You do a respectable job at this, but more would be better.

Well, I've rambled much too much already so I'll stop. Have a nice day all.

RE: PalmUser blew it
Steve T @ 8/19/2002 6:17:07 AM #
Hi, hope you had a nice weekend, and thanks for your well-thought-out reply.

I've forwarded your entire post to Steve Clack (the Publishing Editor). It makes interesting reading!

Cheers

Steve T

Palmtop User Magazine
www.palmtop.co.uk

RE: PalmUser blew it
swinginjonny @ 8/20/2002 1:19:12 PM #
I must say, I'm intrigued. There is more info online about PalmOS than I can ever read but I might just give a magazine a try. If nothing else, I like having PPC coverage just to have ammo to convince my friends why, despite their slick promos and fast processors, Palm OS is STILL better overall than Pocket Windows.

(And kudos to the PalmTop staff for constructive contribution in a thread that could have become a flame war and (for once) didn't.)

(Self-confessed Palm Geek)

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