Potential Pre Manufacturing Problems?

Posted By: Kris Keilhack Tuesday, May 5, 2009 4:21:28 PM

Palm Pre ManufacturerLinuxDevices has posted a new article dated May 4th entitled "Palm Prepping a Mini-Pre?". Most interestingly, the piece discusses some potential Pre technical issues that Palm may currently be facing that could lead to reduced quantities available at launch.

Quoting an eWeek story by Michelle Maisto suggesting that Palm's ODM partner for the Pre, Chi Mei, could be dealing with "multiple hardware and software issues…" causing Palm to "…dramatically reduce its production orders for Pre…". Chi Mei is a majority-owned subsidiary of electronics giant Foxconn.

LinuxDevices' article goes onto reference certain analyst' doubts that Palm will be able to ship the anticipated 1 million Pre handsets planned for 2009. The article reiterates the previously-reported rumors concerning the forthcoming Palm Eos/Pixie and its $100 price point.

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Oh really?

CFreymarc @ 5/6/2009 12:22:02 AM # Q
Reasons for this...

1. Palm got cheap on the run and is now paying for it with a high rejection rate at final test.

2. There are plenty of Pre's sitting in overseas storage and intentionally being held back to create a fake shortage to make a marketing buzz.

3. Critical part shortage. Perhaps the TI OMAP or the screen.

Anyone case to take a guess?

RE: Oh really?
SeldomVisitor @ 5/6/2009 2:39:55 AM # Q
If this article is true, and it's getting pretty hard to believe ANY of the rumors about the Pre (The Boy Who Cried Wolf Syndrome), perhaps there was something wrong with the composition of the plastic shell making it more brittle than would be workable - I imagine they have to get that one just right (even if behind the scenes the sliding mechanism is metal, that metal sliding mechanism still has to attach to the two surfaces which I believe I've read are plastic).

RE: Oh really?
hkklife @ 5/6/2009 6:26:34 AM # Q
I have absolutely no way of knowing other than trusting my gut....so I'll go with #1. When in doubt, always assume the worst when Palm is involved. That said, I doubt the supply situation is as dire as some are speculating, leading me to believe that there's a good bit of #2 thrown for in for good measure ala Nintendo during the holiday seasons 1988-1990.
Pilot 1000->Pilot 5000->PalmPilot Pro->IIIe->Vx->m505->T|T->T|T2->T|C->T|T3->T|T5->Zodiac 2->TX->Verizon Treo 700P->Verizon Treo 755p->?
RE: Oh really?
twrock @ 5/6/2009 6:48:49 PM # Q
CFreymarc wrote:
Reasons for this...

Maybe...

4. Generating a little FUD is another way to attract people to your website/article.


Hey Palm! Where's my PDA with Wifi and phone capabilities?

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